Platycerium Willinkii Staghorn Fern 4"

Known as "爪哇鹿角蕨" (Java Staghorn Fern) in Chinese, this species is distinguished by its dramatic tall, deeply lobed shield fronds that quickly turn brown and develop a distinctive mesh of standing veins as they age. The fertile fronds exhibit the characteristic willinckii growth pattern - emerging edgewise from the bud, then rotating horizontal and hanging down in long, strap-like formations before dividing at the tips. Mature plants typically produce about 12 fertile fronds compared to bifurcatum's 6. The underside of fertile fronds features dense white pubescence (fine hairs) that creates a striking contrast between the brown shield fronds and whitish-green fertile fronds.

Native to Java and the Lesser Sunda Islands, P. willinckii is one of the original 18 staghorn species and belongs to the multi-bud type that readily produces offsets. Closely related to P. bifurcatum but distinguished by its taller shield fronds and unique fertile frond growth pattern. The species has a relatively small growing bud and may remain dormant for extended periods after shipping, sometimes causing new owners to think the plant is dead. Easy to grow with no specific problems, though it grows more slowly than bifurcatum and cannot tolerate temperatures as low. Forms pups but not as freely as bifurcatum. The spores are green, indicating short viability, and germinate quickly under very moist conditions. Some cultivars like 'Weeks' develop distinctive curling at frond tips due to expanding sporangia. Popular in cultivation due to its dramatic appearance and relatively forgiving nature, making it an excellent choice for intermediate growers seeking a more distinctive staghorn than the common bifurcatum.

4"