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Platycerium Elephantotis
₹ 1,999.00
Regular price
₹ 4,500.00
Sale price
₹ 1,999.00
Platycerium Elephantotis — 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.
What 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.
💡 Key Difference from Other Staghorns
Unlike most Platycerium that prefer to dry out between waterings, Elephantotis prefers to stay consistently and evenly moist. 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.
Light
▾Bright 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.
Watering
▾Keep 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.
Growing Media
▾Mount 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.
Feeding & Fertilization
▾Light 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.
🪵 Mounting & Airflow
Mount 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.
⚠️ Common Issues & Quick Fixes
Drooping Fronds
▾Underwatering — water immediately. This species doesn't recover well from prolonged drought. Soak the mount thoroughly and don't let it happen repeatedly.
Black or Mushy Base
▾Root rot from overwatering or poor drainage. Reduce watering frequency and improve airflow around the base immediately.
Pale or Yellowing Fronds
▾Too much direct sun or mineral buildup from tap water. Switch to rainwater or filtered water and move to a shadier spot.
Scale Insects or Mealybugs
▾Apply diluted neem oil with a soft cloth to affected areas. Avoid spraying directly inside the shield frond cups.
📋 Quick Plant Profile
| Botanical Name | Platycerium elephantotis |
| Common Names | Elephant Ear Staghorn Fern, Angola Staghorn, African Staghorn |
| Plant Type | Rare Epiphytic Fern / Wall-Mounted or Basket Plant |
| Origin | Central & West Tropical Africa (Angola, Congo, Uganda) |
| Light | Bright Indirect to Filtered Shade (more shade than most staghorns) |
| Watering | Keep evenly moist — do not allow to dry out fully |
| Humidity | 50–80% — mist fronds daily in dry weather |
| Temperature | 18°C–32°C ideal; cold-sensitive below 15°C |
| Growing Method | Wall-mounted board or large hanging basket |
| Mature Frond Size | Fertile fronds: 60–75 cm; Shield fronds: 45–60 cm tall |
| Unique Feature | Only staghorn fern with completely unforked, rounded fronds |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to humans and pets |
| Care Level | Moderate — more forgiving than Ridleyi but needs consistent moisture |