Ferns are plants that look great wherever they are, as long as they are protected from direct sun. They like bright environments, with high humidity and mild temperatures, especially our protagonist. Known as Elk hornsis one of the most decorative. It is so much so that we might well think that it is an artificial plant.
But no, let’s be fooled: it’s about the species Proud silversmithwhat grows naturally in the rainforests of Australia and you can also do it at home.
Origin and characteristics of the elkhorn fern
It’s a epiphytic fernwhich grows on the branches of trees, native to Australia, specifically New South Wales, northern Nabiac and Queensland, whose scientific name is Proud silversmith. It is made up of fertile fronds between 75 and 160cm longhanging and divided into 4-6 times. The upper part is wedge-shaped, green for several years until it turns brown and has a texture similar to that of paper.
Its growth rate is rather slowsomething that comes from pearls to know because we can transplant it every 2-3 years, instead of every year as required by other species of ferns.
What care do you need?
If you are really liking this fern and you are going to get a specimen, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:
- Location: indoors, in a very bright room. If you live in an area with a mild climate or without frost, you can have it outside, in a corner where the sunlight does not reach directly.
- Soil or substrate: it must have good drainage and be rich in organic matter.
- Irrigation: 3-4 times a week in summer and a little less the rest of the year.
- Subscriber: highly advisable to fertilize it from spring to late summer with liquid organic fertilizers, such as guano, following the instructions specified on the package.
- Transplant: every 2-3 years, in spring.
- Rusticity: does not support frost.
What did you think of the elkhorn fern?
