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silver elkhorn (Platycerium veitchii)

Platycerium veitchii is an evergreen, clumping epiphytic fern that can grow attached to trees, boards, or bark. It is reported to be perennial.

LightSources differ in describing the preferred light as bright filtered light to partial shade, while indicating that strong direct sunlight should be avoided. Platycerium veitchii does not tolerate direct sun.
WaterDuring active growth, maintain a supply of moisture in a well-drained medium, allowing it to dry slightly between waterings and avoiding overwatering; reduce watering in winter. Keep the root zone evenly moist. Sources d
HumidityPlatycerium veitchii prefers high humidity.
TemperatureSources differ on its lower temperature limit, while a single source also reports an upper temperature limit. It is reported as RHS H1B and to tolerate brief light frost. It is reported to be sensitive to cold and not ve
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Overview

Platycerium veitchii is an evergreen, clumping epiphytic fern that can grow attached to trees, boards, or bark. It is reported to be perennial.

Origin and habitat

Platycerium veitchii is native to eastern Australia, with Queensland specifically identified as part of its native range. It grows in epiphytic habitats; staghorn ferns generally attach to trunks and branches and sometimes grow on rocks, with their roots making use of accumulated surrounding organic matter. Platycerium as a whole is reported mainly from tropical to subtropical environments and prefers warmth, while P. veitchii is reported to tolerate lower temperatures better than most staghorn ferns.

Characteristics

A limited source reports a mature height of about 50–100 cm and a mature spread of about 10–50 cm. It has distinct frond forms: flat basal shield fronds cover the roots and collect water and organic debris, while fertile fronds grow outward or upward, often branch into antler-like forms, and bear brown spore structures on their undersides. The shield fronds are reported to be small and flat, covering the roots and collecting water and fallen plant debris. Fertile fronds may be upright or pendent and are usually repeatedly branched; they are also described as growing outward and upward.

Light

Sources differ in describing the preferred light as bright filtered light to partial shade, while indicating that strong direct sunlight should be avoided. Platycerium veitchii does not tolerate direct sun.

Watering

During active growth, maintain a supply of moisture in a well-drained medium, allowing it to dry slightly between waterings and avoiding overwatering; reduce watering in winter. Keep the root zone evenly moist. Sources differ, giving a watering interval of about 2–7 days in summer.

Humidity and airflow

Platycerium veitchii prefers high humidity.

Temperature and dormancy

Sources differ on its lower temperature limit, while a single source also reports an upper temperature limit. It is reported as RHS H1B and to tolerate brief light frost. It is reported to be sensitive to cold and not very sensitive to heat.

Growing medium and mounting

Epiphytic cultivation is preferred: it may be attached to a board or bark with sphagnum moss or another moisture-retentive but well-drained medium; RHS also lists loam and a mixture of coarse leaf mould, loam, and charcoal in equal proportions. Platycerium veitchii grows on trees as an epiphyte and suits mounting on a board.

Feeding

Sources differ on feeding practice: diluted balanced fertilizer may be applied during active growth, with some sources recommending regular feeding and reduced frequency in winter or when growth slows.

Propagation

Platycerium veitchii can be propagated by separating offsets or from spores, with offsets generally easier for home cultivation. Spores form in brown structures or patches on the undersides of fertile fronds and can be used for propagation, although a source reports spore propagation to be slow and difficult.

Common problems

Pest problems are generally not severe, although Platycerium may have scale insects, mealybugs, and aphids. Overwatering may lead to root rot, insufficient water may cause brown or curled frond tips, and strong direct light may bleach or mottle the fronds. Protection from frost and severe cold is needed, and a protected warm environment is advised in routine cultivation despite reports of brief tolerance of low temperatures.

Identification

Platycerium veitchii is distinguished by the combination of basal shield fronds and antler-like branched fertile fronds; its fertile fronds may be upright or pendent, are gray-green, and are usually repeatedly branched.

Photos

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

Sources