Elaphoglossum metallicum

Elaphoglossum metallicum, often called the Metallic Fern, is an exquisite epiphytic species native to the cloud forests of the Andes from Colombia to Peru . It’s admired for its thick, leather-like fronds that shimmer in metallic dark green, bronze, silver, or blue tones, depending on the light angle.

Features and Habitat:

• Grows in humid, shaded environments, often mounted on trees or rock surfaces in its native habitat.
• Features distinct furry golden rhizomes and new leaves that display a deep iridescent green with blue hues at certain angles.
• Fronds can reach over 18 in (45 cm) tall, with a compact upright habit and tough texture; growth is relatively slow.

Care Tips:

• Humidity: Thrives in high humidity (ideally 60–80%); perfect for terrariums or humid indoor setups.
• Light: Prefers low to moderate indirect light—bright shade accentuates the metallic sheen; direct sunlight can damage the fronds.
• Temperature: Grows well in 18–24 °C (65–75 °F); more tolerant than some cloud-forest species and can adapt to lowland conditions .
• Water & Substrate: Use a fast-draining, moisture-retentive mix (e.g., sphagnum moss with perlite). Water regularly to keep the medium evenly moist but not soggy—allow it to dry halfway between, to prevent root rot.
• Mounting: Ideal mounted on tree fern fiber or cork with moss, though it also thrives potted in organic epiphytic mix.
• Fertilizing & Maintenance: Light feeding every 4–6 weeks supports growth; occasional pruning of older fronds keeps it tidy.