How to Build a Staghorn Fern Mount

Staghorn ferns grow on the bark of trees in their native habitats in Africa, Asia and South America. They are known as epiphytes--air plants--because they grow without soil. You can simulate this environment by growing your staghorn fern on a wooden board. Design the board so you can tie the fern to it. Put moss between the board and the plant to stimulate tendril growth. The tendrils will eventually grow through the moss and attach the plant to the board.

Things You'll Need

• Cedar or redwood plank
• Horseshoe nails
• Hammer
• Saw
• Drill
• Sphagnum or green moss
• Fishing line
• Plastic mesh (optional)
• Tacks or small nails

Instructions

1. Saw the plank. Use cedar or redwood for resistance to moisture. Use a plank 1/2 inch or thicker. Choose a width for a single starter plant of at least 12 inches.

2. Double the board. For a larger staghorn mount and in anticipation of your fern growing larger, double the size by joining two pieces side-by-side. Attach the boards with large horseshoe nails about every 3 inches. If the nails go through the other side, bend them over flat with the hammer for a stronger hold. Turn the board over and drive horseshoe nails in the other way between each of the nails on the other side.
   Make the board any size you want. The shape should be a square--the same height as width. Make the joint between the boards vertical and it will last longer.

3. Tack in the border. Use wood strips about 3/4 inch wide and make a square border to hold the plant. The border can be at the outside edge of the boards or inset to fit the size of your fern. You only need a border on the bottom and the sides.

4. Drill holes for hanging the plank. Drill a hole about 1 inch from the center joint into both planks, about 1 inch from the top.

5. Add the moss. Place the moss inside the border and about 1 to 2 inches deep (when it is slightly compressed).
   For extra durability, wrap plastic mesh or netting around the board and moss. Tack or staple the mesh inside the border.

6. Hang the plant by lacing a wire loop through the two holes. If the staghorn fern came in a pot, let the excess soil fall off before you put the plant on the board. If the plant already has a moss ball attached, make a hollow space in the moss. If you are using plastic mesh, you can cut a hole to fit the staghorn or place the staghorn on top of the mesh.

7. Tie down the staghorn. Use fishing line to wrap the guard leaves several times to secure it to the board. Tack several nails on the side borders to anchor the fishing line. Leave the upper fronds free. The guard fronds will grow over the fishing line and hide it. Water the fern thoroughly by soaking in a bucket or container or placing it in a lightly-sprinkling shower (cold water) for about 10 minutes. Let it drain and hang it in indirect sunlight.

Tips & Warnings

• Pick a species that is appropriate for your growing region if it is going to be outside.

• Don't over-water your staghorn. Staghorns are salt-intolerant, so don't use softened water. When your staghorn fern outgrows this board, you can nail it directly to a larger board.

• Don't use copper nails or wire to secure your staghorn, as dissolved copper can poison or discolor staghorns.

References

• Staghorn Varieties
• Copper Nails