Platycerium ridleyi "Silvery Dwarf"​

Description

🧬 Family

Polypodiaceae

🌿 Subfamily

-

🌱 Genus

Platycerium

🔎 Species

P. ridleyi

✨ Cultivar / Variety

‘Dwarf Wide’

📍 Native Habitat

Lowland tropical rainforests of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, where it grows as an epiphyte on tree trunks in hot, humid conditions.

Plant Care difficulty

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Moderate)

Platycerium ridleyi ‘Dwarf Wide’ is a rare and highly prized cultivar of the already exotic ridleyi. This form features a more compact growth habit with broader, more rounded fertile lobes compared to the standard form—hence the name “Dwarf Wide.”

It’s known for its unique “coral-like” fertile fronds that split and branch in a wide, dramatic fashion, and shield-like basal fronds that cup and layer beautifully. The growth is dense, symmetrical, and packed with visual impact in a smaller footprint—making it a must-have for serious fern collectors.

Date

2025.04.01

ID

PL001

Nursery

#PlatyceriumRidleyi #RidleyiDwarfWide #StaghornFern #RidleyiCollectors

How to Take Care

The Secret Life of Happy Plants

(No. 01)

☀️ Light

  • Prefers bright, filtered light — think dappled sunlight like under a tree canopy.

  • Avoid direct, harsh sun, especially in the afternoon, as it can scorch the fronds.

  • Indoors, a spot near an east or north-facing window is ideal, or filtered light near a bright window.

 

(No. 02)

💧 Watering

  • Likes high humidity and regular watering, but it needs to breathe.

  • Water when the mounting medium (or root ball) feels almost dry — usually every 3–5 days in warm months, and less in cooler seasons.

  • Mist the fronds occasionally for humidity, but focus watering at the base and shield fronds from prolonged moisture to avoid rot.

(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)

🌱 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

20250409

2025.04.08

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