Platycerium veitchii Quart

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.

Common Name: Silver Elkhorn

Mature Size: Under ideal conditions, up to 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide

Growth Rate: Slow

Optimum Temperature: 60°-80° F

Characteristics: Houseplant, can be fastened to wood

Light: As much indirect light as possible indoors, filtered all-day sun outdoors in the summer.

Water Requirements: Water thoroughly when top inch of soil is dry (or when board dries out)

Foliage Color:

Bloom Color: N/A

Bloom Time:

Structure: Upright

Photos: Real images, not stock photos

Please Note: When Ground Shipping is selected, plants will be shipped on the following Monday to help maintain the plant quality.