Platycerium hillii cv. 'Helios'

Description

🧬 Family

Polypodiaceae

🌿 Subfamily

-

đŸŒ± Genus

Platycerium

🔎 Species

Platycerium hillii

✹ Cultivar / Variety

'Helios'

📍 Native Habitat

Tropical and subtropical rainforests of northeastern Australia, particularly Queensland. It naturally grows as an epiphyte on tree trunks and branches in warm, humid environments.

Plant Care difficulty

⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Challenging)

Platycerium hillii cv. ‘Helios’ is a striking cultivar of the staghorn fern that stands out with its radiant, sun-kissed appearance. Named after the Greek sun god, Helios, this variety lives up to its name with broad, wavy fronds that often display a bright lime to golden-green hue, especially when grown in bright, indirect light.

Like other Platycerium hillii types, ‘Helios’ forms a layered, sculptural silhouette with both basal fronds that shield its root system and fertile fronds that arch gracefully outward like antlers. The ‘Helios’ cultivar is especially admired for its vigorous growth, symmetrical shape, and the subtle shimmer of its fronds, which adds a glowing effect to any plant display.

It thrives mounted on wood or in hanging baskets, where its unique form can be fully appreciated. With the right humidity and filtered light, Platycerium hillii ‘Helios’ becomes a living piece of art—perfect for both indoor jungles and shaded outdoor spaces.

Date

2025.01.10

ID

PL002

Nursery

#PlatyceriumHillii#PlatyceriumHelios#StaghornFern#HeliosFern

How to Take Care

The Secret Life of Happy Plants

(No. 01)

☀ Light

Bright, indirect light; avoid direct midday sun.

Warm temperatures (15–30°C); not frost-tolerant.

(No. 02)

💧 Watering

Moderate; water when the mounting medium feels dry, mist regularly for humidity.

High humidity (60%+ preferred).

(No. 03)

🌿 Fertilizing

  • Feed lightly with a diluted orchid or epiphyte fertilizer every 3–4 weeks during the growing season (spring/summer).

  • Skip feeding in winter or if the plant is resting.

  • Avoid getting fertilizer directly on fronds — water/fertilize at the base.

(No. 04)

đŸŒ± Soil / Mounting

  • Best mounted on wood or grown in a very loose, airy mix if potted (orchid bark, sphagnum moss, and charcoal work well).

  • Good airflow is essential — do not bury the base or use dense potting soil.

 

  • Mimic their epiphytic nature (growing on trees) with vertical mounts if you can.

My Journey

The Green Path I’ve Taken

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2025.01.21

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2025.03.10

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2025.04.10

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