Angraecoids on tree fern?

[Groundhog]

I have posted this on other threads--to NO avail!

The question is: Is it true that angraecoids (Aerangis, Angraecum, etc.) should not be mounted on tree fern plaques? (Please--no lectures about sustainablity--I know and I agree...) In other words, does tree fern harm angraecoids? If so, does anyone know why (i.e., the actual reason)? I have heard both sides from some serious growers. Does anyone know for sure?!?

C'mon guys--little help! (Um, pretty *%^#$ please?)

[calvin_orchidL]

Not sure why no one has replied yet! I'd be interested in hearing the rationale you've seen as to why treefern may be bad..I don't have any angs on treefern, although I do have an aerangis punctata on epiweb....:S

[lambelkip]

there's nothing about tree fern that will harm your orchids. with any change in potting medium (or mount) you may need to adjust your watering because of the way the medium holds moisture.

you said you've heard both sides from serious growers. ask the ones who are doing it successfully for advice.

[Groundhog]

I did!

According to some professionals (e.g., Andy) there is, of course, nothing intrinsically bad about treefern. HOW-EV-AH, it is very absorbent, and soaks up salts. As such, one has to water with very high-quality water, because angraecoids are super-sensitive to fertilizer salts. If one cannot do this, cork drains better.

Sounds plausible, no?

[dave b]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

I did!

According to some professionals (e.g., Andy) there is, of course, nothing intrinsically bad about treefern. HOW-EV-AH, it is very absorbent, and soaks up salts. As such, one has to water with very high-quality water, because angraecoids are super-sensitive to fertilizer salts. If one cannot do this, cork drains better.

Sounds plausible, no?

Sure it sounds plausible. This theory holds true for many growing mediums. Tree fern also tends to break down pretty quick, depending on grower conditions. I have a large Zootrophion on tree fern, as this is what it came on when i got it. Over the past 6 months, ive begun to see the mount deteriorate. All of my Aerangis are on bark.

[brooke]

Here is my Angcm. germinyanum on a tree fern totem.



It's been on this mount for three years and I've had no problems with it or the mount.

Brooke

[calvin_orchidL]

Brooke why have you not posted this photo before? Or maybe you have and I missed it...I'm picking up my jaw from the floor...that is a magnificent specimen and a gorgeous photo. GREAT growing!

[Ross]

I see absolutely no reason why angraecoides would not want to be mounted on tree fern, or anything else. They really don't care. If you ever needed to remount it, however, the roots would be into the fern pretty much.

[WhiteRabbit]

:

Originally Posted by calvin_orchidL

Brooke why have you not posted this photo before? Or maybe you have and I missed it...I'm picking up my jaw from the floor...that is a magnificent specimen and a gorgeous photo. GREAT growing!

:iagree:


I think that makes a pretty good statement that it's perfectly fine to grow on tree fern

[gixrj18]

Originally Posted by brooke

Here is my Angcm. germinyanum on a tree fern totem.



It's been on this mount for three years and I've had no problems with it or the mount.

Brooke

That is awesome! I love Angraecums, I need to buy more of them, I only have 1 hybrid. Nice job, Brooke.