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Platycerium Ridleyi Staghorn Fern 4"
Platycerium Ridleyi Staghorn Fern 4"
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$85.00 CAD
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$85.00 CAD
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Platycerium ridleyi - Asian Monkey Brain Staghorn
Aesthetic Appeal:
Known as the "Asian Monkey Brain Staghorn," this spectacular species showcases distinctive brain-like shield fronds with intricate raised venation patterns and depressed areas between them, creating the characteristic "monkey brain" texture that gives it its common name. The shield fronds are circular with fine, detailed raised veining that forms beautiful grooves and ridges. The fertile fronds stand erect like a bouquet of flowers, displaying broad, upward-arching segments that are shallowly divided at the tips with spore patches located at the frond ends. The overall plant maintains a compact, architectural form with dark green coloration and creates a dramatic sculptural presence that's instantly recognizable among staghorn species.
Care Requirements:
•Light: Very bright, humid conditions but protected from direct sunlight; high light requirements for proper development
•Water: High-quality water essential (rainwater, distilled, or RO water); never allow to dry out completely but ensure excellent drainage
•Temperature: 68-86°F (20-30°C) - prefers cooler end of tropical range, avoid prolonged high temperatures
•Mounting: Tree fern mounts preferred over cork; excellent drainage with New Zealand sphagnum moss
Special Notes:
Native to Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, and Sumatra, P. ridleyi is one of the original 18 staghorn species and belongs to the single-bud type, making it more challenging to propagate than multi-bud species. This species has a complex taxonomic history, with the proper binomial still technically unresolved due to naming conflicts dating back to 1908. Often called a "beginner killer" due to its specific care requirements, particularly sensitivity to overwatering, poor air circulation, and water quality. Despite its reputation for difficulty, when grown under proper conditions with adequate warmth, humidity, and air circulation, it becomes a spectacular specimen plant. The species is myrmecophytic (ant-associated) in nature, often growing with specific orchid species. Offsets freely even when young, distinguishing it from many other rare platyceriums, though propagation success requires careful attention to environmental conditions. Requires consistent high humidity (70-90%), frequent but light fertilization, and excellent water quality. Primary pest concern is mealybugs around the growing point. Takes 5-8 years from spore to maturity but develops much faster from established pups. The distinctive "monkey brain" shield pattern becomes more pronounced with age and proper care, making mature specimens highly prized by collectors. This species represents one of the most distinctive and recognizable staghorn varieties, combining unique aesthetics with challenging but rewarding cultivation requirements.
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