Is the antler fern suitable for untying?

Content

• Is the antler fern suitable for untying?
• How does the untying work?
• Can I also use the untying for propagation?
• The essentials in brief:
• Tips

The antler fern is a typical Aufsitzpflanze

Is the antler fern suitable for untying?

As a so-called Aufsitzpflanze grows the relatively easy-to-clean antler fern in its tropical homeland on other plants, mostly on trees. As a houseplant, it also lingers well in a special substrate that is used for orchids.

Previous article How to Care for Your Antler - Tips and Tricks Next article Repotting the antler fern - tips and tricks

Mostly the antler fern is sold in pots with just this substrate. Due to its decorative hanging leaves, it is ideal for the planting of a flower basket. However, it is a special eye-catcher when it grows on a beautifully grown tree trunk or a piece of natural cork or barky bark. However, to be firmly rooted there, he first needs to be tied up.

How does the untying work?

In his homeland the antler fern is rooted firmly on its host plant. However, it takes some time for these roots to form. Therefore, the antler fern grows mostly in places where it remains quite safe even without roots, for example in branch forks or cracks in the tree bark.

If you want to grow your antler on a decorative trunk or a piece of tree bark, you can pin it in a cleft of the trunk or the bark or just tie it on its future surface. Keep in mind, however, that antler fern should be watered regularly, which also causes the tree bark to get wet again and again after some time.

To keep the moisture better, put a little absorbent moss under the antler fern. Then tie both at the desired location, firmly enough that it will not slip, but so loosely that the binding material will not cut. Easily stretchable natural fibers are best, such as twine from hemp or similar material.

Can I also use the untying for propagation?

For propagation, you can carefully separate the appropriate side shoots of your antler fern and then untangle them as cuttings. It works the same way as tying older plants. Alternatively, place your cuttings in orchid soil or a mixture of potting soil with one-third peat.

The essentials in brief:

Tips

The tying gives your antler fern the opportunity to grow on a suitable substrate, such as a tree trunk, natural cork or a piece of tree bark and to take root.