Latin name: Platycerium ‘Nicky’
Common name: Staghorn Fern ‘Nicky’ 🍃
An epiphytic fern from tropical Asia–Australasia, loved for sculptural fronds: rounded, stacking shield fronds that hug the mount and long, antler-like fertile fronds that arch outward. ‘Nicky’ presents a tidy, architectural silhouette suited to mounts, plaques, or hanging baskets.
FLOWER DETAILS
Ferns do not flower. Instead, this plant produces brown spore patches (sori) on mature fertile fronds. Visually, the contrast of velvety green fronds and cinnamon spore lines adds quiet, botanical interest—especially up close. 🌿
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
☀️ Light: Bright, indirect light; brief gentle morning sun is fine. Avoid harsh midday rays.
💧 Water: Mount or basket: fully soak until saturated, then let dry ~80% before the next soak. Reduce in winter; never leave standing water.
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers 50–70%+; tolerates average indoor levels but looks lusher with added humidity.
🪴 Soil: If potted, use a very airy mix (orchid bark + sphagnum + perlite). Mounted plants root into sphagnum/coco fiber.
🏺 Potting: Best mounted on a board or in a slatted basket; secure with fishing line or wire until rooted. Refresh sphagnum yearly.
🌱 Growth rate: Shield fronds expand ~5–10 cm/6 months; fertile fronds extend ~15–30 cm/6 months in bright conditions.
🐾 Pet friendly: Yes — generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE IT?
Turns a plain wall into a living sculpture—perfect for gallery walls, hallways, and bright offices.
Minimal footprint; ideal where floor space is limited.
Velvety texture and layered shields bring calm, natural character to neutral décor.
Satisfying routine: soak, drip-dry, admire the steady new shields.
AT ORANGE’S HOME
We love how the shields slowly “plate up” against a warm wooden mount, catching afternoon light while the antlers sweep outward. It feels tranquil, crafted by nature, and quietly dramatic.