Mounted Staghorn Fern, 6 × 16-Inch Wood Plank
Mounted Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) turns a bright wall into a living display. Antler-shaped green fronds spread from a moss-wrapped root ball secured to a natural wood plank, giving this fern the raised growing position it enjoys as an epiphyte. The warm wood grain and textured moss make an appealing contrast to the arching foliage, without a decorative planter.
Points of interest
- Distinctive forked foliage gives the staghorn fern its name.
- Epiphytic growth makes a wood mount a natural way to display this plant.
- The root ball is wrapped in moss in a kokedama-style arrangement and secured to the lower part of the plank.
- Two types of fronds develop: upright or arching antler fronds and rounded basal shield fronds that protect the roots.
- Mature shield fronds naturally turn brown and papery. Leave them attached rather than peeling them away.
What ships and estimated mature size
One live Platycerium bifurcatum mounted on an approximately 6 × 16-inch wood plank, with a moss-wrapped root ball and hanging wire. The stated dimensions describe the plank, not the total plant spread. Frond number, length, orientation, wood grain and moss appearance vary naturally. Wall nails, screws, anchors and other room furnishings are not included.
Estimated mature frond spread can reach approximately 2–3 feet or more over several years under favorable conditions. A mature plant may eventually need a larger mount. This is the smaller 6 × 16-inch mounted listing, not the larger 12 × 16-inch plaque.
Care guide
- Light: Choose bright, indirect or filtered light. Outdoors, use a sheltered shaded location with protection from strong midday and afternoon sun. Gentle early morning sun may be suitable after gradual acclimation.
- Water: Check the moss-wrapped root ball regularly. Water when the outer moss begins to dry and the mount feels lighter, while avoiding prolonged complete drying of the center. Thoroughly wet or briefly soak the root ball until evenly moistened, then let excess water drain fully before rehanging. Do not leave the root ball permanently saturated.
- Seasonal adjustments: Warm conditions, airflow and outdoor placement may require more frequent checks. Cooler weather and slower growth reduce water needs. Judge the root ball rather than using a rigid schedule or relying on the appearance of fronds alone.
- Humidity and airflow: Moderate to higher humidity is helpful, with gentle airflow around the fronds and mount. Occasional light misting is not a substitute for thoroughly watering the root ball. Avoid stagnant, constantly wet conditions.
- Temperature: Warm indoor conditions around 60–80°F suit active growth. Protect from frost, prolonged cold, heater blasts and drying air-conditioning drafts. Outdoor display is seasonal where temperatures become cold.
- Mounting and wall protection: Use hardware suitable for the wall material and the weight of the mount when fully wet. Inspect the hanging wire and attachment points regularly. Remove the mount for watering and protect walls and furnishings from drips and trapped moisture; allow airflow behind the plank.
- Growing medium: This plant ships mounted rather than in a nursery pot. Preserve the airy moss-wrapped root ball and do not pack ordinary potting soil around the fronds. Our Rich Houseplant Soil Blend is sold separately for potted houseplants; it is not a direct substitute for the airy moss-based setup of this mounted fern.
- Feeding: During active growth, use a dilute balanced liquid fertilizer labeled for ferns or mounted plants, following its directions. Feed sparingly and reduce or pause during slower growth. Our 2 oz Slow-Release Fertilizer for Houseplants & Succulents is sold separately; use on this mount only if the label provides an appropriate application method. Do not scatter granules onto fronds or against the growing crown.
- Frond care: Do not scrub or polish the fronds; their natural fine surface coating is part of the plant. Leave brown shield fronds in place. Remove only fully dead antler fronds with clean tools, without cutting into the crown or root ball.
- Remounting: When the plant outgrows the plank or the mounting material deteriorates, move it carefully to a larger suitable mount. Retain healthy roots and shield fronds, use airy moss and secure it without cutting into the plant.
- Propagation: Established plants may form offsets that can be divided once they have their own roots and growing point. Avoid dividing a newly received or small plant. Spore propagation is possible but slow and more specialized.
- Pests and warning signs: Inspect for scale and mealybugs, especially near frond bases. Isolate affected plants and choose a treatment labeled as suitable for ferns. Persistent wetness, a soft crown or a sour-smelling root ball may signal rot; a drying root ball and wilting fronds may indicate insufficient water.
- After arrival: Unpack gently around the fronds and moss. Check the wire and root-ball moisture, place in bright indirect light and let the plant settle before remounting or dividing.
Pet safety: Platycerium bifurcatum is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, but chewing plant material or moss can cause stomach upset. Keep the hanging wire and mount out of reach and install securely.