
Platycerium ridleyi (Ridley’s Staghorn Fern)
🌿 Overview
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Origin: Tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia.
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Growth Type: Epiphytic (grows on trees), often found in warm, humid canopies.
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Fronds:
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Shield Fronds: Rounded, often cupped or wavy, and serve to protect the roots and collect organic debris.
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Fertile Fronds: Upright, highly lobed, resembling antlers—used for spore production.
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🌱 Cultivation Guidelines
Condition | Ideal Setup |
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Light | Bright, filtered light; no direct midday sun. Partial shade works well. |
Temperature | Warm temperatures: 18–27 °C (64–81 °F). Avoid cold drafts and extreme heat. |
Humidity | High humidity (70–90%). Vital for healthy shield and fertile frond development. |
Airflow | Consistent, gentle air movement helps prevent fungal problems. |
Watering | Water thoroughly when the base feels light and dry to the touch. Allow to dry slightly between waterings. Never let it stay soggy. |
Mounting | Best mounted on cork, hardwood, or tree-fern plaques. Can also be grown in breathable baskets. |
Medium | Use a mix of sphagnum moss, coconut fiber, orchid bark, or fern fiber—light, airy, and moisture-retentive. |
Fertilizer | Light feeding every 2–4 weeks during the growing season with diluted balanced fertilizer. Reduce in cooler months. |
Handling | Be careful not to damage the growing tip (at the base of the shield frond)—it’s essential for new growth. |
âś… Extra Tips
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Shield fronds naturally brown and harden—don’t remove them unless they are rotting.
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Soak mounted plants in water for 10–20 minutes to fully hydrate, especially in dry seasons.
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Avoid watering directly into the central crown to reduce the risk of rot.
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This species is more sensitive than other staghorns—stable humidity and careful handling are key.
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