STAGHORN STAGING
Flora Grubb greenhouse photo |
For years I have wanted a staghorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum). I think they are the coolest looking plants, with their big, strappy leaves that really do take on a very antlerlike look. But staghorn ferns are expensive and, I though, fussy. They want a moist atmosphere, which is not what my house offers in winter. They want spritzes and soaks and a little fertilizer.
But last year I happened upon a half-price houseplant sale at a nursery and found a small staghorn fern in a 6-inch pot for $5. How could I pass that up?
As it turns out, that's a sign that it's time to get that baby out of its pot. It's common to mount a staghorn fern on a board with a mound of spagnum moss under it (they are epiphytes so they don't require soil) and then hang it on the wall. There are lots of tutorials out there about how to do this and I'll save my opinions on them until I actually try it.
The care continues in the way: frequent misting (or at least some water on the fronds) and a good soak when it is completely dry. And this is where I have questions. Everything I've read suggests soaking the entire thing, including the board (which it is permanently mounted to until it outgrows that home). So I understand that you are to let it dry before you rehang it, but won't the board still be wet when you do that (or at least damp)? How do you avoid damaging your walls?
Labels: houseplants, staghorn fern
4 Comments:
I've never grown a staghorn fern, although I nearly bought one a few weeks ago at a local nursery that had huge specimens for only $7. I did just tonight buy a blue star fern, but I think they need soil. Interesting -- I'm looking forward to seeing how you handle this. Thanks for the houseplant info! -Beth
I've always loved these too, but like you never bought one. Looks like your stag horn is very happy! I'm interested to hear what your knowledgable readers say.
I have had a staghorn fern for 15 years or so. It is huge now. I have never had luck with one on a board. I just left it in a planter as you have yours now. I put orchid medium in the pot. Just this year I had to split my staghorn. It is two huge pieces now. I have attached them to a limb of a tree that I put into a large pot. They look like a sculpture now.
Erin, this is featured in our book, and I tell how to do it on my blog:
Staghorn Fern String Planter - DIY
The bathroom is a great place for a staghorn because of the humidity that occasionally occurs in that room.
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