DIY: How to Hang a Staghorn Fern

I debated hanging a staghorn fern for years—mounted ones cost $85–$150, and I feared killing it or getting bored. But a post on Paiko in Honolulu revived my interest. I decided to mount one myself and developed a foolproof system.

Materials

• Wooden board (old fruit crate or any flat wood)
• Bowl/plate for tracing
• Pencil
• Hammer
• 6 nails
• Fishing line
• 1 potted staghorn fern
• Sheet moss
• 2 screws + string (or picture hanger)

Step 1: Start with healthy fern with relatively flat shield (brown base). Vertical shields offer less mounting surface.

Step 2: Trace circle on board at least 1" wider than plant circumference.

Step 3: Hammer minimum 6 nails evenly spaced along circle edge, leaving ¼" between board and nail head. More nails = more security.

Step 4: Add small pile of potting soil inside traced circle.

Step 5: Remove fern from pot, tear roots to leave ~1" dirt at base. Place on soil.

Step 6: Tear sheet moss, press around plant base inside nail circle.

Step 7: Tie fishing line to one nail, stretch across base to opposite nail.

Step 8: Wrap line around opposite nail several times (pull taut), repeat around all nails until plant secure. I went around each twice.

Step 9: Lift vertically to test attachment (over sink for soil catch). Hang with screws and twine in filtered light.

Step 10: Care. Weekly shower: remove board, soak board+plant in tub, dry completely before rehanging. Mist between showers.

More staghorn ideas: Julianne Moore's Staghorns, Vegan Antlers, Paiko in Honolulu.