10 Stunning Ways to Mount and Display Staghorn Ferns

Introduction: Display Staghorn Ferns

Staghorn ferns (Platycerium spp.) are unique and beautiful plants that thrive on vertical surfaces, making them excellent statement pieces for indoor and outdoor spaces. Here are ten creative ways to display staghorn ferns and bring their distinctive, antler-like fronds into your decor.

1. Wooden Board Mounts

Classic Look: Mounting staghorn ferns on a wooden board is one of the most popular ways to display them. Aged wood or driftwood works especially well, giving a rustic, natural aesthetic.

How-To: Secure the root ball to the wood with sphagnum moss and use fishing line or wire wraped around screws to hold it in place. Hang on the wall for a stunning, minimalist display.

Tip: Choose hardwood like cedar or cypress, as it withstands moisture better than softwoods. Photo by: mappinsnersery

2. Hanging Baskets

Floating Ferns: A hanging basket allows the fronds to cascade downward naturally, giving a beautiful, airy look.

How-To: Line the basket with sphagnum moss or coconut coir, then nestle the fern inside. Make sure it’s secured and hang it where it receives indirect light.

Tip: Use wire or rattan baskets for a vintage or boho look. Photo by: green_serene_nursery

3. Cachepot with Moss Covering

Effortless and Stylish: If you’d like to keep your staghorn fern in its original plastic nursery pot for easy watering and minimal disturbance to the roots, you can place it inside a larger decorative container, known as a cachepot. This approach offers flexibility while maintaining a polished look.
How-To: Place the nursery pot inside a decorative pot that matches your style. To give it a natural look, tuck moistened sphagnum moss around the plastic pot’s edges to disguise it. You can add a layer of moss on top, or even decorative stones, to give it a finished, organic appearance.
Tip: Use a container with a slightly wider diameter than the nursery pot to allow airflow. You can also choose a cachepot with handles for easy movement, making this an ideal setup for both indoor and outdoor display. Simply lift the nursery pot out for easy watering and drainage.

4. Mounted in a Frame

Botanical Art: Creating a frame around your staghorn fern gives it a classic, gallery-like appeal. This can work well in both modern and rustic interiors.
How-To: Mount the fern to a board (as in the wooden mount method), then add a frame around it without any backing. Hang it on the wall for a floating effect.
Tip: Pick a wide frame that complements the size of your fern for added visual impact.

5. Hanging on Driftwood

Natural Aesthetic: Driftwood has a beautiful texture that complements the fern’s shape. This works well as a centerpiece or accent in a boho or beachy setting.

How-To: Attach the staghorn to the driftwood piece with moss and secure it with fishing line. Hang the driftwood from the ceiling or a wall.

Tip: Experiment with different driftwood shapes to find one that complements the fern’s fronds. Photo by: acupom219

6. Vertical Garden Wall

Green Wall Feature: For a dramatic look, incorporate staghorn ferns into a vertical garden wall. This can be part of an indoor or outdoor plant wall with multiple species.
How-To: Use a modular green wall system or attach mounts directly to a trellis. Arrange multiple ferns along with other air plants and ferns to create a lush, layered look.
Tip: Place taller, more structured plants at the top and layer downwards to create a natural cascading effect.

7. Mounted on a Tree or Palm Outdoors

Natural Habitat: Staghorn ferns naturally grow on trees in tropical climates, making them perfect for outdoor mounting on a tree or large palm.

How-To: Secure the fern to the tree with sphagnum moss and soft ties or garden wire. The fern will attach over time as it grows.

Tip: Choose a tree that provides partial shade, as staghorn ferns prefer indirect light. Photo By: David Clode @ unsplash

8. Kokedama Display: Display Staghorn Ferns

Floating Moss Ball Beauty: A Kokedama staghorn fern creates a visually stunning effect, allowing the fern to thrive in an elegant, soil-free form. The fern’s fronds fan out from the moss ball, giving it a floating, sculptural look that’s ideal for minimalistic or Japanese-inspired decor.

How-To: Wrap the staghorn fern’s root ball with sphagnum moss, forming it into a rounded shape. Secure the moss with natural twine or fishing line. For a full Kokedama create a larger moss mound with an open top to nestle the staghorn in. Once shaped, hang it with twine or place it on a shallow dish for tabletop display. Photo by: themossandgreen

Tip: : To water, soak the Kokedama in a bowl of water for 10-15 minutes once a week, letting it drip dry before re-hanging. This display style is perfect for those looking for a natural, low-maintenance, and unique addition to their plant collection.

9. In a Ceramic Wall Pocket

Modern Minimalism: Wall-mounted ceramic pockets are a clean, minimalist way to display staghorn ferns, ideal for contemporary spaces.
How-To: Place moss and the root ball into the pocket, then mount it securely on the wall. This setup gives a clean, sculptural look to your space.
Tip: Opt for white or neutral ceramic for a sophisticated touch, or choose a color that complements your room.

10. DIY Wire Wall Grid: Display Staghorn Ferns

Versatile and Adjustable: A wire grid allows you to create a customizable display that can hold multiple plants.

How-To: Use wire to secure a mounted staghorn fern onto the grid. You can add other epiphytes, like air plants, to create a mini vertical garden.

Tip: Experiment with different grid sizes and shapes for a unique arrangement that you can adjust anytime. Photo by: f.lemoinei

Quick Tips for Displaying Staghorn Ferns

Watering: Mist the fern or soak the root ball every one to two weeks, depending on the humidity in your home.
Light Requirements: Staghorn ferns thrive in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the fronds.
Humidity: They prefer high humidity, so mist regularly or place in bathrooms or kitchens where humidity is naturally higher.

Conclusion: Display Staghorn Ferns

With these creative display methods, you can show off the unique beauty of staghorn ferns while bringing a touch of greenery to your space. Experiment with these options to find the best way to highlight your fern’s distinctive fronds and add natural flair to your decor.

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