Selling Size : Single Plant | Pot Included | Secure Packing
The Platycerium ridleyi, a unique and highly sought-after species of Staghorn Fern, is an epiphyte native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. It is known for its dramatic, upright-growing fertile fronds and its distinctive, crown-like shield fronds.
Caring for Platycerium ridleyi is more challenging than caring for common Staghorn Ferns, as it requires very specific tropical conditions.
Here is a detailed care guide for Platycerium Ridleyi :
1. Mounting & Medium
Epiphytic Nature: Platycerium ridleyi naturally grows on trees (epiphytic) and should not be planted in traditional soil.
Mounting: The best way to grow it is to mount it on a piece of wood, cork, or a tree fern plaque, using a minimal amount of well-draining material around its root ball.
Medium: Use a chunky, airy, and moisture-retentive mix like pure sphagnum moss, a mix of sphagnum and orchid bark/perlite, or coir chips. The medium should be firmly packed but allow excellent aeration.
Shield Fronds: The round, flat, green-to-brown fronds (called shield fronds or nest fronds) should be left completely intact. Do not remove or try to clean them. They protect the roots, collect water and debris, and are an essential part of the plant's structure.
2. Light
Bright, Indirect Light: This fern needs bright, filtered light. Think of the light it would receive high in the tree canopy of a tropical forest.
Avoid: Direct midday sun, which will easily scorch the delicate fronds. Direct morning or late afternoon sun is generally tolerated.
Signs of Trouble:
Too Little Light: Very slow growth, dark green color, and small fronds.
Too Much Light (Scorching): Brown, crispy, or burned spots on the fertile fronds.
3. Water
Method: Since it's usually mounted, watering is done by soaking the entire root ball/mount.
Submerge the root area (the sphagnum moss and shield fronds) in a basin of room-temperature water for about 5-15 minutes, or until the medium is fully saturated.
Allow it to drip dry completely before re-hanging.
Frequency: This is the most critical and tricky part of care.
P. ridleyi needs consistent moisture, but it is highly prone to rot if kept soggy.
Allow the mounting medium to almost dry out completely before soaking again. In hot, dry weather this might be once a week; in cooler, humid conditions it might be every 1-2 weeks.
Airflow: Excellent ventilation is vital to help the roots dry out quickly after watering and prevent rot.
4. Temperature & Humidity Platycerium Ridleyi
Warmth: As a true tropical, it requires warm temperatures, ideally between 68∘F to 86∘F (20∘C to 30∘C). Do not expose it to temperatures below 50∘F (10∘C).
High Humidity: Extremely high humidity is a must, ideally 60% to 80%. In a home environment, a dedicated greenhouse, terrarium, or a good-quality humidifier is usually required. Low humidity will quickly lead to browning or crispy frond edges.
5. Fertilizing
Frequency: Feed during the active growing season (spring and summer).
Type: Use a diluted liquid fertilizer (e.g., a balanced NPK or an orchid-specific fertilizer) at 1/4 to 1/2 strength.
Application: You can mix the fertilizer into the water you use for soaking, or you can place slow-release organic materials (like a small piece of banana peel or a few osmocote pellets) directly under the top edge of the shield frond.
