A staghorn fern is an epiphytic plant, which means it grows on other plants or objects for support but is not parasitic. This type of fern is known for its shape, which mimics deer or elk antlers. The fern has two distinct leaf forms: small, flat leaves (known as shield fronds) that cover and protect the root ball structure, and green and pronged antler fronds that emerge from this base and can reach up to 3 feet in length indoors (and larger in the wild).