{"product_id":"mounted-staghorn-fern-6x16-inch-plank","title":"Mounted Staghorn Fern, 6 × 16-Inch Wood Plank","description":"\u003cp\u003eMounted 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePoints of interest\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistinctive forked foliage gives the staghorn fern its name.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEpiphytic growth makes a wood mount a natural way to display this plant.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe root ball is wrapped in moss in a kokedama-style arrangement and secured to the lower part of the plank.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo types of fronds develop: upright or arching antler fronds and rounded basal shield fronds that protect the roots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMature shield fronds naturally turn brown and papery. Leave them attached rather than peeling them away.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat ships and estimated mature size\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eOne 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEstimated 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCare guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonal adjustments:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHumidity and airflow:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMounting and wall protection:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing medium:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rich-houseplant-soil-blend\"\u003eRich Houseplant Soil Blend\u003c\/a\u003e is sold separately for potted houseplants; it is not a direct substitute for the airy moss-based setup of this mounted fern.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003ca href=\"\/products\/slow-release-fertilizer\"\u003e2 oz Slow-Release Fertilizer for Houseplants \u0026amp; Succulents\u003c\/a\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrond care:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRemounting:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePropagation:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePests and warning signs:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAfter arrival:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePet safety:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CTS Air Plants","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52855556899047,"sku":null,"price":64.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0782\/3120\/8167\/files\/image_20707045-ed2d-4b21-baa2-899909541898.png?v=1792188261","url":"https:\/\/ctsairplants.com\/products\/mounted-staghorn-fern-6x16-inch-plank","provider":"CTS Air Plants","version":"1.0","type":"link"}