Growing guide · Houseplant

Platycerium veitchii

How to grow Silver Staghorn Fern 'Ribbon Dance'.

Antlers, if antlers were felt.

Light
Bright indirect
Water
Moderate
Zones
Indoors, any
Size
12–18 in. tall
Pot
3.5 in. ceramic pot; it can be mounted on a board later as it grows.
Pets
Pet-safe · ASPCA
See sizes · from $15
Silver staghorn fern with narrow felted silver-green fronds in a grey ceramic pot

Light

Bright, indirect light. This silver species handles more light than most staghorns.

Water

Water at the base when the mix is nearly dry, wetting the round shield fronds that hug the pot. Once mounted, soak the whole board for 10–15 minutes and let it drain.

Pot and soil

A very airy mix of bark and sphagnum moss. Never bury the shield fronds in soil.

Pot it inRosy Orchid Mix · 4 qtBark and pumice, so roots dry out between drinks. 4 qt repots 2–3 plants. Peat-free, by Rosy Soil

Feeding

Diluted liquid fertilizer monthly in spring and summer.

Grooming

Leave the brown, papery shield fronds alone; they protect the roots and hold water. Remove only damaged antler fronds.

Through the year

Spring and summer: water more often and feed lightly. Fall and winter: let it dry a little more between waterings and skip the fertilizer.

If something's off

Black, soft base means too much water. Don't wipe off the silver fuzz. Non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Plays well with

Plant it with friends.

Rabbit's Foot Fern 'Wooly Tassel'
Davallia fejeensisRabbit's Foot Fern 'Wooly Tassel' from $15
Wax Plant 'Mitrata Silver'Sold out · notify me
Hoya mitrataWax Plant 'Mitrata Silver' from $105 Notify me when it's back

Why we stock it: A pet-safe fern that looks like a small sculpture and takes drier air than most ferns.

That's the whole guide. Thanks for reading.

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