Platycerium grande is part of the Polypodiaceae family and its native range is Philippines to Sulawesi.
This epiphyte has dimorphic fronds meaning it has both sterile and fertile fronds; the sterile fronds are green and recurving when old, they can reach up to one metre long. It’s Filipino name is ‘dapong repolyo’, this means ‘tree cabbage’.
Genus epithet Platycerium is derived from the Greek 'platys' (broad) and 'keras' (horn), a reference to the antler-like fronds. Specific epithet is from the Latin ‘grandis’ meaning large.
For more information on Epiphytes, read our blog here.
Mounted on cork bark.
Bark sizes approx:
Small - Length 16cm Width 14cm
Medium - Length 30cm Width 10cm
Large - Length 40cm Width 18cm
Light: In their native environment they receive bright light that filters through the canopy. Bright indirect light, meaning the plant sees the sun for 0-4 hours per day - this could be through trees or a translucent curtain, it’s important for the plant to see the sky in order to thrive. Platycerium grande can handle a few hours of filtered sun.
Strong direct sunlight should be avoided, since it will make the fronds lose much of their strong green colour.
Water: Water crown regularly, allow the potting mix to dry almost completely between waterings. If this plant is mounted, regular dunking is preferable.
Potting mix: A very well draining mix composed of coco coir, perlite or vermiculite, orchid bark, horticultural charcoal and worm castings. This plant could also by potted or mounted using sphagnum moss.
Fertilising: Dilute your chosen fertiliser to half the recommended amount. For less established plants, especially if grown on a material that will not absorb and slow-release nutrients, the recommendation is to feed once a month during the active growth period.
Temperature: 18-24°C.
Humidity: This plant would prefer higher humidity. You can increase humidity by placing the plant on a watered pebble tray or using a humidifier.
Platycerium grande is non-toxic.