Mounting a staghorn fern on wood is a rewarding project that adds a touch of nature and art to any space. These unique plants, known for their distinctive antler-like fronds, thrive when mounted because they mimic their natural growing conditions on tree trunks in tropical climates.

This guide on how to mount a staghorn fern on wood will walk you through the steps to successfully mount your staghorn fern, ensuring it not only survives but also flourishes in your home. Whether you’re an experienced plant enthusiast or a beginner looking to add some green to your living area, this process is both enjoyable and straightforward.
Why Mount a Staghorn Fern on Wood?
Before we dive into the steps of mounting a staghorn fern on wood, let’s first understand why you should choose this method over other options.
Aesthetics:
By mounting your staghorn fern on wood, you create a beautiful living art piece that showcases the unique shape and texture of the plant. The combination of the vibrant green fronds and the rustic wood creates a striking contrast that adds a touch of nature to any room.
Better Air Circulation:
Staghorn ferns are epiphytic plants, which means they grow without soil and absorb nutrients from the air. When mounted on wood, the plant has better air circulation and is less susceptible to rot or pests than when grown in a pot.
Natural Growth Pattern:
Mounting your staghorn fern on wood replicates its natural growing conditions, allowing it to thrive and reach its full potential. This method also encourages the plant’s growth in all directions, creating a fuller and more visually appealing display.
What You Will Need
A Staghorn Fern:
The first and most crucial ingredient in mounting a staghorn fern is, of course, the plant itself. You can purchase a staghorn fern from a local nursery or online.
A Piece of Wood:
You can use any type of wood for this project, but opt for untreated or naturally weathered wood that won’t harm the plant. Popular choices include cedar, redwood, or driftwood. Make sure the wood is large enough to accommodate the full size of your staghorn fern.
Sphagnum Moss:
Sphagnum moss helps hold moisture and provides a suitable growing medium for your staghorn fern. You can buy it at most garden centers or online.
Wire Mesh/Netting:
Wire mesh or netting will help secure the plant to the wood, preventing it from falling off. Look for small gaps in the mesh to insert the staghorn fern’s roots.

Nails/Hooks:
You will need nails or hooks to securely attach the wire mesh/netting to the wood.
Optional:
Additional materials you might want to consider include sphagnum moss or coco coir, which can be used as a liner between the plant and the wood to retain moisture, and twine for additional support.
8 Step by Step Guidelines on How to Mount a Staghorn Fern on Wood
Step 1: Prepare the Wood
Begin by selecting a suitable piece of wood for mounting your staghorn fern. Ensure that the wood is clean and free from any dirt or debris. If necessary, use a brush to gently remove any loose particles from the surface. It’s important to choose wood that is untreated to avoid any chemicals that might harm the plant. If you’re using a piece of weathered wood, you may want to sand down any sharp or rough edges to prevent injury while handling.
Once the wood is prepped, decide which side will be the front, where your staghorn fern will be displayed, and which will be the back, where you will attach hooks or a hanging mechanism for display.
Step 2: Create the Planting Surface
To create an ideal planting surface for your staghorn fern, start by taking a generous handful of sphagnum moss and soaking it in water until it becomes moist but not overly saturated. Squeeze out any excess water and then place the moss on the area of the wood where you plan to mount the fern. Flatten the moss slightly to form a cushion-like layer that will cradle the base of the plant. Arrange the sphagnum moss into a loose, rounded mound that matches the size of your staghorn fern’s root ball.
This moss will serve as a nutrient-rich bed and help retain moisture, mimicking the fern’s natural habitat. Make sure the moss layer is evenly distributed, creating a soft and supportive foundation for your plant.

