Platycerium willinckii 'Payton' (Staghorn fern)

Key features:

• Origin: Native to Java and the Lesser Sunda Islands in Indonesia
• Distinctive traits: Rich brown shield fronds contrasting with whitish-green fertile fronds
• Growth habit: Fertile fronds grow edgewise, then rotate and hang down
• Mature specimens can produce up to 12 fertile fronds

Scientific highlights:

• Adaptation: Dense white hairs on frond undersides protect against heat and water loss
• Morphology: Tall, deeply lobed shield fronds that decay to reveal a mesh of veins
• Reproduction: Green spores indicate short viability but quick germination
• Taxonomy: Closely related to P. bifurcatum but with distinct characteristics

Care and display:

• Light: Thrives in medium light conditions
• Mounting: Presented on wooden boards, mimicking its epiphytic nature
• Water: Prefers moist moss substrate but is not prone to rot in proper conditions
• Temperature: Less cold-tolerant than P. bifurcatum

Collector's note: Platycerium willinckii 'Payton' exemplifies the unique beauty of the Java Staghorn fern. Its striking contrast between brown shield fronds and whitish-green fertile fronds, combined with its interesting growth pattern, makes it a prized specimen for fern enthusiasts seeking visual drama in their collections.

Transform your space with the tropical elegance of Platycerium willinckii 'Payton'. This living sculpture brings a piece of the Javanese canopy to your home or garden, offering a stunning display of nature's artistry in fern form.