Platycerium veitchii

RHS Plant Profile
silver elkhorn fern
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Ferns Houseplants

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

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Polypodiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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