Elephant Fern

Light Needs

Bright Indirect Light

Mature Height

2-3 Feet

Mature Spread

6 Feet

Feature

Pet Safe

Elephant Fern stands apart from typical staghorn ferns because its broad, rounded fertile fronds look more like elephant ears than antlers. This Platycerium elephantotis, also called Elephant Ear Staghorn Fern and rare staghorn fern, matures about 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide when grown well in a container or mounted display. Its tall shield fronds and deeply veined green fertile fronds give it a bold, sculptural look as it ages. We recommend it for growers who enjoy mounted plants and can keep a close eye on moisture levels.

Best Locations For Growing Elephant Fern

Grow Elephant Fern in a bright bathroom, kitchen, sunroom, greenhouse, covered porch, or warm living room with good humidity. It can grow outdoors in zones 9 to 11 with frost protection, but indoor growers should keep it above 50°F and away from cold drafts. Elephant Ear Staghorn Fern is not considered toxic to pets, though it is still best kept where cats, dogs, and children will not pull at the fronds.

Elephant Fern Sunlight Requirements

Elephant Fern grows best in partial sun, filtered shade, or bright indirect light. An east-facing window or a spot near a bright window with sheer protection works well indoors. Avoid hot direct afternoon sun, which can bleach or mark the fronds.

Elephant Fern Care

Start Elephant Fern in a small container, hanging basket, or mounted on sphagnum over a wooden plaque. As it matures, mounting is often the best long-term choice because this species can become large and heavy. Use sphagnum moss, tree fern fiber, or another airy organic medium rather than dense potting soil. Do not remove the brown shield fronds, since they help protect the roots and collect moisture and organic debris.

Watering Elephant Fern

Keep Elephant Fern evenly moist, watering before the mount or growing medium dries completely. It prefers moderate to high humidity, so mist around the plant, use a humidifier, or grow it in a naturally humid room.

Feeding Elephant Fern

Feed Elephant Fern monthly in spring and summer with a half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer or orchid fertilizer. Reduce feeding during cooler months when growth slows, then resume once new fronds begin forming.

SKU:

FERN_ELEPHANT