{"product_id":"platycerium-willinckii","title":"Platycerium willinckii","description":"Platycerium is a particular species of epiphytic fern, meaning it doesn't require soil to grow, much like orchids. In nature, it exhibits truly bizarre behavior and is a prime example of how life evolved on land. In nature, Platyceriums grow in the forks of large forest trees, thanks to the presence of little organic matter. The roots grow from a rhizome, which produces two types of leaves: sterile, slightly spongy, shield-shaped basal leaves, which conserve moisture and protect the rhizome, and fertile leaves that take on unusual shapes reminiscent of deer antlers. These leaves are very large, showy, dark green, and have a dull appearance, determined by the presence of a light layer of fuzz on the leaves, similar to peach skin.\n\n Growing Platycerium: Temperature and Light\r \nThe ideal environment for the Platycerium is our apartment: the ideal temperature is around 20°C and it doesn't tolerate cold below 12°C. Like all ferns, which grow in the undergrowth, it doesn't require much light either: it's therefore a perfect plant for those corners of the house that don't get much sun. Naturally, it thrives best in a bright spot, and the fuzz covering its leaves protects them from direct sunlight.\n\n In summer we can move it outside, preferably in a shaded position especially in sunny and muggy areas.\n\n How to Repot and Fertilize Platycerium\n It doesn't require particularly large pots: a wide, shallow container is best. Platyceriums are often used as trailing plants, in hanging pots.\n\r \nThe real challenge will be balancing the fragile root system with the large, heavy foliage. To prevent a gust of wind from blowing the plant out of its pot, especially if it's a hanging pot, it's sometimes necessary to secure the plant to the pot with string or cable ties to prevent it from tipping over.\n\n For the substrate we only use sphagnum moss for orchids, i.e. for epiphytic plants.\n\n For fertilization, we recommend using a liquid fertilizer for green plants, diluted in the irrigation water every 15 days from March to September.\n\n How to Water Platycerium\n In nature, it grows in tropical forests and therefore prefers cool, humid locations. Watering is therefore important, and the soil must be kept constantly moist. The plant can survive periods of drought, but its leaves tend to curl up to conserve moisture.\n\r \nThe leaves should also be misted, much like orchids. This is especially true during the hottest summer days and when heating or air conditioning is used indoors.","brand":"Celandroni Orchidee","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52057475907922,"sku":"2916","price":45.45,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0976\/2278\/6386\/files\/willinckii_cf92033e-e313-4137-aa49-13a96b29e5e3.jpg?v=1763556004","url":"https:\/\/celandroni.myshopify.com\/en\/products\/platycerium-willinckii","provider":"Giulio Celandroni Orchidee","version":"1.0","type":"link"}