How do staghorn ferns attach?

An easy example of how to mount a staghorn fern is to use a wire basket and the side of a tree. Secure the basket to the tree, with nails, for instance. Fill the bowl of the basket with the growing material. Position the fern inside this and secure it to the wire basket with ties.

How does a staghorn fern grow?

Staghorn Ferns are epiphytes, meaning that they do not naturally grow in soil but instead use their roots to anchor themselves to host trees, where they live. Staghorn Ferns are not parasitic, because although they fix themselves onto trees, they do not take any nutrients from the trees or harm them in any way.

How long does it take for a staghorn fern to attach to a tree?

Once the fern is tied in place, pour water over that bundle. Continue to water the plant about once a week during dry seasons, but no more than once every couple of weeks during wet ones. After about six months, it will probably have attached itself to the tree’s bark, and you can remove the fishing line.

Do staghorn ferns need to be mounted?

Staghorn Ferns are Epiphytes Though you can find young staghorn ferns sold in pots, mature plants need to be mounted to a board or hung in a hanging basket. Why? Because, like air plants, staghorn ferns are epiphytic plants, which means that in they grow on other plants or trees in their natural growing environments.

How do you plant a staghorn in a hanging basket?

Hanging in a Wire Basket Add enough sphagnum moss so that your staghorn will sit near the top of the basket. Cutting away part of the coir liner allows the staghorn to grow through freely. Place your plant in the basket and gently bring the leaves of your plant through the edges of the basket.

Can you over water Staghorn Fern?

Since the Staghorn Fern is an epiphyte that naturally grows along tree trunks in the tropics, its roots are smaller than you might expect and are easily overwatered. This can lead to root rot and harm your plant. Overwatering can also lead to fungal infections that appear as black spots on your Staghorn’s fronds.

Does a staghorn fern have to hang?

Though you can find young staghorn ferns sold in pots, mature plants need to be mounted to a board or hung in a hanging basket. Because, like air plants, staghorn ferns are epiphytic plants, which means that in they grow on other plants or trees in their natural growing environments.

Why do people hang staghorn ferns from trees?

Because they get most of their water and nutrients from the air or fallen plant matter, they are often hung on limbs or in the crotches of trees much like they grow in their native environments. Chained staghorn fern plants should only be hung from large tree limbs that can support the weight of the plant and the chain.

How do you care for a staghorn fern plant?

In cooler climates, staghorn ferns can be grown indoors or protected from the weather during colder months. Mounted in a hanging basket, the plant will grow quite large with a little basic care. Soak a supply of sphagnum moss. Squeeze out excess water, leaving the moss damp. Use the damp moss to line a wire hanging basket.

What kind of chain do you use for staghorn ferns?

In time, rope can become weathered and weak, so steel chain is preferred for large hanging plants – ¼ inch (0.5 cm.) thick galvanized steel chain is usually used for chained staghorn fern plants. There are a few different ways of hanging a staghorn ferns with chains. Chains can be attached to wire or metal hanging baskets with ‘S’ hooks.

Do staghorn ferns produce pups?

In time, a happy staghorn fern plant will produce pups that may cover the whole basket structure. As these staghorn fern clusters grow, they will become heavier and heavier.