This Silver Elkhorn is a prime example of how a plant's growth and appearance can be affected by its environment. One of the few staghorn ferns that is native to the dry deserts of Australia, this variety will develop a covering of silver hairs over upright fertile "fingers" only if it grows in a bright enough environment. Too little light and the shield fronds (the rounded basal leaves) develop shorter fingers that are more prostrate. Grow in rich well-draining soil or attached to a board (cedar or redwood will last longer than others) and water only when the soil is quite dry. If you have the space for it, the Silver Elkhorn may be fun to grow in a hanging basket. Theoretically, this fern could weigh as much as 300 pounds at maturity, growing to four feet tall and two feet across, though it could take years to reach that size.