Platycerium 'Lemoinei'

This distinguished cultivar represents one of the oldest selections in staghorn fern cultivation, named for the renowned 19th-century French horticulturist Victor Lemoine. Platycerium veitchii cv 'Lemoinei' is originally from the sun-baked cliffs of eastern Australia and has become widely cultivated worldwide thanks to its exceptional vigor and adaptability. Its silvery-green fronds combine the drought tolerance of its wild ancestors with a more approachable garden temperament, making it an ideal choice for collectors seeking something beyond the common staghorn.

Key Features

• Distinctive silvery-green fronds with velvety texture from fine star-shaped hairs (trichomes)
• Forms impressive colonies through prolific pup production over time
• Compact upright growth habit with narrow, finger-like fertile fronds

The fertile fronds of 'Lemoinei' emerge as slender, upright fingers covered in a soft, felt-like layer of silvery trichomes, creating a distinctive glaucous sheen that shifts between silver and sage green, depending on the light. These antler-like fronds maintain a more erect posture than those of common staghorns, especially when grown in bright conditions.

The basal shield fronds form overlapping layers that develop attractive lobed edges in strong light, creating an architectural rosette that can eventually span up to one meter across.

The overall effect is more refined and vertical than P. bifurcatum, with the narrow fronds creating elegant lines that complement modern design aesthetics. As the colony matures, new pups emerge around the base, gradually building into an impressive specimen that combines sculptural form with living texture.

Collector's Note: The name 'Lemoinei' honors Victor Lemoine, whose French nursery introduced countless ornamental plants to European gardens during the Victorian era. This cultivar's history reflects an interesting botanical confusion—early imports of true P. veitchii were often mislabeled, while this greener form was distinguished with the cultivar name to differentiate it from other staghorns in the trade. Some experts speculate that it may have hybrid origins, possibly involving P. willinckii, which would explain its exceptional vigor and slightly modified characteristics; however, this has not yet been genetically verified. Today, tissue culture has made this once-rare selection widely available, though large specimens still command respect for their architectural presence.

Care Requirements

• Bright indirect sunlight
• Water thoroughly when mounting medium is dry; avoid constant moisture
• Requires excellent drainage—mount on wood or grow in orchid bark mix
• Feed monthly with diluted fertilizer or organic matter during growing season
• Maintain temperatures above 50°F; survives brief dips to 30°F

Ideal For

• Intermediate growers ready to move beyond common staghorn ferns
• Modern plant collectors seeking architectural specimens with minimal care needs
• Outdoor gardeners in zones 9b-11 looking for dramatic mounted displays
• Indoor enthusiasts with bright windows or grow lights

Display Recommendations: Mount 'Lemoinei' on weathered wood or cork bark to showcase its natural epiphytic habit, positioning it where its upright fronds can catch and play with light. In modern interiors, a simple cedar plank mount creates stunning wall art. For outdoor displays, attach directly to rough-barked trees or hang in protected areas where morning sun illuminates the silvery fronds. Group multiple plants at varying heights to create a colony effect that mimics their natural cliff-dwelling growth.

Add this historic French cultivar to your collection and experience the perfect balance of Old World horticultural heritage and New World botanical resilience. 'Lemoinei' offers the exotic appeal of rare staghorns with the reliable performance of proven genetics. Whether you're expanding an existing fern collection or seeking that one perfect specimen for a bright corner, this silver-touched beauty delivers years of steady growth and increasing magnificence as it develops into a living sculpture.