Platycerium Alcicorne

Platycerium Alcicorne is a very common species of African dragon, which can reach 80cm in length and up to 100cm in diameter. It is divided into two main branches, P. Alcicorne Africa and P. Alcicorne Madagascar. It also has a less common name, P. Alcicorne 'Vassei', but the most commonly used name is Platycerium Alcicorne. Platycerium Alcicorne has a wide-spread dark green beard, covered with a waxy hair that prevents water evaporation. This species is quite sensitive to light, if provided with enough light, the folds of the upper half of the shield will appear clearly. P. Alcicorne grows seasonally, the shield dies in late summer, turning dark brown in autumn and winter. In winter, the plant will fall into a dormant state, so limit watering and reduce fertilizer during this cold season. P. Alcicorne Africa is more tolerant of waterlogging than P. Alcicorne Madagascar but both are less tolerant of cold. Propagation of P. Alcircone is mostly from cuttings from the mother plant. Their spores appear at the end of the antennae. This is an easy species to grow in tropical climates and for beginners in the cage keeping.

Hybrid lines from P. Alcicorne
· P. Artemis (P. alcicorne x P. quadridichotomum)
· P. Horne's Surprise (P. madagascariense x P. alcicorne）
· P. Lucy (P. alcicorne var. madagascar x P. elephantotis）