{"product_id":"platycerium-elephantotis","title":"Platycerium Elephantotis","description":"\u003c!-- ============================================================\n     PLATYCERIUM ELEPHANTOTIS (ELEPHANT EAR STAGHORN FERN) - Shopify HTML\n     Paste this into Shopify Admin \u003e Products \u003e Description (HTML view)\n     ============================================================ --\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- PAGE TITLE \u0026 META — Add these in Shopify Admin \u003e Products \u003e SEO section --\u003e\n\u003c!--\n  PAGE TITLE:\n  Platycerium Elephantotis – Elephant Ear Staghorn Fern | Buy Rare Ferns Online – Soiled\n\n  META DESCRIPTION:\n  Buy Platycerium Elephantotis (Elephant Ear Staghorn Fern) online in India. A rare African staghorn fern with enormous, unfurling ear-shaped fronds — one of the most dramatic epiphytic ferns in cultivation. Shop at Soiled, India's home for rare exotic plants.\n--\u003e\n\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n  .soiled-product-desc {\n    font-family: inherit;\n    color: inherit;\n    line-height: 1.7;\n  }\n  .soiled-product-desc h2 {\n    font-size: 1.1em;\n    font-weight: 700;\n    margin-top: 24px;\n    margin-bottom: 8px;\n    letter-spacing: 0.03em;\n    text-transform: uppercase;\n    color: #2d5a27;\n    border-bottom: 1px solid #e0ead9;\n    padding-bottom: 6px;\n  }\n  .soiled-product-desc p {\n    margin: 0 0 14px 0;\n    font-size: 0.97em;\n  }\n  .soiled-info-box {\n    background: #eef5fb;\n    border: 1px solid #b8d4ec;\n    border-left: 4px solid #3a87c8;\n    border-radius: 8px;\n    padding: 14px 16px;\n    margin: 20px 0;\n    font-size: 0.92em;\n    color: #1a3a52;\n    line-height: 1.6;\n  }\n  .soiled-info-box strong {\n    display: block;\n    margin-bottom: 4px;\n    font-size: 0.95em;\n    letter-spacing: 0.03em;\n  }\n\n  \/* ── COLLAPSIBLE ACCORDION ── *\/\n  .soiled-care-accordion {\n    display: flex;\n    flex-direction: column;\n    gap: 10px;\n    margin: 24px 0;\n  }\n  .soiled-acc-card {\n    background: #f5f9f3;\n    border: 1px solid #d9e8d4;\n    border-radius: 10px;\n    overflow: hidden;\n    transition: box-shadow 0.2s;\n  }\n  .soiled-acc-card:hover {\n    box-shadow: 0 3px 12px rgba(45,90,39,0.10);\n  }\n  .soiled-acc-header {\n    display: flex;\n    align-items: center;\n    gap: 12px;\n    padding: 14px 16px;\n    cursor: pointer;\n    user-select: none;\n    background: #f5f9f3;\n    transition: background 0.2s;\n  }\n  .soiled-acc-card.acc-open .soiled-acc-header {\n    background: #e8f4e4;\n    border-bottom: 1px solid #d9e8d4;\n  }\n  .soiled-acc-header .care-icon {\n    font-size: 1.4em;\n    flex-shrink: 0;\n  }\n  .soiled-acc-header h3 {\n    flex: 1;\n    font-size: 0.92em;\n    font-weight: 700;\n    text-transform: uppercase;\n    letter-spacing: 0.05em;\n    color: #2d5a27;\n    margin: 0;\n  }\n  .soiled-acc-arrow {\n    font-size: 1.2em;\n    color: #7aaa7a;\n    transition: transform 0.3s;\n    flex-shrink: 0;\n  }\n  .soiled-acc-card.acc-open .soiled-acc-arrow {\n    transform: rotate(180deg);\n  }\n  .soiled-acc-body {\n    display: none;\n    padding: 14px 16px;\n  }\n  .soiled-acc-card.acc-open .soiled-acc-body {\n    display: block;\n  }\n  .soiled-acc-body p {\n    font-size: 0.9em;\n    color: #444;\n    line-height: 1.6;\n    margin: 0;\n  }\n\n  \/* ── ISSUE CARDS ── *\/\n  .soiled-issue-card {\n    background: #fffbf2;\n    border-color: #f0d890;\n  }\n  .soiled-issue-header {\n    background: #fffbf2;\n  }\n  .soiled-issue-card.acc-open .soiled-acc-header {\n    background: #fff3d0;\n    border-bottom-color: #f0d890;\n  }\n  .soiled-issue-card h3 {\n    color: #7a5200 !important;\n  }\n  .soiled-issue-card .soiled-acc-arrow {\n    color: #c8a040;\n  }\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"soiled-product-desc\"\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- PRODUCT DESCRIPTION --\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlatycerium Elephantotis\u003c\/strong\u003e — the Elephant Ear Staghorn Fern — is one of the most sculpturally striking plants in existence. Native to the tropical forests of Central Africa, it earns its name from its enormous, broadly rounded fertile fronds that arch outward like elephant ears — wide, deeply veined, and unlike any other fern in cultivation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003eWhat makes it truly one-of-a-kind within the Platycerium genus is that its fronds don't fork. While every other staghorn produces classic bifurcated antler fronds, Elephantotis grows broad, undivided paddles that sweep upward in a regal arc. Mature specimens reach 90 cm tall with fertile fronds spanning 60–75 cm — a slow-growing living sculpture that rewards patience generously.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- KEY DIFFERENCE BOX --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"soiled-info-box\"\u003e\n    \u003cstrong\u003e💡 Key Difference from Other Staghorns\u003c\/strong\u003e\n    Unlike most Platycerium that prefer to dry out between waterings, Elephantotis prefers to stay \u003cem\u003econsistently and evenly moist\u003c\/em\u003e. It also prefers more shade. If you've grown other staghorns before, adjust your routine — this species doesn't recover as well from drought stress.