Transform your Platycerium into a stunning composition by mounting it onto a board, just as it thrives naturally in the wild. Below, you'll find a simple, step-by-step guide to help you create a beautiful display that showcases the fern's unique, sculptural charm. Let’s get started!
Materials Needed to mount platycerium on the board:
- A healthy Platycerium (staghorn fern), we used Platycerium Omo Polar Bear
- Sphagnum moss (lightly soaked)
- The mounting board (cork, disk of the tree…), we used bamboo kitchen cutter board
- Drill machine (+ drill bit, we used nr. 3,5)
- Big needle (could be the plastic one too)
- Kitchen bowl (the diametre should be circa double of the diametre of the vase of platycerium), it will bet he form for the sphagnum nest for the platycerium
- Fishing line, twine, or floral wire
- Paper tape, the original vase of platycerium, materiál to fill the vase (plastic, paper, cotton), the small kitchen bowl
- Scissors or gardening scissors, pencil, a hook or hanging mechanism for the board
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to mount platycerium to the mounting board:
1. Preparing the mounting board
- If your mount board doesn’t already have a way to hang it, drill a hole or attach a hook to the back.
- Ensure the board is clean and large enough to accommodate the plant.
- Draw the perimeter of the kitchen bowl with a pencil at the place where the platycerium will be fixed.
- Mark 8 points for drilling and drill the holes a drill machine.
2. Preparation of the sphagnum and sphagnum nest
- Place the sphagnum in water for about 2-3 minutes until it’s fully hydrated and pliable.
- Squeeze out excess water so it’s damp, not dripping.
- Preparation of the sphagnum nest: fill and fix with the paper tape the original vase of platycerium completely (you can use the plastic, paper, cotton), it serves to create a gap in the sphagnum nest for the subsequent placement of the platycerium.
- Place the filled vase with the upper side facing the bottom of the kitchen bowl, preferably at a 45-degree angle.
- Fill the empty space with moistened sphagnum moss and press down well.
- Carefully pull out the whole sphagnum nest and place it only on the board.
3. Positioning of the Platycerium
- Identify the sterile fronds (the rounded, protective fronds) and ensure they will face outward.
- Place the platycerium in the sphagnum nest in the correct position.
4. Securing of the platycerium
- Wrap fishing line, twine, or floral wire around the sphagnum moss and board using the needle.
- Pass the needle with the threaded line through the individual drilled holes and continuously across the folded nest so that the sphagnum nest and the platycerium are firmly attached. If you don't have a long enough fishing line, you can extend it with another piece, make sure to tie it well.
- Make sure to secure it firmly and tightly adequate. We recommend at least 8 stitches across the nest.
5. Trim Excess Material:
- If there are any excess lengths of fishing line (twine or wire), trim them neatly.
- Ensure the securing material doesn’t obstruct the growth of the fronds or rhizomes.
6. Hang the Mounted Platycerium:
- Choose a spot with bright, indirect light and good airflow.
- Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the fronds.
