Source: Wikimedia Commons
Silver Elkhorn Fern
BeginnerPlatycerium veitchii
A silvery staghorn fern whose narrow fertile fronds, coated in white star-shaped hairs, rise in clusters. The upper edge of the shield frond is deeply cut into thin, finger-like lobes.
About
Platycerium veitchii, the silver elkhorn, is a fern in the family Polypodiaceae endemic to central and eastern Queensland, Australia, occurring in scattered patches west of the Great Dividing Range. Unlike most staghorns, which are rainforest epiphytes, it grows on rocks in drier open forest and vine scrub, and a drought-adapted (CAM) metabolism has been reported for it. Flora of Australia describes it as follows. The shield fronds are rounded-reniform, 20-45 cm long, with the upper margin deeply cut into thin, finger-like lobes up to about 20 cm long and 1.5 cm wide (rarely entire). The fertile fronds, in clusters of up to 11, are ascending to somewhat pendulous, 4.5-72 cm long, tapering from a narrow base and forking into 1-8 narrow lobes, with the undersurface white from crowded stellate hairs. Sporangia cover most of the underside of the ultimate segments. The Australian P. bifurcatum has bluntly lobed shields that stay green for a long time, and P. hillii has entire shield margins and almost hairless dark green fertile fronds, so the finger-cut shields and white fronds identify P. veitchii. Its roots produce pups, forming colonies. In Japan it is a staple beginner-to-intermediate species stocked by several specialist nurseries.
Size of the Silver Elkhorn Fern
The Silver Elkhorn Fern grows to Fertile fronds 4.5-72 cm; shield fronds 20-45 cm long.
Basic Info
Origin
Australia (central and eastern Queensland)
Lifespan
Perennial (lithophytic/epiphytic fern)
Size
Fertile fronds 4.5-72 cm; shield fronds 20-45 cm long
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
Little data on feeding; in the wild, leaf litter trapped by the shield fronds decomposes to supply nutrients
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Native to bright, dry rocky sites and likes strong light. In poor light it tends to look greener with fewer white hairs.
Watering
Drought tolerant. After watering the crown, wait until the roots dry slightly before watering again, and avoid constant wetness.
Temperature & Overwintering
Not frost hardy. Bring it indoors in winter away from cold windows.
Soil & Repotting
Mount on a board or tree-fern slab with sphagnum moss, or pot in an orchid mix or sphagnum. The shield fronds grow over the base to cover the roots, so never peel them off.
Propagation
Roots produce pups that form colonies; divide well-grown pups.
Pests & Cautions
The white hairs protect against drought and strong light; they rub off and do not grow back, so avoid touching them. Watch for spider mites, aphids and mealybugs. The white star-shaped hairs on the fronds protect the plant, so do not rub them off.
Silver Elkhorn Fern FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Silver Elkhorn Fern?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Silver Elkhorn Fern get?
The mature size of Silver Elkhorn Fern is Fertile fronds 4.5-72 cm; shield fronds 20-45 cm long. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Silver Elkhorn Fern?
Silver Elkhorn Fern: watering & fertilizer — Little data on feeding; in the wild, leaf litter trapped by the shield fronds decomposes to supply nutrients. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Silver Elkhorn Fern?
The price of Silver Elkhorn Fern varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices. Not a designated invasive alien species in Japan, nor a nationally rare species under the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing check) / Ministry of the Environment: List of Invasive Alien Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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