How to Mount a Staghorn Fern on Wood — Step by Step

Step by step guide to mounting a Staghorn Fern on a board. Materials, method, and ongoing care. This guide covers everything you need to know about this topic, including common causes, step-by-step solutions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Here are the key things to understand: Materials: Wood board/plaque, sphagnum moss, fishing line or wire. Method: Create a moss bed, place fern on it, secure with line. Watering: Submerge the whole mount in water for 15-20 minutes weekly. Display: Hang on wall — dramatic living wall art. Understanding these fundamentals will help you diagnose and resolve this issue more effectively.

The most common reasons this occurs include: Staghorn Ferns are epiphytes — they naturally grow on trees. Mounting mimics their natural growth habit. More dramatic display than a pot. Can eventually grow very large on a mount. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward finding the right solution.

To resolve this, follow these recommended steps: Choose a wood plaque (cedar is best — naturally rot-resistant). Create a mound of damp sphagnum moss on the board. Place the fern on the moss with the shield fronds against the board. Secure with fishing line or thin wire — wrap around the base. Water by submerging the mount in water for 15-20 minutes weekly. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider consulting additional resources or a qualified professional.

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