Staghorn Fern

[Don Perusse]

A friend gave a small staghorn fern. It is mounted on a log and hung by a chain. It is presently in my greenhouse. Looks like it's falling off soooooo, can I just take it off, reposition, and secure. What do you tie with? And do you put any medium of any kind on the botton (ie. spagh etc.) And one thing, how about fertilizing, watering etc.?? Thanks.

DON

[Hedge]

Sorry, Don, I don't know much about ferns but I would have thought it needs high humidity and a degree of shade - i have seen them growing on a rock face with water running down it. Hope that helps

[Don Perusse]

Hi Hedge, I have to agree with the moisture. I have been sick for months now and my greenhouse is pebble covered. I laid it on the floor for the past
6 mos. w/ an automatic sprinkler system for the orchids. It has been doing fine. I just want to re-mount and was unsure of any potting media underneath. Thanks for your reply

DON

[SOS]

Usually they produce the sterile fronds (species dependent) and that will hold sufficient amount of moisture and keep it on the mount/absorb the mount. I wouldnt worry about extra media if you can water it every once in a while.

[fotofashion]

I use monofilament string to fasten my staghorns to the mount. In your case just wrap it around the limb securely but DON'T cross the growing shield with the string. There is nothing wrong with putting a bit of sphagnum behind the fern if you want. And do put it outdoors, it will be much happier. Good light but not full sun. I only water mine if it hasn't rained in a week or so. Fertilize it several times this summer. I pour the water/fertilizer from the top just like I water it. (I'm assuming you have the ubiquitous polypodium). I find these ferns super easy to grow. I don't fuss over them too much.
Beverly A.

[Baz in Oz]

G'day Don. I don't know which 'staghorn' fern you are referring to but our Oz version (Platycerium superbum) definitely does not tolerate too much water. Our 'elkhorns' Platycerium bifurcatum, the common one here, thrives in wet conditions.
With ours, it doesn't seem to matter how you anchor the plant as long as it is immobilised so the roots can anchor the plant. The new nest leaves soon cover the wire, twine, stocking or whatever you have used.
Feeding? Whatever you use on your orchids seems to be OK with stags or elks although they do like phosphorus so chopped up banana skins are great.
When mounting the fern, a little something like spagnum or coconut fibre behind the plant helps hold moisture in the early stage of growth.
Hope I haven't confused you too much.

Baz

[Don Perusse]

Thanks guys. I think I've learned what I needed to know. I was going to use ladies nylons to tie on as it is soft and stretchy. Happy growing.

Don