Platycerium ellisii is one of the three rarest Madagascan staghorns. I have been propagating this species via spore for about five years ...Read Moreand thus far have grown over a thousand of them. Sowing from spore requires a sterile medium(sterilized peat moss works well)a sealed container,fluorescent lighting andabout two years to produce a small plant.
I find this plant very easy in comparison to P.quadridichotomum and P.madagascariense . Almost all my plants are grown in a laboratory type environment and therefore all variables are controlled. This plant seems to be susceptible to a type of fungus(or possibly virus)I have rarely seen on other staghorns. Purplish black spots appear on the fertile fronds and, although unattractive, they do not seem to be dangerous.
Lived through 2006-07 winter freeze in my area (Sacramento, California). However, it was under a covered patio and had no direct contact...Read More with freezing water or frost. It was however, subject to cold breezes and temperatures as low as 26 degrees, and is just fine now. It lost maybe a leaf or two, but otherwise came through unscathed. I have it in a moss-lined cage which is flat on one side so as to hang against the wall. I water it once it has completely dried out (once a week or less). I take it down from the wall and soak it in a tub of water for about an hour, and it's good to go. It also enjoys a moist banana peel once in awhile, draped about its' base and tucked under it's folds. All in all a really magnificent plant!
This is fairly rare species in cultivation, and somewhat tricky to grow if grown in a climate very different from Madagascar (where it's ...Read Morefrom). Watering carelessly can often lead to rotting of this species, though underwatering can also be a problem (though it is somewhat drought tolerant). Some recommend letting it dry out completely between waterings and then drop into a pond for an hour, and let dry out again. Not all use this method, and some have success with misting and more routine watering styles.
Platycerium ellisii is one of the three rarest Madagascan staghorns. I have been propagating this species via spore for about five years ...Read More
Lived through 2006-07 winter freeze in my area (Sacramento, California). However, it was under a covered patio and had no direct contact...Read More
This is fairly rare species in cultivation, and somewhat tricky to grow if grown in a climate very different from Madagascar (where it's ...Read More