Habitat and Ecology
Platycerium wandae, often known as the Queen Platycerium, is a massive, spectacular epiphytic fern native exclusively to Papua New Guinea. It is found growing high on large trees in tropical lowland rainforests and swampy, wet forests, typically at low elevations. This fern is adapted to a hot, wet, and highly humid environment with filtered light. It is the largest known species of the staghorn fern genus.
🌿 Description and Distinguishing Features
This fern is an evergreen perennial highly prized for its immense size and dramatic structure.
Shield Fronds (Sterile): These are the large, basal, non-fertile fronds that wrap around the host tree, eventually forming a massive, skirt-like ball of layered, dry material. These fronds are deeply lobed at the top and form the largest biomass of the plant.
Foliage Fronds (Fertile): The ornamental fronds are erect, leathery, and deeply lobed, resembling the antlers of a stag. These fertile fronds can reach 1 to 2 metres in length.
Distinction: P. wandae is distinguished from all other staghorns by the deeply ruffled and crimped upper margins of its shield fronds and its immense scale.
💧 Cultivation and Care
Platycerium wandae is a demanding, warm-growing species that requires stable conditions and considerable vertical space, making it best suited for a warm greenhouse or sunroom in the UK.
Light: Needs bright, filtered light. Avoid harsh, direct sun.
Mounting: It must be grown mounted on a sturdy board, cork, or large wooden basket. It cannot be grown in soil.
Watering: Water heavily and frequently during the growing season by soaking the entire mount. The mounting medium (sphagnum moss/coir) must dry slightly between waterings, but the plant should never dry out for long. Reduce watering significantly in winter.
Temperature: Requires high minimum temperatures.
Optimal Daytime Temperature: 21-30 C (70-86 F).
Minimum Winter Temperature: Not below 15 C (59 F).
Humidity: High humidity (60%+) is essential.
✨ Unique Features
This fern is the ultimate collector's piece due to its status as the largest and most magnificent species in the genus. Its immense, architectural size and deeply ruffled shield fronds make it an unparalleled living sculpture. Its New Guinea origin and demanding size add to its exclusivity for the dedicated warm-house grower.
🏷️ Specifications
Plant Size: Young plants established on mounts as seen in the picture.
Plant Family: Polypodiaceae
Plant Passport: A Platycerium wandae B 140084 C [buyer to use number of the plant label] D GB
