Elkhorn Fern Propagation & Mounting

Elkhorn ferns (Platycerium bifurcatum) naturally produce pups - small offshoot plants that can be removed and mounted to create new ferns. If you have one of these unique plants around, Elkhorn fern propagation can be a fantastic and high value project - these plants can sell for north of $100. This guide will walk you through the process of safely removing these pups and mounting them for successful growth.

Materials Needed

• Sharp, clean scissors or knife

• Sphagnum moss

• Mounting board (recommend a solid wood board/plank)

• Fishing line or coated wire

• Spray bottle with water

• Hanging hooks

  
  

Step 1: Identifying Ready Elkhorn Fern Pups

Before beginning, ensure your pup is ready for removal:

• Look for pups that are at least 4 inches (10cm) in diameter

• The pup should have developed its own shield frond (the brown flat frond that will sit against the parent frond)

• The pup should have at least 2-3 sturdy looking fertile fronds (the long green fronds that stick out from the parent fern)

Step 2: Removal Process

Make sure the pup you want to remove is wet - easiest way is to use a spray bottle. Most of the guides I read suggested using a pair of scissors/secateurs to remove the pups. If you decide to do this, make sure to clean the secateurs with rubbing alcohol because ferns are very susceptible to diseases from other plants. However, when I was removing pups I was making a huge mess with the secateurs and damaging the roots. Frankly it was easier to just grab the pups by the base of the fern, slide my hand behind the shield fronds for the pup and wiggle it until it came away from the parent plant.

Make sure you keep the pup in a humid environment until you can get it mounted.

Step 3: Mounting Board Preparation

Take a look at your local hardware store for mounting boards. Given that I was planning to mount between 8-10 pups, I found that individual boards were way more expensive than just buying a larger pine plank and sawing it into multiple segments. I bought a couple 1.2m dressed pine boards, with the plan to have each board be 30cm wide.

One thing I will note - there were a lot of options that were particle board or other types of composite wood products. You will be tempted because they are cheaper, but they will fall apart really quickly if you are putting your ferns outside so just consider this.

I used a circular saw to break down the pine boards into 4 sections, though I'm guessing a jigsaw would work as well. One separated, I drilled two small holes on each board to feed the wire through. I did these roughly 4 cm in from the edge.

I recommend attaching the hook/hanging mechanism at this point. I waited until after the fern pup was mounted and it was a pain.

If you are ready to move straight into mounting, go ahead and dunk your sphagnum moss in water.

Step 4: Mounting Process

1. Create a moss pad slightly larger than the pup's shield frond

2. Place the pup on the moss pad

3. Secure both moss and pup to the board using wire, threaded through the holes you drilled

4. Ensure the shield frond is firmly pressed against the moss

5. The fertile fronds (the ones that look like antlers) should point outward

   
   
   
   

   Here is a video walkthrough of how I mounted one of the fern pups

   
   

Step 5: Aftercare

Find a place to hang your fern that is warm and humid with bright, indirect light. These ferns easily burn in direct sunlight so be careful.

For the first month, mist daily and don't fertilize. After 6-8 months you can add some liquid fertilizer into your mist bottle.

Keep an eye out for new fertile fronds, indicating a successful establishment.

Common Problems and Solutions

• Pup turns brown: Usually indicates too much direct sun or not enough humidity

• No new growth: May need more humidity or warmth

• Rotting: Typically caused by over-watering or poor air circulation

Tips for Success

• Spring and summer are the best times to remove and mount pups

• Maintain high humidity but good air circulation

• Be patient - it can take 2-3 months to see significant new growth

• Don't remove more than 1/3 of the pups from a parent plant at once

Have you successfully mounted elkhorn fern pups? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!