As a so-called perch plant, the relatively easy-care staghorn fern grows on other plants in its tropical home, mostly on trees. As a houseplant, however, it also does well in special substrates used for orchids.
The staghorn fern is a typical perch plant
The staghorn fern is usually sold in pots with this substrate. Due to its decorative hanging leaves, it is ideal for planting in a hanging basket.(11.99€) However, it is a special eye-catcher when it grows on a beautifully grown tree trunk or a piece of natural cork or bark of tree bark. In order for it to be firmly rooted there, however, it must first be untied.
How does untying work?
In its homeland, the staghorn fern is firmly rooted on its host plant. However, it takes time for these roots to form. Therefore, the staghorn fern usually grows in places where it remains quite secure even without roots, for example in branch forks or cracks in the tree bark.
If you want your staghorn fern to grow on a decorative trunk or a piece of tree bark, you can clamp it in a gap in the trunk or bark or tie it to its future substrate. However, keep in mind that staghorn ferns should be watered regularly, which means that the tree bark will also become damp again and again and rotten after a while.
To help retain moisture, place some absorbent moss under the staghorn fern. Then tie both at the desired location, tight enough so that it doesn't slip, but loose enough so that the tying material doesn't cut into it. Slightly stretchy natural fibers, such as twine made of hemp or similar material, are best suited.
Can I also use tying for propagation?
For propagation, you can carefully separate suitable side shoots from your staghorn fern and then tie them up as cuttings. This works in the same way as tying up older plants. Alternatively, place your cuttings in orchid soil or a mixture of potting soil with one-third peat.
The essentials in brief:
- Use natural fibers to untie if possible
- once strong roots have formed, remove the tying thread
- Tying is also suitable for cuttings
tips
Tying it up gives your staghorn fern the opportunity to grow and take root on a suitable substrate, such as a tree trunk, natural cork or a piece of tree bark.