Anyone here use tree fern?

[varda.elentari]

Thank you for such an informative answer as always Roberta! You always give me such great info in response to my questions. You're right: it makes more sense to think backwards from the plant's needs and one's growing conditions but I guess I'm not used to doing that. For all that I first started growing orchids over a decade ago I feel like such a newbie, especially now that I'm venturing into new genera. The problem is I don't fully understand what the plant in question prefers. It's a Coelogyne 'Unchained Melody' and though I've read a few articles about it, I haven't found any concrete information on how quickly it likes to dry and how long to go between waterings.

Chris, thanks for sharing your experience. I'm not familiar with those two genera. Do they like to remain moist or more on the dry side?

[Roberta]

I have had success with Coelogynes in net pots (plastic baskets) with sphagnum, loosely packed. They seem to like both moisture and air. Also, they tend to ramble - they may end up at least in good part out of the basket, and it doesn't seem to bother them. There are some Coelogynes that stay compact, but most of mine seem to want to be free. If I had more moisture, they'd do well mounted. The loose sphag in the basket is a decent compromise.

[varda.elentari]

I like the idea but I'm worried they would dry too quickly in my low humidity. I'm trying to pot all my plants such that I don't have to water more than twice a week. I'm worried what would happen if I forget a watering or two and the plant has to go over a week without water...

Out of curiosity, what's your humidity at?

[Roberta]

Just for grins, here is Coel. nitida, that just opened. I'll get a better photo in the morning... flash doesn't do the "whiteness" justice. Oh, also... to get it to orient correctly, all I did was open it in a photo editor, and Save As the same name. Didn't have to actually edit or manipulate it.

My conditions are a lot different than yours, of course. Mine get whatever Mother Nature provides. Usual mid-day humidity is in the 40-50% range, though there are days when it is single digits. Overnight it tends to be quite a bit higher. I do also water a lot (every other day this time of year, it'll go to daily in the heat of summer) But spaghnum might be a good choice for you, perhaps use a plastic pot rather than basket to hold moisture longer

[varda.elentari]

It looks lovely! I just realized if you're growing Coelogynes in your warmer climate, I should hopefully be able to here. (I've been concerned because I know they're cool-growing plants and our summers do get very hot.)

I think I'll try a plastic or a hydroponics mesh pot with some loose sphagnum then. I might try the tree fern eventually as well because I'm too curious but at least now I won't have to rush to buy it just because of one plant. Thanks Roberta!

[estación seca]

If you use the Search function you'll find other OB members have posted how they grow Unchained Melody. Coelogyne is a large genus with species from many climate zones. Everybody can grow some but nobody with one growing area can grow them all.

[varda.elentari]

True. I read some articles online but forgot to check the forum.

But back to my original question, I'd love to hear from anyone else who's used tree fern. Still interested in trying it maybe, whether it be for the Coelogyne or my other orchids.

[james j]

I picked up a bag a few months ago after reading an article in AOS magazine. I put some Phrags, Oncidiums, and a few other things.
I don’t have enough time with it to have much of an opinion yet. I did notice that if it seems to get hydrophobic if it dries completely.

[varda.elentari]

Thanks James. Good to know it does that. Hope it works well for your plants! I'd be really interested to hear how they do if you feel like sharing later.

[AnonYMouse]

My Coelogyne usitana is in S/H but I use tree fern plaques and totems to mount on. There are variables in density, so that's something to consider. The more open, the airier the roots. The dense material even wicks water up.