\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- CARE GUIDE — COLLAPSIBLE --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"soiled-care-accordion\"\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"soiled-acc-card acc-open\" onclick=\"toggleAcc(this)\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"soiled-acc-header\"\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"care-icon\"\u003e☀️\u003c\/span\u003e\n        \u003ch3\u003eLight\u003c\/h3\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"soiled-acc-arrow\"\u003e▾\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"soiled-acc-body\"\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eBright indirect light to filtered shade — prefers more shade than most staghorns. Indoors: 1–2 metres from a bright east-facing window. Outdoors: 50–70% shade cloth or beneath a canopy. Early morning sun is fine; harsh midday sun will scorch and bleach the fronds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"soiled-acc-card\" onclick=\"toggleAcc(this)\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"soiled-acc-header\"\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"care-icon\"\u003e💧\u003c\/span\u003e\n        \u003ch3\u003eWatering\u003c\/h3\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"soiled-acc-arrow\"\u003e▾\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"soiled-acc-body\"\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eKeep evenly and consistently moist — do not let it dry out fully. Water as soon as the moss feels slightly dry or fronds begin to droop. Use rainwater or filtered water. Mist fronds daily in dry weather. Reduce in winter but never stop completely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"soiled-acc-card\" onclick=\"toggleAcc(this)\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"soiled-acc-header\"\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"care-icon\"\u003e🌱\u003c\/span\u003e\n        \u003ch3\u003eGrowing Media\u003c\/h3\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"soiled-acc-arrow\"\u003e▾\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"soiled-acc-body\"\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eMount on teak, cork bark, or cedar with a generous pad of long-fibre sphagnum moss mixed with coco husk chips. Can also grow in a wide shallow hanging basket. Substrate should retain moisture longer than typical staghorn mixes. Secure with monofilament fishing line only — never cotton twine or copper wire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"soiled-acc-card\" onclick=\"toggleAcc(this)\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"soiled-acc-header\"\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"care-icon\"\u003e🌾\u003c\/span\u003e\n        \u003ch3\u003eFeeding \u0026amp; Fertilization\u003c\/h3\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"soiled-acc-arrow\"\u003e▾\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"soiled-acc-body\"\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eLight feeder. Apply half-strength orchid fertilizer or 20-20-20 at quarter strength monthly, spring to early autumn. Or tuck 3–5 slow-release granules under shield fronds every 6 months. Banana peel on shield fronds works well organically. Avoid over-fertilizing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- MOUNTING \u0026 AIRFLOW --\u003e\n  \u003ch2\u003e🪵 Mounting \u0026amp; Airflow\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eMount vertically with the growth bud pointing upward, secured with moist sphagnum moss. As shield fronds expand they'll naturally envelop and anchor the mount. A gentle fan or well-ventilated room is sufficient — high humidity (50–80%) matters more than strong airflow for this species. Never remove the brown shield fronds; they are alive and protecting the root system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- COMMON ISSUES — COLLAPSIBLE --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"margin:20px 0 0;\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"font-size:0.95em;font-weight:700;color:#5a4a00;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;margin-bottom:10px;\"\u003e⚠️ Common Issues \u0026amp; Quick Fixes\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"soiled-acc-card soiled-issue-card\" onclick=\"toggleAcc(this)\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"soiled-acc-header soiled-issue-header\"\u003e\n        \u003ch3\u003eDrooping Fronds\u003c\/h3\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"soiled-acc-arrow\"\u003e▾\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"soiled-acc-body\"\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eUnderwatering — water immediately. This species doesn't recover well from prolonged drought. Soak the mount thoroughly and don't let it happen repeatedly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"soiled-acc-card soiled-issue-card\" onclick=\"toggleAcc(this)\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"soiled-acc-header soiled-issue-header\"\u003e\n        \u003ch3\u003eBlack or Mushy Base\u003c\/h3\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"soiled-acc-arrow\"\u003e▾\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"soiled-acc-body\"\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eRoot rot from overwatering or poor drainage. Reduce watering frequency and improve airflow around the base immediately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"soiled-acc-card