What it is: This listing is a staghorn or elkhorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum). NC State Extension describes sterile shield fronds that press to the mount and fertile, antler-like fronds. It can be grown in a pot, a basket, or on a board.

Light: Give it dappled sunlight to partial shade (NC State Extension). A grow bulb helps in our dark winters if you keep the light gentle. Pot it in an epiphytic orchid or sphagnum mix, or grow it on a slab of wood or bark (NC State Extension).

Watering & care: Water the crown regularly, allowing the roots to dry slightly between waterings but never letting them dry out completely; it needs good drainage (NC State Extension). Potted plants can be watered from the bottom. Empty any saucer.

Humidity: It likes humid air, but NC State Extension notes that black spot may occur when humidity is too high, so aim for moist air with some ventilation. A humidifier helps in very dry rooms.

Temperature: NC State Extension lists USDA zones 9a to 13b and says it can be grown outside in zone 10. Here it is a houseplant or summer patio plant; keep it off cold glass.

Winter indoors: In winter, keep it in your brightest frost-free window or under a grow bulb, and be careful not to overwater.

Expected indoor size: NC State Extension's dimensions table is 2 to 3 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. Fertile, antler-like fronds grow up to 4 feet, though they are usually only 2 to 3 feet in cultivated plants (NC State Extension). Shield fronds often turn brown at maturity; that is normal. The plant may form pups and can be divided when large.

Feeding: Feed lightly during the growing season with our Schultz All Purpose Plant Food, and ease off in winter.

Pets & pests: The ASPCA lists Common Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. NC State Extension also tags it as non-toxic for cats, dogs and horses. It is still a plant, not a snack. Watch for spider mites, aphids and mealybugs (NC State Extension).

About your plant: Every plant is a little different. Size, fullness and leaf count vary from plant to plant and change with age and light, so we can't promise a particular frond length, fullness or colour. The options listed (4", 6") refer to the pot or container size. They do not guarantee an exact frond length, fullness or colour. Photos show typical plants from our greenhouse, not the specific plant you will receive. The shared gallery image shows other Ferns as inspiration.