Staghorn ferns on palm trees

[MOlivera]

Does anyone have any prior experience with attaching staghorn ferns to palm trunks? Would it damage the palm trunk with the increased moisture at the point of attachment?

[Gonzer]

Since Platyceriums prefer the dry side there won't be a problem.

[Steve Mac]

Platyceriums will eventually encircle the whole plant. (well bifurcata will certainly and given enough time and the right conditions so will a superbum)

I have found that they do stick much easier to my tree ferns, as do the orchids, but a couple of little ones have not killed any of my palms yet.

But there is an increased risk of infection I think, if the palm is valuable, consider sticking on some Tillandsia instead.

[Tracy]

2 hours ago, MOlivera said:

Does anyone have any prior experience with attaching staghorn ferns to palm trunks?

No problems, I used this one to dress up an Archontophoenix cunninghamiana.  It was small when attached about 3 years ago and has done well with less than optimal water.

[Brett in Mission Viejo]

I have had no problems either. I have one on a king trunk almost completely encircled for several years. The stag horn loves the canopy litter that falls into it!

[Really full garden]

This is a P.bifurcatum growing on an Areca catechu. Most tropical palms have evolved to be homes to epiphytes.There should be no problem as long as there is no existing damage from woodpeckers,freeze damage etc.

[MOlivera]

 Thanks  everyone for all the replies. Great information and awesome pictures. 

[Jannki]

Mine was attached to my palm tree with chicken wire. It’s drooping. I water it every few days. 

[Sonya]

My stags are in hanging baskets can I mail them on palm without damage?

[Tracy]

On 8/19/2021 at 5:04 AM, Sonya said:

My stags are in hanging baskets can I mail them on palm without damage?

Not a good idea to put nails in palm trees Sonya.  Eventually they will attach themselves but to get them started, I have used fishing line.  You don't want to constrict the growth of the palm so attaching on a young palm is a bit less than ideal.  Palm species will also pay into it.  Welcome to PalmTalk too!  Post a picture of the palms you are considering attaching them to and I'm sure you will get good feedback.

[DG2020]

I see lots of ferns popping up on palms in the yard but I was surprised to see Staghorn Ferns among them. 

[DCA_Palm_Fan]

On 8/19/2021 at 8:04 AM, Sonya said:

My stags are in hanging baskets can I mail them on palm without damage?

NO.

Whatever you do, do not damage the trunk of the tree.  Palm trees are not like regular trees in many ways. Some obvious, some not so obvious.  One of the not so obvious ways is that the bark / trunk, will not re-grow over an injury.   Any injury a palm tree truck sustains, will be permanent.    Use some other method do attach it, tying, strapping, etc.