DIY Guide: How to Hang a Staghorn Fern Indoors or Outdoors

Introduction

Staghorn ferns are among the most captivating plants you can display, often resembling natural, living sculptures mounted on walls like botanical trophies. Their name comes from the antler-like shape of their fronds, making them a striking focal point whether indoors or outdoors. This guide walks you through every step necessary to mount and hang a staghorn fern — from choosing materials and preparing your plant, to care tips and troubleshooting common issues.

What is a Staghorn Fern?

Staghorn ferns (genus Platycerium) are epiphytic plants from tropical regions, meaning they naturally grow attached to trees and absorb moisture and nutrients from the air and rain. Their unique appearance and ability to thrive on mounted boards or hanging baskets make them a favorite among plant enthusiasts.

• Distinctive antler-shaped fronds (“antler fronds”) for photosynthesis
• Shield fronds that grow at the base, covering roots and storing nutrients
• Epiphytic nature allows for creative display options

Why Mount a Staghorn Fern?

Mounting a staghorn fern mimics its natural habitat, supports healthy growth, and allows you to showcase the plant as a living piece of art. Since staghorns don’t thrive in traditional pots due to their root structure and growth habit, mounting creates both a practical and visually stunning home for your fern.

Materials Needed

• Staghorn fern (healthy specimen)
• Wooden mounting board (cedar, cypress, or other rot-resistant wood)
• Sphagnum moss (for moisture and root coverage)
• Galvanized nails or screws (to secure the wire/fishing line)
• Wire or fishing line (transparent monofilament recommended for aesthetics)
• Hammer or screwdriver
• Picture-hanging hardware, D-rings, or heavy-duty hooks
• Gloves (optional, for handling moss)
• Spray bottle (for misting)

Step-by-Step: How to Hang a Staghorn Fern

1. Select the Right Board

Choose a board that is large enough to accommodate your staghorn’s root ball and will allow space for future growth. Cedar or cypress are ideal because they’re weather-resistant and rot slowly.

2. Prepare the Mounting Board

• If desired, sand the board edges for a finished look.
• Strategically place 4-6 galvanized screws in a circular pattern where you’ll secure the root ball; leave the heads sticking out slightly to anchor the fishing line or wire.
• Attach picture-hanging hardware to the back of the board, ensuring it can support the weight when watered.

3. Prepare the Moss Bedding

Saturate a generous amount of sphagnum moss in water, then squeeze out excess moisture. Mold a thick (about one inch) circular nest of moss on the board inside the circle of screws.

4. Remove the Fern from Its Pot

• Gently remove the staghorn fern from its container.
• Shake off excess soil, but keep as much of the root ball intact as possible.
• If needed, trim away dead roots or brown fronds.

5. Position the Fern and Pack with Moss

• Place the root ball directly onto the bed of moss on the board.
• Orient the shield frond (the round, flat frond at the base) flat against the moss. The antler fronds should face up and outward.
• Gently pack more moss around the root ball, forming a firm nest that covers the roots completely but does not bury the base fronds.

6. Secure the Fern to the Board

Use clear fishing line or thin wire to firmly but gently secure the root ball and moss to the board. Loop the line in alternating crisscrossing patterns over the moss, anchoring it under and around the antler fronds and securing to the screws each time. The moss should be tightly in place, but avoid damaging the fronds.

Tip: It’s better to overdo it with the moss and wire than risk the fern slipping later. Make sure the plant feels secure before moving on.

7. Hang Your Mounted Fern

• Choose a spot with bright, indirect sunlight (outdoors in shade or indoors near an east- or north-facing window).
• Use a sturdy hook or anchored screw to hang your mount.
• Ensure adequate air circulation around the plant.

Choosing the Best Location

Placement is crucial for staghorn fern health and longevity:

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid harsh direct sun, which can scorch fronds.
• Temperature: Ideal range is 50–100°F (10–38°C). Protect from frost and extreme heat.
• Humidity: Staghorn ferns prefer moderate to high humidity. Indoor bathrooms and kitchens are excellent spots. Mist more often in dryer climates.

Watering and Care Tips

• How often to water: Once a week in the summer; every two weeks in cooler months. Increase frequency in dry environments.
• Misting: Mist the fronds, focusing on the undersides and shield frond, to mimic natural humidity.
• Deep watering: Soak the entire moss/root ball in room temperature water for 5–15 minutes for full saturation. Allow excess water to drain before rehanging.
• Avoid root rot: Their roots are sparse and prone to rot. When in doubt, water less rather than more. Always ensure good drainage and allow moss to dry slightly between waterings.

Feeding and Fertilization

• Feed monthly during the growing season (spring through early fall) with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer.
• Reduce feeding during winter dormancy.
• Occasionally, tuck a small piece of banana peel or diluted fish emulsion into the moss to provide nutrients.

Common Problems and Solutions

Creative Display Ideas

• Groupings: Mount multiple ferns on an accent wall for a dramatic, natural art installation.
• Wood slabs or driftwood: Use natural-shaped wood for an organic look.
• Hanging baskets: Mount on wire baskets or moss cones for a sculptural effect.
• Outdoor trees: Safely attach mounts to sturdy branches for a tropical garden vibe.

Maintenance and Seasonal Care

• Dust fronds gently using a soft brush to keep them clean and maximize photosynthesis.
• Prune dead or damaged fronds with sterile scissors.
• In winter, move mounts indoors if temperatures will fall below 50°F (10°C).
• Check mounting hardware and fishing line annually; replace as needed for continued support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I mount a staghorn fern directly onto a tree outdoors?

A: Yes, staghorn ferns can be attached directly to large trees in frost-free climates. Use soft wire or fishing line to avoid damaging the tree or fern, and check periodically that the plant isn’t becoming too tight as it grows.

Q: What type of moss is best for mounting?

A: Use long-fiber sphagnum moss, which retains moisture and provides aeration for the roots. Avoid peat moss, which compacts and holds excess water.

Q: Is it normal for the shield fronds to turn brown?

A: Yes, shield fronds naturally age to a brown, papery texture. They protect the root ball and should not be removed unless diseased.

Q: How do I know if my fern is getting enough humidity?

A: If the fronds remain firm, green, and unfurled, your plant is happy. Crispy edges or stunted growth may signal low humidity.

Q: Can I mount baby staghorn ferns?

A: Yes, smaller plants are easier to handle and establish quickly. Ensure the root ball and moss are securely fastened, and keep young plants out of full sun.

Summary and Final Tips

• Mounting a staghorn fern is a rewarding DIY project that brings natural artistry to any space.
• Prioritize bright, indirect light, consistent humidity, and careful watering.
• Inspect your mount regularly and enjoy watching your fern thrive and evolve over time.

If you’ve never tried mounting a plant before, staghorn ferns are a forgiving and spectacular place to start. With the right care and a bit of creativity, your staghorn can become a living centerpiece for years to come.

Author

medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb