Ridley's Staghorn Fern (Platycerium ridleyi)

Overview

Ridley's Staghorn (Platycerium ridleyi) is a spectacular epiphytic fern from Southeast Asia, known for its massive, antler-like fertile fronds and shield-shaped sterile fronds that form a nest to collect debris.

Taxonomy

Description

Sterile fronds are rounded, forming a humus-collecting nest. Fertile fronds are large, dichotomously branched, resembling stag antlers, up to 1.5 m long. The plant grows as an epiphyte on trees in rainforests.

Habitat and Cultivation

Requires high humidity, bright filtered light, and excellent air circulation. Mount on wood or bark with sphagnum moss. Water by soaking the root ball; allow to dry slightly between waterings. Fertilize monthly during growing season.