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The Platycerium ‘Monkey King’ is one of the most spectacular staghorn ferns in culture. This selection is famous for its impressive, almost sculptural leaves that branch like royal antlers and form a powerful, exotic silhouette. With its majestic appearance, the ‘Monkey King’ a true eye-catcher, whether kept in a greenhouse, greenhouse or as a statement piece in an interior.
Platyceriums are epiphytic ferns native to tropical rainforests of Asia, Africa and Australia. The ‘Monkey King’ is a selected cultivar, presumably based on Platycerium willinckii, which was bred for its exceptionally long, slender and highly branched fertile leaves. This unique growth form gave her the almost mythical name “Monkey King.
The plant forms two types of leaves:
Shield leaves: broad, wavy rosettes that lie like a saucer against the substrate and protect the root base.
Fertile leaves: long, dramatically branched leaves strongly reminiscent of deer antlers, but in the case of the ‘Monkey King’ are even finer, longer and more intricately branched. These leaves take on a beautiful silver-green haze, giving the plant an almost fairy-like appearance.
With proper care, the plant can grow into an impressive appearance that produces meter-long fertile leaves.
Plenty of bright, indirect light is essential. A light location without direct midday sun gives the most beautiful leaf texture and color.
Warm and constant: 18-28 C during the day, with slight cooling at night.
It is usually mounted on wood or cork, with some moss at the base for moisture buffering. It can also be kept in an open basket with airy substrate.
A humidity of 60-80% is ideal. Regular spraying helps keep the leaves fresh.
During the growing period, fertilize lightly monthly with diluted fertilizer. Preferably via misting or by lightly feeding the base.
Give only demineralized water. Mist the leaves and water occasionally at the base to keep the moss moist. Allow the roots to dry in between to prevent rot.
The Platycerium ‘Monkey King’ is a plant hardly comparable to other ferns. Its long, regally branched leaves give an impressive, almost mythical effect. For collectors and lovers of sculptural plants, this is an absolute crown jewel within the staghorn ferns.