Hanging Staghorn Fern

Creating a hanging staghorn fern display brings a touch of the tropics into your home. Its graceful and airy look can turn any corner into a living sculpture.

These unique plants, known as Platycerium, aren’t like your typical potted ferns. They are epiphytes, meaning they naturally grow on trees in the wild. This makes them perfect for mounting on boards or hanging in baskets. Their antler-like fronds arch outwards, creating a stunning visual effect that feels both wild and elegant.

With a little know-how, you can keep your staghorn fern thriving for years. This guide gives you all the practical steps.

To start, you need to choose the right plant and mounting method. A healthy staghorn has firm, green fronds without too many brown spots. Younger plants are often easier to mount and establish.

Choosing Your Mount

You have a few excellent options for displaying your fern:

Wooden Board: A rot-resistant cedar or cypress plank is classic. It provides a sturdy, natural base for the roots to cling to.
Wire Basket: A basket lined with sphagnum moss offers great air flow and a softer look.
Potting in a Container: While not traditional, a very wide, shallow pot with excellent drainage can work. Use a very chunky orchid mix.

Step-by-Step Mounting Guide

Mounting might seem tricky, but it’s a simple process. Here’s how to do it.

Soak a large bunch of sphagnum moss in water for about 15 minutes.
Place your fern face-down on a table. Gently position its roots and the flat, round shield frond against the damp moss.
Wrap the moss and root ball tightly onto your board or into your basket using fishing line or plastic-coated wire. Make it snug but not strangling.
Hang your newly mounted fern in a spot with bright, indirect light. A east-facing window is ideal.
Let it settle for a week before its first thorough watering.

Perfect Placement and Light

Getting the light right is the most important factor. Staghorn ferns need plenty of bright, filtered light. Direct afternoon sun will scorch their fronds, leaving ugly brown marks.

Think of the dappled light under a tree canopy. A spot near a window with a sheer curtain is perfect. If your light is too low, the fern will grow very slowly and may weaken over time.

Watering Your Hanging Fern

Watering is where most people go wrong. These plants dislike constantly soggy feet. The key is to soak the entire root ball and let it dry out somewhat.

Method: Take the plant down and submerge the moss and board in a sink or bucket of water for 10-15 minutes. Let it drain completely before re-hanging.
Frequency: In warm weather, this might be once a week. In cooler, darker months, it could be every two or three weeks. The moss should feel barely damp before you water again.
Signs: Droopy or wilted fronds often mean thirst. Blackening at the base of fronds usually means rot from overwatering.

Feeding for Lush Growth

Staghorns are not heavy feeders, but they do appreciate nutrients. During the active growing season (spring and summer), you can feed them monthly.

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. You can apply this during your normal soaking routine. Some gardeners swear by occasional treats like banana peel water or very diluted fish emulsion. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can harm the roots.

Managing Pups and Propagation

A happy staghorn fern will produce “pups.” These are small baby plants that emerge from the side of the main shield frond. You can leave them to create a fuller, multi-crowned display.

If you want to propagate, wait until the pup is about 4-5 inches across. Then, carefully cut it away with a sharp knife, making sure to include some of its own roots and shield frond. Mount it on its own board using the same method. It’s a rewarding way to share plants with friends.

Common Problems and Simple Solutions

Even with good care, issues can pop up. Here’s a quick trouble-shooter:

Brown, crispy leaf tips: Usually low humidity or underwatering. Try misting the basal frond occasionally or watering more consistently.
Yellowing fronds: Often a sign of too much direct sun or overwatering. Check your placement and watering schedule.
Mealybugs or scale: These pests can sometimes appear. Wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Check your plant reguarly for early signs.
Fronds not “antler” shaped: Immature plants often produce simpler, round juvenile fronds. The distinctive forked fronds come with maturity and good light.

Seasonal Care Tips

Your ferns needs change with the seasons. In winter, reduce watering and stop fertilizing as growth slows. Ensure it’s not near a cold draft or a hot radiator.

Spring is the time for a check-up. See if the mount is still sound and if the plant needs remounting into a larger board. This is also the best time to devide pups if you want to. Summer care is mostly about consistent watering and shielding from harsh sun.

FAQ About Staghorn Ferns

Can I hang my staghorn fern outside?
Yes, but only in a sheltered, shaded location (like under a covered porch) in warm, humid climates. They cannot tolerate frost or hot, drying winds.

Why are the lower fronds on my staghorn turning brown?
The basal (shield) fronds naturally turn brown and papery as they age. This is normal. They protect the roots. Do not remove them unless they are completely loose.

How do I know if my hanging staghorn needs remounting?
If the mount is rotting, the plant is massively overgrowing it, or the root ball is pushing itself off the board, it’s time. This is typically needed every few years.

Is a staghorn fern safe for pets?
Yes, staghorn ferns are non-toxic to both cats and dogs, making them a great choice for pet-friendly homes.

Creating a beautiful hanging staghorn fern display is about understanding its natural habits. By mimicking the airy, bright, and moist environment of its native habitat, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular, growing piece of art. Its graceful form and unique presence make the little bit of extra care truly worth it.