Staghorn Fern Wall Art

Did you see my gallery wall yesterday? One of my favorite things on the wall is this staghorn fern. I had never had a staghorn fern before but after seeing them all over the internet lately I decided I wanted to try one out. I have had this little guy for a few months now and I have to say that I am a huge fan.

Since staghorn ferns originally grow in places like  Australia,  New Guinea, and Madagascar which are all places with plenty of humidity, I was worried about bringing one into my dry Utah home. But like I said, I have had it for three months and in that time it has grown a new section and gotten a little taller. So I hope he will be happy here long term. In the wild they don't grown in soil but on the trunks of trees. I had already made this planter and was trying to decide what plant to put in it and when I learned that fact, I though this would be a good planter for my unusual fern.

 

 

The planter itself is made from something slightly unusual. I was at the pet store one day and was looking for something when I came upon these half log things that are meant for reptiles to hide under. Instead of seeing a habitat for a scaly creature, I saw a potential project!

 

 

I only needed a little ⅛" plywood, a nail gun, jig saw, and caulk to make this planter.

 

 

I simple traced the inside (of what would be the bottom) onto the plywood. I cut it out with a jig saw.

 

I nailed on a piece of plywood to the back and used caulk to attach the bottom.

 

 

 

Since staghorn ferns so not grow in soil, most people mount them. A good example can be found on The Gardenista's blog. I basically did the same thing but just tucked it inside the planter instead of having it mounted on the wall. That way is any moss or soil fall, it falls into the planter ad not on the couch. When needed, I can just slip it out of the planter and take it to the sink to water it and then tuck it back in. I bought my Staghorn Fern from Amazon (affiliate link).

 

 

 

 

I'm curious if any of you have had a staghorn fern. Did it do well in your home? Also, if you missed the whole gallery wall, don't forget to check it out!