Platycerium willinckii (Platycerium willinckii)

Platycerium willinckii is a perennial herbaceous epiphytic fern that can grow attached to tree trunks, branches, boards, or rocks. It is generally reported to have a clumping growth habit and to be a cultivar.

LightPlatycerium willinckii grows in bright, filtered light to partial sun and tolerates some direct sun. It can grow with filtered sunlight throughout the day; summer shade and airflow are suitable, while strong direct sunli

WaterProvide ample water during active growth, but use a well-drained medium and keep it slightly dry between waterings to avoid prolonged wetness and rot. Sources differ on summer watering intervals, reporting about 2–7 betw

HumidityPlatycerium willinckii is generally reported to prefer high humidity and need good airflow.

TemperaturePlatycerium willinckii is frost tender; keep above freezing, and it is sensitive to cold. It is generally reported to be not very sensitive to heat.

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Overview

Origin and habitat

Platycerium willinckii is reported as native to Java in Southeast Asia and is a tropical staghorn fern from Java. It is associated with warm tropical conditions, higher humidity, and good airflow, with warmth needed in winter cultivation. Like other members of its genus, it is an epiphytic fern that can naturally grow attached to trees.

Characteristics

Mature spread is reported at about 100 cm, although sources are few. It has shield fronds that lie against the base and are commonly green to yellow-brown, with fringed lobes along the edges. The shield fronds can cover the roots and collect water and nutrients, while the fertile fronds are narrow, strap-like, and pendent, with hairs on both surfaces that are especially conspicuous on new fronds and become sparser as they mature. The fertile fronds end in antler-like forks, with sori forming on the underside at the forks.

Light

Platycerium willinckii grows in bright, filtered light to partial sun and tolerates some direct sun. It can grow with filtered sunlight throughout the day; summer shade and airflow are suitable, while strong direct sunlight should be avoided.

Watering

Provide ample water during active growth, but use a well-drained medium and keep it slightly dry between waterings to avoid prolonged wetness and rot. Sources differ on summer watering intervals, reporting about 2–7 between waterings. Reduce watering in winter or during cooler, cloudy conditions.

Humidity and airflow

Platycerium willinckii is generally reported to prefer high humidity and need good airflow.

Temperature and dormancy

Platycerium willinckii is frost tender; keep above freezing, and it is sensitive to cold. It is generally reported to be not very sensitive to heat.

Growing medium and mounting

Platycerium willinckii grows on trees as an epiphyte and is generally reported to be suitable for mounting, basket culture, or pot culture. For epiphytic culture, it is reported that sphagnum moss or another moisture-retentive but well-drained medium can secure the plant to a board, tree-fern board, bark, or rock; potted plants can use a humus-rich, well-drained medium.

Feeding

A balanced fertilizer is reported to be suitable, with suggested feeding frequency varying by growth stage and reduced during winter.

Propagation

Platycerium willinckii can be propagated from spores, while plants producing offsets can be propagated vegetatively by separating offsets or dividing the plant. It readily forms offsets and is generally reported to produce them often. Sori occur on the underside of the antler-like forks at the ends of the fertile fronds.

Common problems

Scale insects, mealybugs, and aphids are reported as possible pests. Anthracnose may occur, and prolonged excessive moisture may cause root rot. Overwatering may cause rot, insufficient water may cause browning or curling at the frond tips, and low light may increase pest and disease problems. The plant is sensitive to cold and frost and needs warmth in winter; hot summer conditions call for attention to airflow and shade.

Identification

Platycerium willinckii is reported to have notably narrow, elongated, pendent fertile fronds and shield fronds with fringed lobes along their edges. It readily produces offsets and forms clumps.

Photos

Sources

Wikipedia (en, genus): Platycerium — CC BY-SA 4.0 · link
UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions — Staghorn Ferns: Platycerium (genus-level) — © University of Florida IFAS Extension, facts only · link
NC State Plant Toolbox: Platycerium (genus-level) — copyright (facts only) · link