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Mounting On Wood on staghorn fern

staghorn fern with mounting on wood

What's Happening

Staghorn ferns (Platycerium spp.) are obligate epiphytes that grow on trees in tropical forests. Their root systems require excellent drainage and air circulation that traditional pots cannot provide. Mounting mimics their natural habitat, preventing root rot from stagnant moisture while allowing the basal fronds to naturally anchor the plant and collect organic debris for nutrients.

How to Fix It

  1. 1

    Select a rot-resistant board (cedar, redwood, or cork) 2-3x larger than the fern's basal fronds

  2. 2

    Soak long-fiber sphagnum moss in water for 10 minutes, then wring out excess

  3. 3

    Place moss bed on board and spread the fern's fibrous root ball on top

  4. 4

    Secure with fishing line or nylon string wrapped around the base, going UNDER basal fronds

  5. 5

    Mist the moss daily or soak the entire mount weekly for 10-20 minutes

  6. 6

    Allow the basal fronds to naturally grow over and cover the mounting materials

How to Prevent It

Use rot-resistant wood (cedar, redwood, or cork) with soaked long-fiber sphagnum moss as the mounting medium. Secure with fishing line or nylon string wrapped under—not over—the basal fronds to prevent cutting. Position in bright indirect light with 50-70% humidity.

Related Problems

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Frequently Asked Questions

What causes mounting on wood on my plant?
Staghorn ferns (Platycerium spp.) are obligate epiphytes that grow on trees in tropical forests. Their root systems require excellent drainage and air circulation that traditional pots cannot provide....
How do I fix mounting on wood?
Select a rot-resistant board (cedar, redwood, or cork) 2-3x larger than the fern's basal fronds. Soak long-fiber sphagnum moss in water for 10 minutes, then wring out excess.
How do I prevent mounting on wood from happening again?
Use rot-resistant wood (cedar, redwood, or cork) with soaked long-fiber sphagnum moss as the mounting medium. Secure with fishing line or nylon string wrapped under—not over—the basal fronds to preven...