How to master vertical gardening with an architectural elkhorn fern
In short: Gardening isn't limited to traditional beds or pots. By utilizing vertical space, you can transform your garden with the striking Platycerium bifurcatum. This epiphytic fern thrives without soil, growing directly on surfaces like tree bark or mounting boards, offering a unique way to introduce dramatic foliage to your outdoor space.
To successfully mount an Elkhorn Fern, you must first prepare a backing board, such as reclaimed Jarrah hardwood. The process begins by creating a triangular pouch from a circle of coir matting or a hanging basket liner. Once the pouch is shaped, place it on the board with the point facing downward and trace its outline. Using a drill, insert 6 to 8 screws around the sides of this outline, leaving the heads protruding 5mm from the board to serve as anchor points for wire or plant ties.
The most critical step involves handling the plant itself. Gently remove the fern from its pot, stripping away as much potting mix as possible. Safeguard the fern's basal 'scales' or 'shields'; these vital parts must stay intact to wrap around the mounting board, anchoring the plant. Once the fern is tucked into the coir pouch, secure the top with a metal clip or wire, then fill the interior with a mixture of seed raising mix and hydrated coir packed tightly around the roots.
After the pouch is secured to the board with wire twisted around the screws, the fern is ready for its permanent home. For optimal health, place the mount in a sheltered outdoor location that receives broken morning sun and afternoon shade. Maintenance is straightforward: keep the plant moist without allowing it to become wet, and provide an organic fertiliser—or even a banana skin—every few months to sustain its growth.
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