Source: Wikimedia Commons
Ridley's Staghorn Fern
AdvancedPlatycerium ridleyi
A staghorn fern whose ribbed shield fronds overlap like a rounded shell around the base, with antler-like fertile fronds standing upright above. Spores form on small, spoon-shaped special lobes.
About
Platycerium ridleyi is an epiphytic fern in the family Polypodiaceae, found in Thailand, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, the Lingga Islands and Borneo, where it grows on trees in primary and secondary rainforest and freshwater swamp forest. It is named after H. N. Ridley, the first director of the Singapore Botanic Gardens. There are three key identification features. First, the nest (shield) fronds, 20-50 cm long and 20-40 cm wide, fold over one another to form an enclosed chamber around the base, and are deeply ridged along the veins. Second, the fertile fronds, 25-50 cm or more, are stiff, leathery and repeatedly forked, growing upward like a stag's antlers. Third, whereas most species carry spore patches on the underside of the fertile fronds, only P. ridleyi and its close relative P. coronarium bear spores on separate, spoon-shaped lobes branching off the fertile fronds. P. coronarium has long, pendulous fertile fronds, so it is easy to tell from the upright P. ridleyi. It produces almost no pups and grows slowly. Combining high humidity with good air movement is considered the key to growing it, and it has a reputation for being difficult in dry conditions. In Japan specialist nurseries and growers sell spore-grown and tissue-culture plants, and it is one of the most popular Platycerium species.
Size of the Ridley's Staghorn Fern
The Ridley's Staghorn Fern grows to About 0.5-0.6 m tall; fertile fronds 25-50 cm or more.
Basic Info
Origin
Southeast Asia (Thailand, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Borneo)
Lifespan
Perennial (epiphytic fern)
Size
About 0.5-0.6 m tall; fertile fronds 25-50 cm or more
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
Little data on feeding; in the wild, leaf litter trapped by the shield fronds decomposes to supply nutrients
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Semi-shade to sun. Indoors give it a bright spot, avoiding long hours of harsh direct sun.
Watering
Moderate watering with occasional misting to keep humidity up. It likes high humidity but dislikes stagnant air, so ensure good air movement.
Temperature & Overwintering
A tropical rainforest species that dislikes cold. In winter keep it indoors or in a greenhouse where warmth and humidity can be maintained.
Soil & Repotting
Mount it on a branch, trunk or tree-fern slab (slabs need daily misting). It can also be grown in an open, airy pot loosely packed with sphagnum moss.
Propagation
It rarely produces pups, so division is seldom possible; plants are raised from spores or by tissue culture.
Pests & Cautions
Growth is slow, so damaged fronds take a long time to be replaced. Watch for spider mites, aphids and mealybugs. The white star-shaped hairs on the fronds protect the plant, so do not rub them off.
Ridley's Staghorn Fern FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Ridley's Staghorn Fern?
Advanced. A variety suitable for advanced growers. Requires advanced cultivation techniques and specialized equipment, with careful environmental adjustments needed.
QHow large does Ridley's Staghorn Fern get?
The mature size of Ridley's Staghorn Fern is About 0.5-0.6 m tall; fertile fronds 25-50 cm or more. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Ridley's Staghorn Fern?
Ridley's Staghorn Fern: watering & fertilizer — Little data on feeding; in the wild, leaf litter trapped by the shield fronds decomposes to supply nutrients. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Ridley's Staghorn Fern?
The price of Ridley's Staghorn Fern varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Primary sources
- Species+ (CITES listing check)
- Ministry of the Environment: List of Invasive Alien Species
- NParks Flora & Fauna Web - Platycerium ridleyi
- Wikipedia - Platycerium
- Hobbyist's Guide to Identifying Platyceriums (H. Halling, LAIFS; archived) - Platycerium ridleyi
- NC State Extension Plant Toolbox - Platycerium bifurcatum (genus cultivation basics)
- GBIF
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices. Not a designated invasive alien species in Japan, nor a nationally rare species under the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing check) / Ministry of the Environment: List of Invasive Alien Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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