Elaphoglossum decoratum 'Ecuagenera' is a captivating fern cultivar celebrated for its glossy, dark green fronds and uniquely textured foliage. This epiphytic fern has an upright, compact growth habit, with broad, leathery leaves that develop a rich, almost metallic sheen under the right conditions. Unlike many ferns, Elaphoglossum decoratum has smooth, undivided fronds rather than the more common feathered or lobed structure. Its foliage has an attractive deep green hue with a subtly rippled texture, making it a striking addition to indoor plant collections or terrariums.
This fern is moderately demanding in terms of humidity and temperature, making it better suited to controlled indoor environments or terrariums where its natural cloud-forest conditions can be replicated. With careful attention to its water and light needs, Elaphoglossum decoratum can be a beautiful, low-maintenance plant that provides a unique aesthetic to any plant display.
Native to
Elaphoglossum decoratum is native to the cloud forests of Ecuador and other parts of South America, where it grows epiphytically on trees or rocks in humid, shaded conditions. Its native environment is characterised by high humidity, cool temperatures, and indirect sunlight filtered through dense forest canopies.
Water
This fern prefers consistently moist conditions, so water it regularly to keep the soil or mounting medium lightly moist. It does not tolerate drying out or waterlogging, so using a well-draining medium like sphagnum moss or an epiphytic potting mix is recommended. Misting the plant lightly can help maintain moisture levels, especially if grown in a pot.
Light
Elaphoglossum decoratum requires low to medium, indirect light, similar to its natural cloud-forest environment. It thrives best in a shaded or dappled light setting and should be kept out of direct sunlight, which can scorch its delicate fronds. A north-facing window or a spot with filtered light is ideal.
Humidity
High humidity, ideally between 70% and 80%, is essential for this fern, making it well-suited for growth in a terrarium. In standard indoor environments, a humidifier is recommended to keep the humidity high and prevent fronds browning or crisping.
Temperature
Elaphoglossum decoratum thrives in cool to moderate temperatures, ideally between 15°C and 22°C. It is sensitive to excessive warmth and does best with stable, cooler temperatures. Avoid placing it near heaters, radiators, or drafts to maintain a stable environment that mimics its native cloud-forest habitat.
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All plants are shipped in their plastic nursery pot unless otherwise stated.
Plant pot sizes can fluctuate +/- 1cm.
We recommend to always size up your decorative pot by 1-2cm larger than the stated plant pot size. For example if you are purchasing a 12cm plant, you should purchase a 14cm decorative pot to ensure it will fit correctly.
We pride ourselves on the love and care with give our plants. Our entire team are plant obsessives at heart and so we go above and beyond to care for the plants we have in stock.
That said, plants are living beings and may differ slightly from the photo provided unless otherwise stated. Small leaf imperfections may be present and won't be compensated for. Some plants such as Begonia may suffer slight leaf melt when shipped. This is normal and nothing to be concerned about.
All our plants are stores and/or grown in our nursery under LED lighting. The conditions in our nursery are a minimum of 60% humidity and 19C year round.
