Platycerium Netherlands
Platycerium Netherlands are epiphytes which mean they grow on surfaces and do not need soil to survive. They acquire moisture and nutrients (when growing wild in nature) from the air, water, rain and debris that falls down and collects at the back of the shield fronds.
Being epiphytic (not parasitic), they use trees/mounts only for support, and not as nutrients.y
Platicerium Care Tips
Commonly known as the Staghorn fern. Platiceriums are epiphytes which mean they grown on surfaces and do not need soil to survive. They acquire moisture and nutrients (when growing wild in nature) from the air, water, rain and debris that falls down and collects at the back of the shield fronds.
Being epiphytic (not parasitic), they use trees/mounts only for support, and not as nutrients
Platicerium need bright light and a good amount of air flow. They can tolerate some sun (preferably early morning) or dappled sunlight. Direct sunlight can burn the fronds and dehydrate the plant.
Platiceriums require frequent watering (especially if they are in a hot area) but it is VERY important to let them dry out completely between watering as the can be prone to rot.
In the colder months, hold back on watering too often as the cold of night can freeze the fronds which will lead to rot. A good rule of thumb in winter is to water them during the warmest part of the day and let them dry out giving them two, sometimes three weeks.
A good way to check is to stick your finger between the coir to test if the root ball is still moist being careful not snap the cord.
Platiceriums do very well in humid areas – so consider give them gentle sprays (spritzing them with water) when it is hot to increase the humidity around them.
It’s important to fertilize your Staghorn with a water soluble fertilizer like Grobest at least once a month. This helps stimulates growth and will keep them in a tip top shape.
