PLNTversePLNTverse
Plants › Staghorn ferns

Platycerium willinckii (Platycerium willinckii)

Platycerium willinckii is a perennial epiphytic fern that can grow attached to trunks, branches, or other supports and readily produces offsets that form clumps. It is reported to have a clumping growth habit and to be a cultivar.

LightIt grows well in bright, abundant indirect light and can tolerate some direct sun, while strong direct sunlight should be avoided and shade provided in summer.
WaterDuring active growth it needs ample, steady moisture, but the growing medium can dry slightly before watering again; prolonged excessive moisture can cause rot, and watering should be reduced in winter or cooler conditio
HumidityIt prefers high humidity and needs good airflow.
TemperatureSources differ on its lower temperature limit, while it is reported to have an upper temperature limit; no numerical limits are established here. It is reported to be frost tender and should be kept above freezing; it is
Track your Platycerium willinckii in the PLNTverse app
Platycerium willinckii illustration

Overview

Platycerium willinckii is a perennial epiphytic fern that can grow attached to trunks, branches, or other supports and readily produces offsets that form clumps. It is reported to have a clumping growth habit and to be a cultivar.

Origin and habitat

Sources differ on its native range, with Java in Southeast Asia reported. Platycerium willinckii is native to Java, and members of the genus are generally epiphytes that can naturally grow on trees. It is reported to originate from tropical regions, prefer warm conditions in cultivation, and require warmth in winter.

Characteristics

Based on few sources, mature height is about 30–30 cm and mature spread is about 30–30 cm. It is reported to grow quickly and produce offsets more readily when water is plentiful. It has distinct shield and fertile fronds: shield fronds are shield-shaped and attached around the base, while the slender, strap-like fertile fronds hang downward. Shield fronds have fringed lobes and can cover the roots and collect water and fallen plant debris; fertile fronds branch like antlers at their tips, with sori on the undersides at the branching points.

Light

It grows well in bright, abundant indirect light and can tolerate some direct sun, while strong direct sunlight should be avoided and shade provided in summer.

Watering

During active growth it needs ample, steady moisture, but the growing medium can dry slightly before watering again; prolonged excessive moisture can cause rot, and watering should be reduced in winter or cooler conditions. Sources differ, suggesting a summer watering interval of about 2–7 days. It is generally recommended to keep the root zone slightly dry.

Humidity and airflow

It prefers high humidity and needs good airflow.

Temperature and dormancy

Sources differ on its lower temperature limit, while it is reported to have an upper temperature limit; no numerical limits are established here. It is reported to be frost tender and should be kept above freezing; it is sensitive to cold but is reported to be not very sensitive to heat.

Growing medium and mounting

As an epiphyte, it grows on trees and is reported to suit mounting or other attached cultivation, using a medium such as sphagnum moss that retains moisture while draining well; when potted, an organic-rich, well-drained medium is also recommended. It is reported to be suitable for mounting, basket culture, or potting.

Feeding

Sources differ on feeding frequency, but balanced fertilizer is recommended.

Propagation

It can be propagated by dividing offsets or from spores, and plentiful water encourages its clumping growth to produce offsets more readily. It is reported to often produce offsets. Sori are reported to develop on the undersides of the antler-like branching points near the tips of fertile fronds.

Common problems

Members of the genus are reported to be susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, and aphids. Anthracnose may occur, and overwatering may cause root rot or other rot; insufficient water may cause frond tips to brown or curl, while low light may increase pest and disease problems. It is sensitive to cold and frost and needs warmth in winter; in hot summer conditions, airflow and shade are important.

Identification

'Jade Girl' is a very small staghorn fern cultivar with a conspicuous white, powdery appearance on its fronds; its Platycerium willinckii background is characterized by slender, hanging fertile fronds, shield-shaped shield fronds, and a tendency to produce offsets 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