Today I tried my hand at making a staghorn fern log. The ones in the Nursery were out of my price range. A nice thick piece of bark was at home and set aside waiting for me to do something with. Since I didn't have any place that I could comfortably hang a wet piece of wood I had to try of something more free standing. I was please with the way bits and pieces from the yard came together. plant project: stag horn fern on bark ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden ) back of bark with fossilized bark rock ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden ) I cut a coconut fiber basket liner in half and tacked it to the log and put the fern in. Then it was time to cover much of the bark and fiber basket with moss from the patio. Had to do a bit of stapling to anchor the moss tightly to the bark. An old piece of petrified wood that had a bit of moss on it was used to support the bark in a plastic plant tray. (Wonder where/what I can find to replace that plastic tray?) Then it was back out to the back part of the yard where a yard of gravel was dumped years ago. Nice little rocks to fill-in around the base. Finished! New planter: Staghorn fern ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden ) Although the fern should do well I have had mixed results with moss from the yard used indoors. The initial look is good, but...time will tell how well it works out. Always fun creating though.
What a lovely display you've made for your Staghorn Jewell. Have you thought of using one of those Bonsai dishes to sit the arrangement in? I find them really useful when I need a shallow dish. I spray any moss I take from the garden twice daily to keep it alive. I hope your Staghorn does well for you.
That looks SUPER! Great job. Instead of replacing the plastic dish... I'd try to find something rustic-looking... maybe a bowl or basket? It wouldn't have to be water-tight. Just set the plastic tray and all in it.
You have quit a talent! Hope it matures into something really stunning. I have a very large staghorn that is just sitting loose in a big bucket. Have been wondering how the heck to attach it to some wood. I thought maybe some garden netting (?)over the coconut fibers to help it.
Thanks Tina,Cherylad,Cuatro-gatos, choloate for the kind comments. Cherylad I was thinking along your line for a base, then Eileen came along with the bonsai dish idea hadn,t thought of using a bonsai dish, but think one might be perfect. I have used them for orchids and they are great for not competing with the plant. Cuatro-gatos netting would probably work well. I had roofing nails (they are like tacks) laying around and they held the coconut fiber really well. Can't wait to see how your project turns out. I get frustrated when my plants get to big and usually give them away.
Jewell...after looking at your "creation" some more, I started to think that a rustic container might not work afterall... too much rustic. Eileen's suggestion of a bonsai dish sounds perfect. Or any ceramic dish would add contrast and highlight your set-up. Guess you get to go shopping now, right? :-D
Jewell, That is very nice. Keep it moist and quickly you won't see any moss anymore. The scull parts will soon cover everything it's mounted on. A feature that I love. Barb in Pa.
I like that. Staghorn ferns are a favorite of mine but I do have trouble growing them. I saw one in Florida one time that was huge, outside and suspended with chains. It must have weighed several hundred pounds and been quite old.
Jewell, your Staghorn arrangement is beautiful; they grow slowly, so it will be good for a number of years.. C B-G, this was my Staghorn, which is 30+ yrs old.. I gave it away to a friend living in Homosassa, FL when I began my move to S. Alabama (zone 8, a or b).. I carved out a 'pup' and started a new hanging basket that will be small enough to keep inside during winter conditions, for a few years.. ( photo / image / picture from Henry Johnson's Garden ) I haven't yet taken a pic of the new start... Hank
What an awesome specimen! I'm sure you'll have a good sized plant from that pup soon. Good idea to take a start. I'll have to remember to do that if this start growers too fast
Hi Jewell,..you made a very professional job of that display,..well done,..i hope you can keep the moss moist enough. ==================================================== Hank that sure is a mighty specimen,..top marks.
