heehee, nice save.
I've attached Java fern to driftwood using natural splits in the wood, and it
does work well, but you have to be sure that the 'slices' are the right size for the rhizome. How securely the rhizome is held to the wood initially affects how tightly it will ultimately attach - but it can't be gripped too tightly as to damage the plant.
In a few instances, I've had plants that have somewhat slipped free, and while they did attach, they're now more or less floating - gripping on by only a few small roots! I've left them, as I'm curious to see what they will ultimately do in this situation. . .
I've also had similar success attaching these plants using a small rock to hold them in place while they take hold.
I prefer to use small silicone rubber bands, either clear or black (depending on the plant). This is much easier for me than trying to tie them on, doesn't involve cutting into my precious driftwood, and isn't very noticeable if done right. By the time the bands lose elasticity (at which point they are very easy to pull away with fingers), the plant has successfully attached.