Step 3: Secure the Wire Mesh/Netting
Cut a piece of wire mesh or netting that is slightly larger than the root ball of your staghorn fern. The mesh will help hold the plant in place while its roots attach to the wood. Place the mesh on top of the sphagnum moss, ensuring there are small gaps for the plant’s roots to fit through easily. You can use scissors or pliers to bend and shape the edges of the mesh, securing it onto the wood.
But, be mindful not to squash the sphagnum moss beneath it.
Step 4: Prepare the Staghorn Fern
Remove your staghorn fern from its pot and gently shake off any excess soil. Carefully remove any dead fronds or debris from the plant’s base, taking care not to damage the healthy roots.
Next, place the plant on top of the wire mesh/netting with its root ball centered on the mound of sphagnum moss. Spread out the fern’s shield fronds over the edges of the wood for support and balance. Ensure that none of the roots are poking through or exposed past the mesh.
Step 5: Securely Attach The Plant to The Wood
Take your twine and wrap it around the staghorn fern’s root ball, securing it to the wire mesh/netting. Make sure that the plant is firmly attached but not too tight to prevent damaging the roots or restricting growth.
You can also use small nails or staples instead of twine, carefully attaching them to the wood without puncturing through the fern’s roots.
Step 6: Optional – Add a Liner for Extra Support
If you’d like to provide additional support and moisture retention for your staghorn fern, consider adding a liner between the plant and the wood. You can use materials like coco coir or an additional layer of sphagnum moss for this purpose. To do so, cut the liner material to the size of the mounting area on the wood.
Before placing the staghorn fern, lay the liner on top of the sphagnum moss and shape it to form a secondary cushion beneath the plant. This extra layer can help hold moisture closer to the plant’s roots, which is beneficial in drier environments. It’s important to check that the liner is snug and does not obstruct the plant’s fronds or roots, allowing them to grow naturally and anchor to the wood over time.

Step 7: Hang or Display Your Mounted Staghorn Fern
Once your staghorn fern is securely attached to the wood, it’s time to decide how you want to display it. You can hang the plant using hooks or a hanging mechanism on the back of the wood or prop it up on a stand for a tabletop display. Make sure to choose a spot with adequate light and humidity for optimal growth.
But, avoid placing the fern in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as it prefers indirect light and moderate temperatures.
Step 8: Care for Your Mounted Staghorn Fern
To keep your staghorn fern healthy and thriving, you’ll need to provide it with proper care and maintenance. This includes regular watering, misting, and fertilizing. Depending on your climate and environment, you may need to water your plant every few days or once a week. You can use a spray bottle to gently mist the fronds and moss between waterings to help maintain humidity levels.
Additionally, staghorn ferns benefit from occasional fertilization with a diluted liquid fertilizer specifically formulated for epiphytic plants. Follow the product instructions on how to mount a staghorn fern on wood carefully and avoid overfertilizing, which can damage the plant’s roots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I Mount a Staghorn Fern on Any Type of Wood?
A: Preferably, choose a piece of untreated wood like driftwood, cork bark, or branches from hardwood trees. Avoid using chemically treated or rotting wood as it can harm the plant.
Q2: How Do I Water a Mounted Staghorn Fern?
A: You can water the plant by running it under a faucet or submerging the wood in a bucket of water. Alternatively, you can also mist the plant and the surrounding moss to keep it hydrated.
Q3: How Often Should I Fertilize My Mounted Staghorn Fern?
A: Staghorn ferns typically need fertilization once every few months, but it’s best to follow the instructions on your chosen fertilizer product for specific guidelines. Overfertilizing can cause harm to the plant, so be cautious and dilute the fertilizer according to the recommended ratios.

Conclusion
Mounting a staghorn fern on wood is a rewarding process that enhances the aesthetic of your living space with a natural vibe. With the right materials and techniques, you can successfully create a thriving display that reflects the plant’s natural habitat.
Following the detailed steps on how to mount a staghorn fern on wood ensures that your staghorn fern receives the environment it needs for healthy growth. Regular care, including appropriate watering, misting, and occasional fertilization, will help maintain the plant’s vitality. Display your mounted fern proudly in a location with suitable light and humidity, and enjoy the unique beauty it brings to your home.