Are you looking for a unique houseplant to add to your bathroom? Look no further than the Staghorn Fern! With its unique, fuzzy foliage and delicate shape, it’s the perfect addition to any setting. It thrives in humid, shady environments and low or artificial lighting, making it an excellent choice for the bathroom. But don’t be fooled – this plant needs some extra care to stay healthy. Keep reading to learn more about how to grow a staghorn fern indoors!
How to Securely Hang a Staghorn Fern
Hanging a staghorn fern can be an attractive and unique way to add greenery to any space. When deciding where to hang your staghorn fern, it is important to consider the plant’s natural environment. Staghorn ferns grow best in shaded areas and require indirect sunlight. To replicate their native environment, they should be hung on limbs or in the crotches of trees similar to how they grow in nature.
Hanging a Heavy Staghorn Fern
The best way to hang a heavy staghorn fern is by placing it in a wire basket. The leaves of the plant can be pulled through the edges of the basket, allowing it to grow out the side. This will allow your staghorn fern to remain in its natural upright position, with some of its fronds pulled through.
In order to securely tie the fern in place, it is necessary to pack a little fibrous material at the back of the plant. This will help absorb moisture and secure your staghorn fern firmly to whatever material or tree you are tying it to.
Mounting a Staghorn Fern
If you live in a place where staghorn ferns are hardy, you can also mount them on a plaque or board on a log, or even directly onto the bark of a tree. This will provide the perfect environment for your staghorn fern to thrive.
When choosing the material to mount your staghorn fern on, it is important to select a rot-resistant wood like cedar. This will help protect the plant from decay due to its aggressive watering and close connection with the wood.
To begin the mounting process, follow these steps: 1. Wrap the base of the stag’s root ball with sheet moss. 2. Apply water to it to cover the roots and dirt. 3. Once fully wrapped, tie one end of the twine or fishing line around a nail and stretch it across the base of the fern to the other side.
By following these steps, you can securely hang or mount your staghorn fern and enjoy its unique beauty in your space.
Watering Your Staghorn Fern: A Guide
Now that your staghorn fern is securely tied in place, it is time to consider the amount of water it will need. The amount of water you give your staghorn fern will depend on the climate and temperature.
How Often to Water a Wall-Mounted Staghorn Fern
It’s a good rule to water once per week in dry, hot times of the year and once every two weeks in the cooler months. The following schedule can be used as a starting point, and then adjusted as needed based on your space:
| Climate | Watering Frequency |
|---|---|
| Hot and Dry | Once per week |
| Cooler Months | Once every two weeks |
Staghorn fern fronds and roots absorb water quickly, so it’s important to make sure they get enough moisture without being overwatered.
Mounting a Staghorn Fern on Metal
When it comes to mounting a staghorn fern on metal, it is possible but more challenging. A black metal fruit bowl can be used as an ideal planter for the fern, allowing you to mount the plant directly onto its open grid with metal wire. This will make it easy to take down for a good soak of water when needed. However, if you choose this option and allow the plant to grow in its planter indefinitely, be aware that the metal may rust after a few years.
To securely attach your staghorn fern onto the metal fruit bowl grid, follow these steps:
- Use fishing line or twine and wrap each edge of the root ball around itself tightly.
- Once wrapped up with enough pressure so that it does not come undone easily, tie one end of the line or twine around a nail or hook.
- Hang your staghorn fern from either side of your planter grid.
The Staghorn and elkhorn ferns are able to attach themselves to the boards once they are already mounted with twine, fishing line or nails. The green fronds at the base of these plants are sterile and called basal fronds.
Care Tips for Staghorn Ferns
When it comes to maintaining your staghorn fern, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Dust often: Dust staghorn ferns often since the fronds are so large and can easily accumulate a thin layer of dust that can block sunlight.
Wash thoroughly: Additionally, these plants benefit from a thorough washing every now and then to remove any dust and enhance their appearance. Lightly mist the plant with water or use an old toothbrush or soft cloth to gently brush away any dirt or debris. It is important to do this carefully as too much pressure can damage the leaves of the plant. Once finished cleaning, let it dry completely before putting it back in its original spot or moving it elsewhere.
Use rot-resistant wood: Finally, make sure that any mounting material used for your staghorn fern is rot-resistant wood such as cedar in order to protect from decay due to its close connection with moisture and wood material over time.
If you choose to mount your staghorn fern, it is not necessary to prune the shield fronds that go brown with age as they are part of the natural cycle of life. Moreover, it is a good idea to mist these ferns every day since they require more humidity and water than other plants. This extra bit of devotion is worth it as the staghorn fern will reward you with its beautiful foliage.
In conclusion, you do not need to mount your staghorn fern as it is a more natural way to grow them and display them in your home.
Protecting Staghorn Ferns From Cold Weather
When it comes to winter, the question of whether staghorn ferns can survive cold weather arises. Staghorn ferns thrive in warm, humid climates and should be protected from cold weather as they are generally considered a tender plant and most species are not able to tolerate temperatures below 55°F. However, Platycerium bifurcatum and Platycerium veitchii can tolerate temperatures as low as 30°F.
In order for your staghorn fern to survive winter, you will need to take some extra precautions. The best way to protect your staghorn fern is by ensuring that it is adequately insulated from the outside temperature. If you live in an area with harsh winters then it is essential that the plant has protection from extreme cold by providing insulation such as:
- Bubble wrap
- Blankets over the pot or mounting material
Alternatively, if possible move your staghorn fern indoors for winter months so that it remains at an optimal temperature where frost does not occur – ideally between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24 degrees Celsius). When moving indoor make sure to check for any pests before bringing them into your home as this could cause long term damage if not treated correctly.
As well as thriving in temperate climates, staghorn ferns make excellent houseplants with a little care. Even though homes are nothing like the rainforest, this article will provide some tips on how to grow a Staghorn Fern indoors. Staghorn ferns can survive in low light, and will even thrive in low or artificial lighting.
Caring for Staghorn Ferns in the Bathroom
Yes, staghorn ferns love bathrooms! These unique plants with their fuzzy foliage and delicate shape are an excellent addition to any setting. Moist-loving ferns are an ideal choice for the bathroom because of their need for high humidity levels and indirect light. The warm, moist environment of a bathroom provides a great home for these plants to thrive.
When it comes to caring for your staghorn fern in the bathroom, here are some tips to ensure optimal growth:
- Humidity: Staghorn ferns thrive in high humidity environments, so be sure to mist them regularly or place a humidifier nearby.
- Light: While staghorn ferns prefer indirect light, they still need some light to grow. Make sure your bathroom has a window or provide artificial light if necessary.
- Watering: Water your staghorn fern regularly, but be careful not to overwater. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) to promote healthy growth.
- Mounting: Staghorn ferns are epiphytes, which means they grow on other plants or surfaces. Mount your fern on a board or in a hanging basket using sphagnum moss or another suitable material.
By following these tips, your staghorn fern will thrive in your bathroom and add a unique touch to your decor.
Conclusion
Staghorn ferns are an excellent addition to any bathroom and make a great houseplant with a little care. They thrive in humid, shady environments and will also grow well in a pot, wire basket, or wire frame. It is important to protect them from cold weather and to water them regularly. They should also be misted frequently and can be mounted on wood or hung on a wall. With the proper care, a Staghorn Fern can bring life and beauty to any bathroom.