Staghorns and elkhorns

Ferns of distinction — home gardeners look to exotic ferns for impact.
Staghorns and elkhorns are some of the most amazing-looking plants, and despite their exotic appearance they are relatively easy to grow. The reason they look so different from most other plants is that they have adapted to survive in the treetops. Stags and elks are epiphytic, which means that they grow on trees.

Stags and elks have minimal root systems (just enough to anchor them to the tree) but they have adapted to catch leaves, debris and rainwater falling from above. Unlike most other plants, which absorb water and nutrients through their roots, these ferns can only survive if they capture sufficient quantities of moisture and nutrients from the surrounding air.