Behind the plant account Senceta Platycerium, there is I Gede Putra Wibawa, who is now known as a Platycerium grower and collector with a unique approach. His journey into the world of Platycerium started from something simple. Before diving into this hobby, he managed a well-known warung makan (local eatery) in Bali. called Asri Jambe.
His first encounter with Platycerium happened in 2021. “At that time, a friend gave me a Wandae, and I placed it together with some cheap Ridley plants in the garden. That’s when I started to get interested,” he recalls. The name Senceta Platycerium was born as a joke among friends, since many of his plants were often said to be in “dispute” with close friends. From there, the unique name stuck.
Caring with Heart
For Gede, caring for Platycerium is not just a routine. He believes this hobby should be done wholeheartedly. “I care for Platycerium because I enjoy it, not carelessly. That way I can give them my full attention,” he says.
According to him, the three most important factors in keeping Platycerium healthy are water quality, air circulation, and light. Since his plants are placed on the second floor, his method is different. He focuses more on maintaining humidity.
One of his most memorable plants is Platycerium madagascariense. He once failed three times in growing it before finally finding the right way. “Madagascar is special for me, because the struggle to grow it was full of lessons,” he explains.
Selecting with Precision
Gede is very selective when it comes to choosing plants. He prefers to grow from sporelings and looks for compact forms, thick trichomes, wrinkled shields, and dwarf potential. “A plant with thick trichomes, small but firm leaves that have already split usually has a higher chance of becoming a dwarf,” he explains.
Among his collection, one of the most special is a Fishbone sporeling from Watchara. Although its base is willinckii, its shape is very different. For him, it represents an extreme mutation that is truly unique.
Challenges and Inspirations
Of course, the journey is not always easy. The biggest challenge for him has been red mites, which can destroy plants and force him to start all over again.
In the world of Platycerium, Gede finds much inspiration from Putu Wijaya, founder of Plant By Destiny. “He gave me a lot of advice about quality plants, and he also influenced me to appreciate sporeling plants even more,” says Gede.
Community and Future Goals
Looking at the Platycerium community in Indonesia, Gede believes cooperation is more important than conflict. “If we want the Platycerium world in Indonesia to last longer, we should work together and not attack each other. That way, this hobby can survive,” he emphasizes.
For beginners, his advice is to start with easy and affordable species like Grande or Wandae. “If something goes wrong, it won’t make you give up easily since they are not expensive,” he adds.
Looking ahead, the goal for Senceta Platycerium is to focus on sporeling cultivation. Gede admits that Indonesia is still far behind other countries in this area. By learning and developing further, he hopes to bring Senceta Platycerium to the next level.
Peeking some Senceta's Platycerium Collections
