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silver elkhorn (Platycerium veitchii)

Platycerium veitchii is an evergreen, clumping epiphytic fern with a short rhizome. It is reported to be perennial.

LightSources differ in describing suitable light as bright filtered light through partial sun, but strong direct sunlight should be avoided and conditions that are too dark are also unfavorable for growth. It does not tolerat
WaterWater thoroughly during active growth while maintaining good drainage, allowing the medium to dry slightly between waterings and avoiding prolonged excess moisture; reduce watering frequency in winter. Sources differ, wi
HumidityPlatycerium veitchii prefers high humidity.
TemperatureIt is reported under the RHS H1B hardiness classification. It is reported to tolerate brief light frost, while also being sensitive to cold and not very sensitive to heat.
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Overview

Platycerium veitchii is an evergreen, clumping epiphytic fern with a short rhizome. It is reported to be perennial.

Origin and habitat

Sources differ on its native range, describing eastern Australia or, more specifically, Queensland. It grows epiphytically on trees and other supports, obtaining water and nutrients in this way; staghorn ferns can also grow on rocks. It is reported to prefer warm conditions; staghorn ferns generally occur in tropical to subtropical regions, while Platycerium veitchii can tolerate lower temperatures than most species.

Characteristics

With few sources, mature height is reported to be about 50–100 cm and mature spread about 10–50 cm. It has distinct frond types: basal shield fronds are flat and non-fertile, covering the roots and collecting water and organic debris, while fertile fronds may grow upright or outward, are often gray-green and branched, and bear sporangia on their undersides. The small, flat basal shield fronds are generally reported to cover the roots and collect water and fallen plant debris, forming a nest-like structure. Fertile fronds may be upright or pendent and are usually repeatedly branched; genus-level descriptions also describe outward and upward growth.

Light

Sources differ in describing suitable light as bright filtered light through partial sun, but strong direct sunlight should be avoided and conditions that are too dark are also unfavorable for growth. It does not tolerate direct sun.

Watering

Water thoroughly during active growth while maintaining good drainage, allowing the medium to dry slightly between waterings and avoiding prolonged excess moisture; reduce watering frequency in winter. Sources differ, with the few available accounts indicating summer watering at about every 2–7 days. It is generally recommended to keep the root zone evenly moist.

Humidity and airflow

Platycerium veitchii prefers high humidity.

Temperature and dormancy

It is reported under the RHS H1B hardiness classification. It is reported to tolerate brief light frost, while also being sensitive to cold and not very sensitive to heat.

Growing medium and mounting

Use a well-drained medium that retains some moisture; RHS lists loam and, for epiphytic cultivation, recommends a mixture of coarse leaf mould, loam, and charcoal, while sphagnum moss may also be used to secure the plant to a board or other support. It grows on trees (epiphyte) and suits mounting on a board.

Feeding

Sources differ, but diluted balanced fertilizer may be applied regularly during active growth, with feeding reduced in winter or when growth slows.

Propagation

It can be propagated by separating offsets or from spores; propagation from spores is slower and more difficult. Spores form in brown patches on the undersides of fertile fronds and can be used for propagation.

Common problems

Sources differ on pest problems: scale insects, mealybugs, and aphids may occur, while some horticultural sources describe pest problems as generally limited. Sources differ in reporting that overwatering may lead to root rot and that staghorn ferns may develop anthracnose. Overwatering is reported to cause rot, insufficient water may cause browning or curling at the frond tips, low humidity and inadequate airflow may hinder growth, and strong direct light may bleach or mark the fronds. It is generally recommended to protect Platycerium veitchii from frost and cold conditions, although it is reported to withstand brief colder conditions.

Identification

It is reported to have characteristic staghorn fern frond forms, with rounder or heart-shaped shield fronds and gray-green fertile fronds that are usually repeatedly branched.

Photos

Platycerium veitchii
📷 no rights reserved, uploaded by Kian Hayles-Cotton · CC0 · source

Sources