Staghorn Ferns, they are also known as Platycerium, are a unique and beautiful addition to your home pot plant collection.
But did you know, in the right climate, they can be grown outside in the garden?
More common names they are known by are elkhorn, moose, stag, deer or shield fern.
There are around eighteen different varieties.
These ferns are epiphytic, meaning they naturally grow on trees in tropical forests. Their roots hold them in place, and they get water and nutrients through their fronds.
Many gardeners recreate their natural habitat by mounting staghorn ferns onto wood.
That is what we will be doing today in the DIY tutorial.
Origin of Staghorn Ferns
Staghorn Ferns originate from tropical regions in Africa, Asia, Australia, and South America. They are named for their uniquely shaped, antler-like fronds that resemble the horns of a stag.
Growing Staghorn Ferns Outside
When growing staghorn ferns outside, it's important to mimic their natural habitat. So choose a spot with dappled shade or filtered sunlight, as direct sunlight can scorch their fronds.
They do not thrive in low light.
Ensure the mounting board is securely attached to a tree or structure, as staghorn ferns require good support.
I had a staghorn fern-covered pallet by the swimming pool at 'Mia Bella Passions Garden' and it was a showstopper!
But now, since moving to the townhouse, I really wanted to recreate it, in my little garden here.
DIY Staghorn Fern Garden Feature
I used a heavy wood pallet as the base structure.
I painted it a nice dark grey colour.
As the larger of the ferns had flat backs, they were attached to other pieces of wood with a backing of coconut fibre and then strung with twine to the wood.
I then nailed them wood to wood onto the pallet.
The two smaller ferns were placed in coconut fibre nests, with a little soil, and then strung with twine directly to the pallet.
Some people nail the ferns carefully to the wood, but I've had great success using coconut fibre.
The twine eventually decomposes.
The ferns will multiply and naturally spread, eventually covering the entire pallet.
Care of Staghorn Ferns
Provide regular watering, ensuring the fern's root ball is kept moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilise with a balanced liquid fertiliser once a month during the growing season (Spring and Summer) for healthy growth.
You can even slip a piece of banana peel under the brown frond shield. It is a great fertiliser.
Staghorn ferns are relatively low-maintenance plants but keep an eye out for pests and diseases and treat accordingly.
Spores will develop on the lower fronds but do not remove them.
The brown dry shield fronds should not be removed as this protects the roots.
In a Bay Of Plenty of New Zealand winter, outdoors, the fern can tolerate a temperature of -2 degrees (28.4F).
I found them quite hardy in an area where direct frost was not on the leaves as they were under a tree canopy.
With proper care and attention, your mounted staghorn ferns will thrive and bring exotic tropical beauty to your outdoor space.
You can even grow them under a covered deck on a wall.
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