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Growing Inspiration
Inspiration for future Agardeni growing environments.
ornamentalFamily: PolypodiaceaeGenus: Platycerium
Cultivar
Elephant Ear Staghorn Fern
Platycerium
The Elephant Ear Staghorn Fern is a unique tropical epiphyte characterized by its expansive, rounded sterile fronds and lobed fertile fronds. Unlike many other staghorn ferns, it has a broader, flatter appearance that creates a distinct architectural look in mounting or hanging baskets. It thrives in humid, bright indirect light environments and is an excellent choice for experienced indoor gardeners seeking a sculptural plant.
Platycerium elephantotis is a striking epiphytic fern known for its large, broad, shield-like fronds that resemble elephant ears. It makes a dramatic statement in indoor tropical collections and mounted displays.
Marketplace packs coming soon
Current nursery inventory and 18 / 36 / 72 pricing will appear here when available.
Cultivar Story
Start with Inspiration. Grow Your Aspiration.
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Marketplace Plant
A realistic representation of the starter plants offered in 18, 36, and 72 plant quantities.
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Aspirational Garden
Grow your aspirational plan into an inspirational garden.
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Plant Detail
A closer look at the fruit, flower, foliage, or mature defining characteristics of this cultivar.
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Repotting / Start Growing
Begin with a starter plant and establish it in a larger pot using quality potting soil with beneficials and fertilizer.
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Start · Plan · Grow
Start with real plants. Plan with current marketplace availability. Grow your aspirational garden.
Cultivar Video
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Cultivar Video Coming Soon
See this cultivar from starter plant to aspirational garden.
Plant Profile
Grow Elephant Ear Staghorn Fern with confidence
Key growing information first, with the complete reviewed cultivar profile available when you want it.
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Sun
Bright, indirect light; avoid direct harsh sun which can burn the fronds.
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Water
Keep consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the moss or substrate to approach dryness between waterings, and increase humidity levels during drier months.
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Mature size
Up to 3 feet in width.
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Hardiness
10-12
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Growth habit
Epiphytic, rosette-forming fern.
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Plant type
tropical foliage plant
View Plant Data
Care, size, flowering, climate, soil, health, and additional reviewed data.
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View Plant Data
Care, size, flowering, climate, soil, health, and additional reviewed data.
Good to know
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Growing note
Best grown mounted on bark or in very loose, orchid-based substrates to ensure excellent drainage. Avoid getting water trapped in the center of the crown to prevent rot.
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Climate note
Prefers warm, humid conditions; protect from temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Flower / fruit
Non-flowering; reproduces via spores produced on the underside of fertile fronds.
Growing & Care
Everyday care, growth, feeding, and pruning guidance.
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Growing & Care
Everyday care, growth, feeding, and pruning guidance.
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Sun / light
Bright, indirect light; avoid direct harsh sun which can burn the fronds.
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Growth rate
Moderate.
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Fertilizer
Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer during the active growing season. Apply sparingly.
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Pruning
Remove dead or browning fronds with clean, sharp shears to maintain plant health and appearance.
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Care notes
Best grown mounted on bark or in very loose, orchid-based substrates to ensure excellent drainage. Avoid getting water trapped in the center of the crown to prevent rot.
Size & Habit
How the plant grows and the space it needs at maturity.
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Size & Habit
How the plant grows and the space it needs at maturity.
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Mature size
Up to 3 feet in width.
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Growth habit
Epiphytic, rosette-forming fern.
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Spacing
3 to 4 feet apart for mounting displays.
Flower / Fruit
Flowering, fruiting, pollination, bloom, and harvest behavior.
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Flower / Fruit
Flowering, fruiting, pollination, bloom, and harvest behavior.
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Flowering / fruiting
Non-flowering; reproduces via spores produced on the underside of fertile fronds.
Climate & Hardiness
Cold, heat, chill, and regional growing considerations.
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Climate & Hardiness
Cold, heat, chill, and regional growing considerations.
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Hardiness zones
10-12
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Temperature
Prefers warm, humid conditions; protect from temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil & Water
Moisture, drainage, soil, and pH preferences.
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Soil & Water
Moisture, drainage, soil, and pH preferences.
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Watering
Keep consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the moss or substrate to approach dryness between waterings, and increase humidity levels during drier months.
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Soil
Requires a very well-draining, airy mix such as orchid bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite. Does not grow in standard potting soil.
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Soil pH
6.0-7.0
More Plant Data
19 additional reviewed fields from this Plant.id.
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More Plant Data
19 additional reviewed fields from this Plant.id.
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Container Growing
Ideal for mounting on wood plaques or using in hanging baskets. Ensure container choice prioritizes drainage and airflow to the root zone.
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Family
Polypodiaceae
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Foliage Look
Leathery, broad, bright to mid-green fronds with a slightly dusty or velvet texture.
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Foliage Rules
Leaves are broad and leathery with a fine, fuzzy texture (trichomes) on the surface.
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Fruit Flower Look
Not applicable; look for brown spore patches on leaf undersides.
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Fruit Flower Rules
Does not produce flowers or fruits; look for brown, fuzzy sori patches on the underside of mature fertile fronds.
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Growth Habit Rules
Do not depict as a terrestrial plant; this is an epiphyte that grows best attached to surfaces or in specialized baskets.
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Mature Plant Look
An architecturally impressive, large-scale fern with a broad, plate-like appearance.
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Mature Stage Morphology
Large, broad, rounded sterile shields with upright, bifurcating fertile fronds.
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Morphology Rules
Maintain the distinction between the basal shield fronds and the fertile fronds.
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Plant Faqs
Does this fern need to be planted in soil? No, it is an epiphyte and prefers being mounted or grown in a chunky orchid-type mix. How often should I water my staghorn fern? Water when the moss or substrate feels slightly dry to the touch, and maintain high ambient humidity. Is this plant safe for indoor growing? Yes, it is a popular tropical houseplant that thrives in well-lit indoor spaces.
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Root Look
Dense, wiry root mass attached to a substrate.
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Soil Look
Usually mounted on wood or in loose, chunky organic substrates like bark.
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Starter Stage
Small, young plant with developing basal and fertile fronds.
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Starter Stage Morphology
Features small, developing green shields and initial thin leaf growth typical of juvenile Platycerium.
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Video Voiceover Script
Welcome to Agardeni, where inspiration for gardening helps us imagine how and where we will grow Elephant Ear Staghorn Fern. This is Elephant Ear Staghorn Fern, available as 18, 36, and 72 plant starter trays through the Agardeni Marketplace. Let this striking fern become part of your aspirational plan, helping you imagine the future indoor tropical environment you want to create. Notice the broad, shield-like foliage and unique leathery texture that define this impressive species as it reaches maturity. Establish your starter by potting it in a small container with a quality, well-draining mix, later moving it to an appropriate final mount or hanging display when established. Find your inspiration with Agardeni. Explore real plants and real availability. Start. Plan. Grow.
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Youtube Tags
Platycerium Platycerium elephantotis Staghorn Fern Elephant Ear Fern Epiphytic Fern Tropical Foliage Indoor Plants Houseplant Care Mounted Ferns Agardeni
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Youtube Video Summary
Explore the unique architectural beauty of the Platycerium elephantotis. This distinct epiphytic fern is a perfect choice for creating a stunning, mounted display in your indoor tropical garden.
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Youtube Video Title
Growing the Elephant Ear Staghorn Fern - Platycerium elephantotis
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Future Buyer Brand Sellers
Possible future seller options for 2.5-inch, 4-inch, and 1-gallon finished plants.