Terrestrial Elkhorn Fern

Terrestrial Elkhorn Fern (Microsorum punctatum 'Grandiceps') is the fern for a shaded spot that needs shape rather than softness. It forms a clump about 60cm tall and 60cm across, built from upright strappy fronds that split into flat crested fans at the tips. It takes heat, humidity and damp soil without complaint, and it is not toxic to cats or dogs.

Why you'll love it

• Crested tips that read as sculpture. Each frond forks into a fan at the end, so a clump looks worked on even when it has been ignored.
• Genuinely happy in shade. This is a plant for the dark side of the house or a room away from a window, where most ferns thin out.
• It tolerates wet feet. A pot that stays damp will not kill it, which makes it far more forgiving than a maidenhair.
• Pet friendly. Not toxic to cats or dogs, so it can sit at floor level in a home with animals.

Where it works best

Indoors and in courtyards. Bright indirect light and a warm room suit it anywhere in the country, which matters because outdoors it is frost tender.

Pots and balconies. A 400mm pot holds a mature clump comfortably. Shaded balconies and covered courtyards are close to its natural conditions.

Groundcover and mass planting. In frost free gardens, plant 50cm apart under trees or along a shaded path and the clumps knit into continuous cover.

Growing Terrestrial Elkhorn Fern in Australia

Position and climate. Full to part shade, never direct midday sun, which scorches the fronds. Outdoors it belongs in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. It is frost tender, so in cool temperate and inland gardens grow it in a pot and bring it under cover for winter.

Soil. A free draining mix with plenty of organic matter, such as a quality potting mix opened up with bark or perlite. In the ground, dig compost through and mulch lightly.

Water and feed. Keep the mix evenly moist through the warm months and ease back in winter. Half strength liquid fertiliser monthly from spring to autumn is plenty. Avoid letting it dry out completely.

Grooming. Cut spent or browned fronds off at the base rather than trimming them partway, since a cut frond never regrows its tip. Old fronds are replaced from the centre.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in one size, a 300mm pot, so you receive an established clump with several full fronds rather than a young division. That size can go straight into a decorative pot or into a prepared shaded bed.

Ferns travel with some frond bruising or a tired look after transit, which is normal and grows out. Give it a week in a shaded, sheltered spot before planting, and expect new fronds within four to six weeks in warm weather. Delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Ideal fern environments in your garden covers light, humidity and placement.
• Browse the full range of ferns for shady areas.
• Compare other plants for full shade.
• See more pet friendly indoor plants.

Common questions

Does it flower?

No. Ferns reproduce by spores, not flowers, and you may see brown spore dots in rows on the undersides of mature fronds. Those are healthy, not a pest problem.

Can I grow it outside in Melbourne or Adelaide?

Not in the ground. It is frost tender and suited to tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens, so in cooler southern cities keep it potted and move it indoors or under a verandah for winter.

How far apart should I plant it for cover?

Set plants 50cm apart. At that spacing the crowns meet within a season or two and read as continuous ground level foliage rather than separate clumps.

Why are the frond tips browning?

Usually dry air, dry mix or too much direct light. Move it out of the sun, keep the mix evenly moist, and cut damaged fronds back at the base.