WYSIWYG – What You See Is What You Get

Platycerium hillii
Common names: Hill’s Staghorn Fern
Scientific name: Platycerium hillii T. Moore
Overview
Platycerium hillii is a classic Australian staghorn fern, valued for its broad, rounded shield fronds and gracefully arching antler fronds. Compared to many Platycerium species, it is more tolerant of warmth and moderate humidity, making it an excellent choice for beginners and collectors alike. Best grown mounted, it becomes increasingly sculptural with age.
Quick Tips
🌿 Mount-grown for best health and form
💨 Good airflow is non-negotiable
🚿 Soak well, then allow to dry slightly
☀️ Bright light, filtered sun only
❌ Never remove or bury shield fronds
Key Features
Mature size: 50–90 cm across
Growth rate: Moderate
Growth habit: Epiphytic, clumping
Notable trait: Wide, rounded shield fronds that overlap attractively
Suitable Environments
Shaded patio or veranda
Bright indoor spaces
Mounted feature walls
Large, well-ventilated open terrariums
Bathrooms with strong natural light and airflow
❌ Not suitable for closed terrariums or aquatic environments.
Mounting / Substrate
Preferred mounts:
Cork bark
Hardwood slabs
Tree fern plaques
Backing material:
Long-fiber sphagnum moss (loosely packed)
⚠️ Keep the shield frond fully exposed—this is critical for plant health.
Light
Bright, indirect light
Gentle morning sun tolerated
Avoid harsh midday and afternoon sun
Indoor tip: East- or north-facing windows work best.
Temperature
Ultimate minimum: 10 °C
Ultimate maximum: 35 °C
Ideal range: 18–30 °C
More heat-tolerant than many Platycerium species but not frost-hardy.
Humidity
Tolerance: 40–85%
Ideal: 55–75%
Handles average household humidity well, provided airflow is good.
Watering
Water by soaking the mount or heavy overhead spray
Drain fully after watering
Typical frequency:
Summer: 2–3× per week
Winter: Every 7–10 days
🚫 Constant wetness leads to rot—err on the dry side in cool weather.
Feeding
Light but regular feeding during active growth
Apply a diluted balanced fertiliser every 3–4 weeks in spring and summer
Flush occasionally with clean water to prevent salt accumulation
Less feeding is better than overfeeding.
Propagation
By division of mature plants
Only divide strong, multi-crown specimens
Spores are slow and impractical for most growers
Common Problems
Blackened base: Overwatering or poor airflow
Frond burn: Excessive direct sun
Slow growth: Insufficient light or nutrients
Old shield fronds browning: Normal—do not remove
Final Notes
Platycerium hillii is one of the most reliable and adaptable staghorn ferns available. Given light, airflow, and sensible watering, it will steadily build into a bold, long-lived display plant suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings.