Platycerium ‘Silver Salmon’ Second picture is of the plant mature Platycerium ‘Silver Salmon’ is a distinctive Platycerium willinckii × hillii hybrid, combining the elongated, branching fertile fronds associated with willinckii with the heavier, broader growth and strong shields of hillii. Mature plants are especially attractive for their silvery coloration, patterned shield fronds, and numerous broad, fish-tail-like fertile fronds. Compared with some of the more demanding species Platycerium, ‘Silver Salmon’ is considered a relatively dependable hybrid once established. Shield Fronds The shield fronds develop broad and substantial, eventually wrapping around the mount and creating a layered base around the growing point. As the plant matures, the shields can develop pronounced texture and patterning. Older shields naturally transition from green to tan or brown and should normally be left attached. These older shields protect the roots and create the organic pocket that mature Platycerium use to retain moisture and nutrients. Fertile Fronds One of the main attractions of ‘Silver Salmon’ is its fertile growth. Mature plants can produce numerous heavy, broad fertile fronds that extend outward before developing divided, fish-tail-like ends. The willinckii influence gives the plant graceful branching while the hillii influence contributes additional width and substance. Established specimens can become surprisingly full and front-heavy because of the amount of fertile growth they produce. Coloration The fertile fronds develop an attractive silvery green appearance caused partly by the fine layer of protective hairs, or trichomes, covering the foliage. Do not rub or wipe this silver coating from the leaves. These hairs help protect the plant from excessive light and reduce moisture loss. Light Provide bright filtered or indirect light. ‘Silver Salmon’ appreciates strong light and will generally develop better form and stronger growth when grown brightly, but harsh midday or afternoon sun should be avoided. Gentle morning sun or filtered greenhouse light is excellent. Insufficient light can result in weaker, softer, more elongated growth. Water Water thoroughly, saturating the root and moss area, and then allow the mounting material to approach dryness before watering again. Do not keep the moss continuously wet. A good general rhythm is: Water thoroughly Allow the mount to dry noticeably Water again before the plant becomes excessively dry Established plants can tolerate some drying between waterings, but repeated extreme dehydration can damage developing fronds. Commercial growers of ‘Silver Salmon’ similarly recommend allowing the plant to dry to the touch between waterings without letting it become completely crispy dry. Humidity Approximately 60–80% humidity is ideal. ‘Silver Salmon’ responds especially well to greenhouse-style humidity, although an established plant can adapt to somewhat lower household humidity when watering and airflow are managed correctly. Around 65% humidity or higher is an excellent target. Airflow Provide constant gentle airflow. Good air movement is particularly important when the plant is mounted in thick sphagnum or grown under high humidity. The combination you want is: High humidity Good hydration Excellent airflow A drying period between waterings High humidity combined with stagnant, permanently wet moss can lead to root and growing-point problems. Temperature Ideal temperatures are approximately 68–85°F. Warm conditions encourage faster active growth. Short periods slightly outside this range are usually tolerated, but prolonged temperatures below approximately 55–60°Fshould be avoided. Protect from frost and freezing temperatures. Growing Media Long-fiber sphagnum moss works extremely well when mounted. The moss should remain airy rather than tightly compressed. The roots need both moisture and oxygen. For young plants being established before mounting, a loose sphagnum-based setup works well. Mounting ‘Silver Salmon’ is particularly well suited to mounting. Use a sturdy: Wood board Cork slab Tree fern panel Plastic or synthetic mounting board Give the plant more room than its juvenile size suggests. Mature specimens can develop considerable mass, and growers specifically note that established ‘Silver Salmon’ plants can become front-heavy because of their numerous broad fertile fronds. A substantial mounting board and secure hanging hardware are worthwhile from the beginning. Growth Habit Moderate to large growing. The combination of hillii and willinckii genetics produces a plant that becomes broad and substantial while still maintaining the graceful branching appearance expected from willinckii hybrids. Young plants can remain fairly compact for some time, but mature specimens develop considerably more presence. Feeding Feed lightly but regularly during active growth. A balanced fertilizer at approximately ¼ strength every few waterings works well. During cooler periods or whenever growth slows significantly, reduce fertilizer. Avoid placing concentrated fertilizer directly against the growing point or roots. Pups Established plants may eventually produce basal offsets or pups. Allow pups to develop their own root system and several fronds before separating them if propagation is desired. They can also be left attached to create a larger specimen. Best Growing Conditions Bright filtered light 60–80% humidity 68–85°F temperatures Strong but gentle airflow Thorough watering followed by partial drying Airy sphagnum mounting material Additional Notes Platycerium ‘Silver Salmon’ is a cultivated hybrid involving P. willinckii and P. hillii. Nursery sources commonly list the cross as willinckii × hillii, although some international listings reverse the parental order and list hillii × willinckii. Its combination of broad shields, silvery foliage, abundant fertile fronds, and branching mature form makes it a particularly impressive mounted hybrid as it gains size. -------- ⚠️ Important Shipping Notes We take great care to ensure your plant arrives safely: • We ship every Monday and Tuesday to minimize weekend delays. • We check destination weather on Sunday night and will add free insulation and heat packs when needed for safe delivery. • If a plant arrives damaged, buyers must provide an unboxing video within one hour of delivery. (We cannot be responsible for plants left outside, delayed opening, or packages exposed to heat/cold.) 🌟 Perfect For: • Rare plant collectors • Fans of architectural foliage • Terrarium & vivarium setups • Anyone building a unique indoor jungle