Platycerium elephantotis (Elephant Ear Staghorn Fern)

🌿 The Elephant Ear Staghorn Fern (Platycerium elephantotis), a member of the Polypodiaceae family, is native to the tropical forests of Africa where it grows as an epiphyte on tree trunks and branches. This intermediate-level plant gets its common name from its distinctive shield fronds that resemble elephant ears, creating a sculptural presence unlike typical houseplants. Here's something fascinating: in its natural habitat, the shield fronds collect falling leaves and debris, which decompose and provide nutrients directly to the plant—nature's own composting system built right in.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This staghorn grows as an upright epiphyte with two distinct types of fronds. The sterile shield fronds are round to kidney-shaped, turning from green to tan as they mature and overlap to form a protective nest against the mounting surface. The fertile fronds emerge from the centre, growing upright to arching with a grey-green colour and a soft, felted texture that feels almost velvety to the touch. These fronds can reach 60-90 cm in length at maturity and have a slightly drooping habit that adds movement to the display.
FLOWER DETAILS
Staghorn ferns do not produce flowers. Instead, they reproduce through spores that develop on the undersides of the fertile fronds in brownish patches. While this might sound less exciting than blooms, watching the spore patches develop and mature offers its own quiet fascination for plant enthusiasts who appreciate the ancient reproductive methods of ferns.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light for 4-6 hours daily. Can tolerate some morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon rays which can scorch the fronds.
💧 Water: Soak the root ball weekly in spring and summer, every 10-14 days in winter. Submerge in room-temperature water for 10-15 minutes until saturated, then drain completely. The shield fronds will wrinkle slightly when thirsty.
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers 50-70% humidity. Mist the fronds 2-3 times weekly in dry conditions, but avoid misting when temperatures drop below 15°C.
🪴 Soil: Not grown in traditional soil. Mount on wood slabs, cork bark, or in baskets with sphagnum moss, orchid bark, and perlite mix for support.
🏺 Potting: Best mounted on wood plaques or grown in slatted wooden baskets. Rarely needs remounting. When shield fronds cover the mount entirely (every 3-5 years), transfer to a larger surface.
🌱 Growth rate: Slow to moderate. Produces 2-4 new fertile fronds per year. Reaches 60-90 cm width in 3-4 years. Maximum size in home conditions: 90-120 cm across.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly spring through early fall with diluted liquid fertilizer (quarter strength) mixed into soaking water. Skip fertilizer in winter months.
🐾 Pet friendly: Yes, non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe choice for homes with curious pets.
WHERE TO PUT IT
The Elephant Ear Staghorn makes a dramatic statement mounted on a wall in bright living rooms, bathrooms with windows, or covered patios during warm months. It works well in spaces with high ceilings where its size can be appreciated without crowding. Avoid placing near heating vents, air conditioners, or in dark corners where it won't receive adequate light. Keep away from cold drafts and windows during Canadian winters.