🇹🇭 Habitat and Ecology
 
​Platycerium 'Mt. Kitshakood' (also known as Platycerium 'Kitshakood') is a highly desirable horticultural hybrid of the Staghorn Fern, originating from Thailand. It is a cross between two distinctive Southeast Asian epiphytic species: Platycerium ridleyi (known for its compact, ridged shields) and Platycerium coronarium (known for its massive, pendulous fronds). As a hybrid of two tropical lowland species, it does not exist in the wild but is bred to thrive in warm, humid tropical conditions, mimicking the canopy environment of its parents.
 
​🌿 Description and Distinguishing Features
 
​This fern is an evergreen epiphytic hybrid that beautifully combines the best traits of its parents.
​Shield Fronds (Sterile): It produces tall, upright, and broad sterile fronds that form a basket-like crown. These shields prominently feature the deep, intricate venation and ridging inherited from P. ridleyi, creating a textured, "cabbage-like" appearance that is highly ornamental.
​Fertile Fronds: The fertile fronds are long, slender, and pendulous (hanging), resembling the graceful habit of P. coronarium. They fork repeatedly and can cascade dramatically, contrasting with the upright shields.
​Differentiation:
​Versus P. ridleyi: P. ridleyi is much smaller and more compact, with fertile fronds that typically stand erect like antlers. 'Mt. Kitshakood' is larger with drooping fertile fronds.
​Versus P. coronarium: P. coronarium has shield fronds that are often smoother and less structurally ridged/cabbaged than 'Mt. Kitshakood'.
 
​💧 Cultivation and Care
 
​Platycerium 'Mt. Kitshakood' is a warm-growing tropical fern that requires high humidity and good airflow to prevent rot in its dense shield fronds.
​Light: Requires bright, filtered light. It can tolerate slightly higher light levels than some staghorns but must be protected from direct, scorching sun.
​Mounting: Best grown mounted on a board, cork bark, or in a wooden basket. This allows the pendulous fronds to hang freely and ensures proper drainage for the roots.
​Watering: Water moderately, allowing the medium (sphagnum moss) to dry slightly between waterings. Crucial: Avoid letting water sit in the deep recesses of the shield fronds, as this can easily cause the central bud to rot.
​Temperature:
​Optimal Daytime Temperature: 20-30 C (68-86 F).
​Minimum Winter Temperature: Not below 15 C (59 F). It is not frost-hardy.
​Humidity: High humidity (60-80%) and excellent air circulation are essential.
 
​✨ Unique Features
​This hybrid is a collector's favorite because it captures the sculptural, ridged beauty of the difficult-to-grow P. ridleyi but presents it in a larger, more vigorous plant with the dramatic cascading foliage of P. coronarium. It offers a unique "best of both worlds" aesthetic that is stunning when mounted on a wall.
 
​🏷️ Specifications
​Plant Size: established plants mounted as can be seen on pics 2-4 .
Plant Family: Polypodiaceae
Plant Passport: A Platycerium 'Mt. Kitshakood' B 140084 C [buyer to use number of the plant label] D GB