How to Mount Large Staghorn Ferns

Staghorn ferns belong to the epiphyte group of plants, so they don't require soil to grow. Instead, they grow naturally in the crotches of trees where they can access moisture from the air and nutrients from leaf litter that they collect in their basal fronds. The fern has two types of fronds: the basal fronds that it uses to attach itself to its host and the staghorn-like main fronds that give the fern its beauty. You can also mount the ferns on a board and hang it outdoors or inside.

Board
Peat or compost
Wire or nylon string
Fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Place 2 to 3 cups of peat or compost on top the wood board. Form the peat into a low mound just below the center of the board. Use a board larger than the spread of the basal fronds.
- 2
  Set the fern on top of the mound of peat so that the basal fronds cover and surround the peat. Add more peat, if necessary, so that the basal fronds are in full contact with the peat.
- 3
  Wrap noncopper wire or nylon fishing line around the board and basal ferns several times so that the fern is fully anchored to the board. Wrap the wire both horizontally and vertically so that the fern doesn't slip.
- 4
  Hang the mounted fern in a warm area that receives partial shade or filtered sunlight. Bring outdoor ferns inside if freezing temperatures are expected.
- 5
  Water the staghorn fern when the foliage begins to wilt slightly, signaling that the peat has dried out completely. Thoroughly saturate the peat at each watering.
- 6
  Fertilize the fern once a month in spring and summer and every two months in fall and winter. Apply a 10-10-10 soluble fertilizer blend at the package recommended rate for foliage plants.

How to Grow New Bamboo From a Stalk

How to Grow Miniature Gardenias

Growing Plants