For the collector! Locally grown/acclimated. Mounted on sphagnum moss on a 1’ x 1’ board. Platycerium stemaria, also known as Triangle Staghorn, thrives in the moist, shaded treetops of Western and Central tropical Africa. It resembles its relative, P. Elephantotis, but is distinct with its large, broadly separated shield fronds that form a triangle shape at the top. The fertile fronds of Stemaria are bifurcated, featuring one large and two smaller divisions, with spore patches concentrated at these smaller divisions. Unlike P. Elephantotis, Stemaria prefers environments with more moisture and has less cork on its shields, adapting differently to its humid surroundings. It’s interesting to note that Stemaria sheds its shields more rapidly than other species, a trait that can be mistaken for rot by new growers. In terms of identification, its fertile fronds are similar to those of Andinum and Quadridichotomum but are generally wider and don’t drape as much. In dry conditions, these fronds can roll up to conserve moisture. Cultivating Stemaria is straightforward; it favors consistent watering and bright light to develop fully. According to Roy Vail, care should be taken when using pesticides, as the tips of Stemaria’s fronds are particularly sensitive.
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