Platycerium veitchii
silver elkhorn fern
An evergreen, epiphytic fern with thick, grey-green fronds which are covered in a thick layer of white hair which gives it a felty appearance like a stag or elk horn, which is where its common name comes from. The top of the fronds grow into long, slim fingers. The more the light levels, the more silvery the colour of the fronds. In the wild, these ferns grow on rock faces and have very good tolerance to drought. An ideal terrarium plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Grey Silver Green | |||
| Autumn | Grey Silver Green | |||
| Winter | Grey Silver Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Polypodiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Platycerium are evergreen, epiphytic ferns with short rhizomes, and a tuft of rounded or heart-shaped sterile fronds, sometimes lobed on the upper margin, and erect or pendent, grey-green fertile fronds which are usually repeatedly forked
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Eastern Australia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a heated greenhouse or conservatory but out of direct sunlight. Grow epiphytically on bark or wood to recreate the natural environment of growing on trees, using an equal mix of coarse leaf mould, loam, and charcoal in bright filtered light and hight humidity. In growth, water freely, mist daily, and feed monthly. Do not allow roots to dry out. Benefits from occasional immersion of the entire root ball in water for several minutes and then drained. Water sparingly in winter. See how to grow ferns as houseplants for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by replanting plantlets or through spores
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.