soiled-issue-card\" onclick=\"toggleAcc(this)\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"soiled-acc-header soiled-issue-header\"\u003e\n        \u003ch3\u003ePale or Yellowing Fronds\u003c\/h3\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"soiled-acc-arrow\"\u003e▾\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"soiled-acc-body\"\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eToo much direct sun or mineral buildup from tap water. Switch to rainwater or filtered water and move to a shadier spot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"soiled-acc-card soiled-issue-card\" onclick=\"toggleAcc(this)\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"soiled-acc-header soiled-issue-header\"\u003e\n        \u003ch3\u003eScale Insects or Mealybugs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n        \u003cspan class=\"soiled-acc-arrow\"\u003e▾\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"soiled-acc-body\"\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eApply diluted neem oil with a soft cloth to affected areas. Avoid spraying directly inside the shield frond cups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- QUICK PROFILE TABLE --\u003e\n  \u003ch2\u003e📋 Quick Plant Profile\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003ctable style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:0.92em;\"\u003e\n    \u003ctbody\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"background:#f5f9f3;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d9e8d4;font-weight:600;width:40%;\"\u003eBotanical Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d9e8d4;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003ePlatycerium elephantotis\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d9e8d4;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCommon Names\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d9e8d4;\"\u003eElephant Ear Staghorn Fern, Angola Staghorn, African Staghorn\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"background:#f5f9f3;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d9e8d4;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePlant Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d9e8d4;\"\u003eRare Epiphytic Fern \/ Wall-Mounted or Basket Plant\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d9e8d4;font-weight:600;\"\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d9e8d4;\"\u003eCentral \u0026amp; West Tropical Africa (Angola, Congo, Uganda)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"background:#f5f9f3;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d9e8d4;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLight\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d9e8d4;\"\u003eBright Indirect to Filtered Shade (more shade than most staghorns)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d9e8d4;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWatering\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d9e8d4;\"\u003eKeep evenly moist — do not allow to dry out fully\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"background:#f5f9f3;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d9e8d4;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHumidity\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d9e8d4;\"\u003e50–80% — mist fronds daily in dry weather\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d9e8d4;font-weight:600;\"\u003eTemperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d9e8d4;\"\u003e18°C–32°C ideal; cold-sensitive below 15°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"background:#f5f9f3;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d9e8d4;font-weight:600;\"\u003eGrowing Method\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d9e8d4;\"\u003eWall-mounted board or large hanging basket\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d9e8d4;font-weight:600;\"\u003eMature Frond Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d9e8d4;\"\u003eFertile fronds: 60–75 cm; Shield fronds: 45–60 cm tall\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"background:#f5f9f3;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d9e8d4;font-weight:600;\"\u003eUnique Feature\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d9e8d4;\"\u003eOnly staghorn fern with completely unforked, rounded fronds\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d9e8d4;font-weight:600;\"\u003eToxicity\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d9e8d4;\"\u003eNon-toxic to humans and pets\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"background:#f5f9f3;\"\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d9e8d4;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCare Level\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d9e8d4;\"\u003eModerate — more forgiving than Ridleyi but needs consistent moisture\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n  \u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cscript\u003e\n  function toggleAcc(card) {\n    card.classList.toggle('acc-open');\n  }\n\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Pritam Verma","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51344264036673,"sku":null,"price":1999.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0248\/9837\/1618\/files\/Platycerium_Elephantotis.png?v=1769774461","url":"https:\/\/www.soiled.in\/products\/platycerium-elephantotis","provider":"Soiled","version":"1.0","type":"link"}