how to divide and mount elkhorn fern

How do you divide an elkhorn fern?

How to divide an elkhorn

Divide. Cut elkhorn into large sections. ...
Pot up. Thread the antler-like fronds through a gap in the wire of a basket. ...
Pack tightly. Mix one part coco peat with two parts pre-wet sphagnum moss. ...
Other ideas. Hang elkhorns onto any shady structure with a rough surface they can attach to.

How do you transplant an Elkhorn?

To transplant the small pups of an established staghorn fern, gently remove them from the large fern mass, wrap the roots in damp sphagnum moss and tie the root ball into a basket or onto a piece of bark or wood.

How do you divide a large staghorn fern?

You can cut a larger fern into several or few pieces. Becovery is quickest if you divide the plant into just a few, larger pieces. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut down into the brown shield and sever a group of fronds that has developed at a tip of a branching rhizome. Cut deeply enough to sever rhizome and roots.

Does staghorn fern need sun?

Staghorn ferns are epiphytes, which means they are air plants. They gladly grow on a wall mount, which lets air circulate around them. They need good-quality light, even some direct sunlight. They need some drying of the soil or medium in between watering.

What is the difference between staghorn and elkhorn ferns?

The difference between these two plants is the elkhorn (Platycerium bifurcatum) has thinner, wispier leaves and multiple “eyes” or rosettes of foliage whereas the staghorn (Platycerium superbum – pronounced with the emphasis on the middle syllable) has a single eye and larger leaves.

Are coffee grounds good for staghorn ferns?

Up-to-date gardeners know that California's low rainfall and alkaline soil are tough on acid-loving plants. Coffee grounds act as a mulch and soil improver. ... A few staghorn owners even advocate using the entire banana, placing it into the paper-like platycerium that supports the main plant.

What do you feed elkhorn ferns?

They can be fed by placing organic matter such as leaf litter, banana skins or compost at the back of the plant (near where it meets the backing board) or watered with a very diluted dose of SeaMax Fish & Kelp. Elkhorns and staghorns may also benefit from watering during very hot, dry periods.

How do you get a staghorn fern mount?

A simple way to hang your fern from a board:

Wrap the whole root ball with sheet moss, being careful not to damage the basal fronds.
Secure the moss to the root ball using a 3-4 foot long piece of green 22-gauge spool wire. Starting at the top where you want the fern to hang, leave a tail of wire at the beginning.

How do I save my staghorn fern?

It is normal for a few fronds to die and be replaced from time to time, but the fern is in need of water if a significant number of its fronds begin to die. It may be possible to save the plant by placing its root ball in water for several minutes, allowing the roots to rehydrate.

How do you propagate Staghorns?

Staghorn fern can be propagated from the spores but because that is such a slow process they generally are propagated by division, carefully cutting off small pups with a sharp knife, making sure each piece has some fertile and sterile fronds and roots.

Can you divide a staghorn fern?

Dividing staghorn ferns is best done just before the plant's active growing season, so in the early spring, although it is possible to do it at any time of year.

How do you get rid of staghorn fern pups?

Wait until the pup is at least 4 inches (10 cm.) across. Find the spot under the brown shield fronds where the pup is attached and, with a sharp knife, cut the pup away with some roots attached. You can mount the pup just as you would a fully grown staghorn fern.

What is the best fertilizer for staghorn ferns?

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (ratio of 1:1:1). During periods of dormancy (fall and winter), reduce fertilizing to every other month. Some people suggest feeding your staghorn fern by slipping a piece of banana peel under the shield frond.

Can you over water staghorn fern?

Water your Staghorn Fern so the top inch of soil is kept moist (on average, this means water weekly in the spring and summer and every few weeks in the fall and winter). Do not overwater, as the Staghorn's epiphytic nature means it has a small root system designed to grow on trees, not to be soaked in the soil.

How long does a staghorn fern live?

About once a year, we'll do a cleaning to remove dried fronds and any decayed material. As you can see, at about 90 years of age, this fern is thriving and absolutely gorgeous!

Are banana peels good for staghorn ferns?

ANSWER: Banana peels can contribute lots of potassium and a little phosphorus to the nutrient needs of your staghorn fern. But they contain very little nitrogen, which also is needed for good growth. So go ahead, toss a few banana peels among the foliage to slowly release their nutrients.

How many types of staghorn ferns are there?

Staghorn ferns are unusual, exotic-looking plants that will definitely attract guests' attention, whether they're displayed in the home or outdoors in a warm-climate garden. The plants known as staghorn ferns include the 18 species in the Platycerium genus plus many hybrids and varieties of those species.

Do ferns like coffee grounds?

Coffee grounds are highly acidic, they note, so they should be reserved for acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries. ... And if your soil is already high in nitrogen, the extra boost from coffee grounds could stunt the growth of fruits and flowers.

How much Epsom salt do you put on ferns?

If you see the following symptoms mentioned above: Add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in 1 gallon of water and spray once in a month on the foliage when your ferns are growing actively. Reduce the quantity to 1 tablespoon per gallon of water, when the growth slows.

How much are staghorn ferns worth?

This is a beauty! Originally attached to an oak tree as a small plant, this amazing fern has grown to over 6 feet in diameter, almost 4 feet tall and 3 feet deep. It is in great health and is in need of a home where it will be loved and appreciated. Similar ferns have sold for over $6,000.00.