• Root-stake anchor — pushes straight into substrate or wedges into hardscape, so it stays put even with an animal climbing on it.
• Water-resistant fronds — won't wilt, mould or break down when misted, so it holds up in humid terrarium setups.
• Encourages natural drinking behaviour — water beads on the fronds the way it would on a live staghorn fern, giving some species a familiar drinking cue.
• Zero plant care — no light, substrate nutrients or trimming required.
• Adds cover and privacy — breaks sightlines and gives shy or stressed animals somewhere to retreat.

Suitable for terrariums and paludariums housing reptiles and amphibians that benefit from planted cover — geckos, dart frogs, anoles and similar species. Not a substitute for live planting in bioactive setups that rely on real plants for humidity regulation or nutrient cycling.

Rinse under clean water to remove dust or substrate build-up. Wipe fronds down if algae or mineral deposits form in humid enclosures. No feeding, lighting or soil requirements.

Covered by Zoo Med's standard manufacturer warranty against manufacturing defects, in addition to your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.

Will the fern fade under UV lighting?

Zoo Med doesn't publish a UV-fade rating for this piece. Under high-output UVB, expect the colour to soften over time, as with any painted or dyed decor.

Can I use it in a bioactive terrarium?

Yes, as background cover. It doesn't contribute humidity regulation or nutrient cycling the way a live plant does, so treat it as a supplement to planting rather than a replacement.

Does it actually hold water for drinking?

Yes — misted fronds bead water the way a live staghorn fern does, which is the point of the water-resistant finish.

How do I clean it?

Rinse it under clean water and wipe the fronds by hand. It doesn't need soaking or chemical cleaners.