The Staghorn or Elkhorn fern is native to the tropical rainforests of South East Asia, Polynesia and Australia where it grows on tree trunks and branches. The fern has two types of fronds: the flat, wide, infertile fronds that cover the crown and the forked, arching, fertile fronds that give the plant its name.

In optimal conditions a home-grown plant can reach 2-3 feet in height and width. A warm humid environment with filtered light is necessary for successfully growing these epiphytic ferns. In home gardens it is commonly grown by tying the crown to a board or planting in an epiphytic potting mix. While the fern is not winter hardy in Chicago and must be overwintered in a suitable location it can be placed outside in a sheltered location in the warmer summer months.