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Platycerium andinum (Platycerium andinum)

Platycerium andinum is reported to be a perennial epiphytic fern that usually grows attached to trees and can also grow on rocks. It is reported to form colonies and is a wild species (not a hybrid or cultivar).

LightSources differ on light guidance, describing bright, indirect light and avoidance of strong direct sunlight, with species-specific information for Platycerium andinum recommending partial shade. The stated light range is
WaterAfter watering, allow the growing medium to dry gradually; Platycerium andinum can be managed from relatively dry to moderately moist, with watering after the medium dries, while prolonged excessive moisture can cause ro
HumidityPlatycerium andinum is reported to need good airflow and to prefer high humidity.
TemperaturePlatycerium andinum is reported to be sensitive to cold and not very sensitive to heat. Reported temperature information describes an upper temperature limit, while sources differ on the lower temperature limit.
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Platycerium andinum illustration

Overview

Platycerium andinum is reported to be a perennial epiphytic fern that usually grows attached to trees and can also grow on rocks. It is reported to form colonies and is a wild species (not a hybrid or cultivar).

Origin and habitat

Platycerium andinum is native to Bolivia and Peru in South America, along the eastern side of the Andes. Sources differ on its habitat records on the eastern side of the Andes; it occurs epiphytically on trees in tropical forest, with records from both lower-elevation forest and sub-Andean Amazon forest in La Paz, Bolivia. The genus Platycerium is reported to occur mainly in tropical environments and horticulturally to favor warm, humid conditions, although some sources also record the genus in temperate regions.

Characteristics

Platycerium andinum has distinct basal vegetative or shield fronds that cover the roots and fertile fronds that produce spores; its fronds have white hairs, the vegetative fronds branch and grow upward, and the fertile fronds spread downward. Sources are few, but reported mature height is about 10–150 cm and mature spread is about 100–100 cm. Shield fronds are reported to be flat and shield- or kidney-shaped, adhering to the tree and covering the roots; in some kinds, their upper margins form an open crown of lobes that can catch rainwater and debris. Fertile fronds are reported to branch dichotomously or resemble antlers and may extend outward, grow upward, or hang downward.

Light

Sources differ on light guidance, describing bright, indirect light and avoidance of strong direct sunlight, with species-specific information for Platycerium andinum recommending partial shade. The stated light range is 10000–25000. Platycerium andinum is reported not to tolerate direct sun.

Watering

After watering, allow the growing medium to dry gradually; Platycerium andinum can be managed from relatively dry to moderately moist, with watering after the medium dries, while prolonged excessive moisture can cause rot and watering should be less frequent in winter. Sources differ on summer watering intervals, with a reported range of about 2–7, while sources are few for the winter interval of about 7–14. Let the root zone dry between waterings.

Humidity and airflow

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

Temperature and dormancy

Platycerium andinum is reported to be sensitive to cold and not very sensitive to heat. Reported temperature information describes an upper temperature limit, while sources differ on the lower temperature limit.

Growing medium and mounting

Platycerium andinum grows on trees (epiphyte) and is reported to suit epiphytic cultivation on supports such as boards, tree-fern boards, or bark, with moisture-retentive yet well-draining material such as sphagnum around the roots. When grown in a pot, it is reported to suit a humus-rich, well-drained medium, and it suits mounting on a board.

Feeding

Sources differ on feeding: balanced fertilizer is suggested during active growth, with recommendations ranging from more frequent to less frequent applications and still less frequent feeding for mature plants.

Propagation

Platycerium andinum can be propagated from spores; kinds that form offsets or branches can also be propagated by division or offsets, and this species is described as producing multiple buds that can be used for propagation. It is reported to often produce offsets. Spores are reported to form in sporangia or brown patches on the underside of fertile fronds and, under suitable conditions, may germinate naturally on surrounding trees.

Common problems

Reported pests include scale insects and, in some cultivation sources, mealybugs. Reported problems include anthracnose and root rot associated with overwatering. Overwatering is reported to cause rot, insufficient water may cause brown or curled frond tips, and low light may increase pest and disease problems. Platycerium generally is sensitive to frost and low temperatures and requires protection in cold conditions, while species-specific information describes Platycerium andinum as suited to hot, well-ventilated conditions.

Identification

Platycerium andinum is reported to be distinguished by the coexistence of shield-like basal fronds and antler-like fertile fronds, with brown sporangial areas on the undersides of the fertile fronds.

Photos

Platycerium andinum
📷 Stan Shebs · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Platycerium andinum
📷 Martin Vallejos, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by M · CC BY · source

Sources