Platycerium Madagascariense Staghorn Fern 4"

Known as African Monkey Brain Staghorn, this species is famous for its distinctive channeled shield fronds with raised veins and depressed areas between them, creating a brain-like or waffle-like texture that's unique in the staghorn world. The shield fronds are circular with fine, intricate raised venation patterns. Fertile fronds are broad, upward-arching, and shallowly divided at the tips with spore patches located at the frond ends. The entire plant has a dark green coloration and compact growth habit.

Special Notes: Native to the premontane wet forests of eastern and northern Madagascar at elevations of 1,300-3,900 feet (400-1,200m). This is the smallest staghorn species when mature (~22"/55cm fertile frond span), making it perfect for space-constrained growers. Known as a myrmecophytic (ant-associated) species in nature, often growing with the orchid Cymbidiella pardalina. Offsets freely even when young, distinguishing it from many other rare platyceriums. Historically considered very difficult to grow, but recent spore-grown and tissue-cultured plants have proven more successful. Requires consistent high humidity (70-90%), frequent but light fertilization, and excellent water quality. Primary pest is mealybugs around the growing point. Takes 5-8 years from spore to maturity but much faster from 2" pups.