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Platycerium willinckii (Platycerium willinckii)

Platycerium willinckii is a perennial epiphytic fern that can grow attached to tree trunks, branches, or rocks and readily forms clumps through multiple offsets. It is generally described as clumping.

LightSources differ on light conditions: bright, mainly diffused light is described, with faster growth under all-day diffused light and growth also possible in partial sun; summer shade and ventilation are advised. It is gen
WaterKeep sufficient moisture while avoiding prolonged excessive wetness, and allow the medium to dry slightly between waterings; Platycerium willinckii grows faster and produces offsets more readily when water is sufficient.
HumidityIt is generally reported to prefer moderate humidity and need good airflow. It needs good airflow and is generally reported to prefer high humidity.
TemperatureIt is reported to be frost tender and should be kept above freezing. It is sensitive to cold and generally reported to be not very sensitive to heat.
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Platycerium willinckii illustration

Overview

Platycerium willinckii is a perennial epiphytic fern that can grow attached to tree trunks, branches, or rocks and readily forms clumps through multiple offsets. It is generally described as clumping.

Origin and habitat

Sources differ on its native range, with Java in Southeast Asia reported. The genus consists of epiphytic ferns that naturally grow attached to trees, and Platycerium willinckii is recorded as native to Java. It is reported to occur in a tropical climate, prefer warm conditions, and require protection from cold in winter.

Characteristics

It has distinct shield and fertile fronds: the shield fronds lie against the base, are often green to yellowish brown, and have fringed lobes along their margins, while the fertile fronds are slender, strap-like, and drooping, with antler-like branching at their tips and spore-bearing structures on their undersides. The fertile fronds have hairs on both surfaces; these are more conspicuous on young fronds and gradually become sparser as they mature. The mature spread is reported at about 100–100 cm, although sources are few.

Light

Sources differ on light conditions: bright, mainly diffused light is described, with faster growth under all-day diffused light and growth also possible in partial sun; summer shade and ventilation are advised. It is generally reported to tolerate some direct sun.

Watering

Keep sufficient moisture while avoiding prolonged excessive wetness, and allow the medium to dry slightly between waterings; Platycerium willinckii grows faster and produces offsets more readily when water is sufficient. Sources differ, giving a watering interval of about 2–7 days in summer. Generally, let the root zone dry between waterings.

Humidity and airflow

It is generally reported to prefer moderate humidity and need good airflow. It needs good airflow and is generally reported to prefer high humidity.

Temperature and dormancy

It is reported to be frost tender and should be kept above freezing. It is sensitive to cold and generally reported to be not very sensitive to heat.

Growing medium and mounting

It is reported to suit sphagnum moss or another moisture-retentive but well-drained medium and can be secured to boards, tree-fern boards, trees, or rocks. It is generally reported to grow on trees as an epiphyte and to suit mounting on a board.

Feeding

A balanced fertilizer can be used, but sources differ on feeding frequency, ranging from relatively frequent feeding during active growth to infrequent feeding for mature plants; adjustment according to plant condition and fertilizer concentration is advised.

Propagation

Platycerium willinckii readily produces offsets and forms clumps, allowing propagation by offsets or division; staghorn ferns can also be propagated from spores, but offsets are usually easier in home cultivation. It is generally reported to often produce offsets. Spore-bearing structures are reported on the undersides of the antler-like branching near the tips of fertile fronds.

Common problems

Scale insects, mealybugs, and aphids are reported as possible pests. Anthracnose may occur, and overwatering may lead to root rot. Prolonged excessive moisture in the medium may cause rot, insufficient water may cause frond tips to brown or curl, and low light may increase pest and disease problems. It is sensitive to low temperatures and frost and requires warmth in winter; in hot summer conditions, ventilation and shade are important.

Identification

It is reported to have especially slender, elongated, drooping fertile fronds, shield fronds with fringed marginal lobes, and a tendency to produce offsets readily and form clumps.

Photos

Platycerium willinckii
📷 Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Platycerium willinckii
📷 Bernard DUPONT, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · CC BY-SA · source

Sources