Stanhopea wardii - yellowing pbulb

[Tindomul]

Nice thread. Question,

Wouldn't the fern lead to faster media decay?

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by Tindomul

Wouldn't the fern lead to faster media decay?

Hmmm...I'm not sure that either ferns or orchids have any capability to break down media. Rather, I've always assumed that the media breaks down due to abiotic (heat, moisture) and biotic conditions (bacteria, fungi, etc) not associated with plant (or fern) growth. These are purely hypothetical guesses though!

[rbarata]

I believe ferns might promote decay because its roots probably help retain humidity which, by another side, is ok since these plants should never dry out.

[Tindomul]

Originally Posted by isurus79

Hmmm...I'm not sure that either ferns or orchids have any capability to break down media. Rather, I've always assumed that the media breaks down due to abiotic (heat, moisture) and biotic conditions (bacteria, fungi, etc) not associated with plant (or fern) growth. These are purely hypothetical guesses though!

I was thinking the fern roots (extra biomatter) would promote decay indirectly as the fern roots die, probably more often than the orchid roots.

[rbarata]

I was thinking the fern roots (extra biomatter) would promote decay indirectly as the fern roots die, probably more often than the orchid roots.

That's a possibility, I think.
But what might happen before that, and what makes me think more, is that fern roots grow really fast. This might cause a premature pot bound, probably when it's still too soon for the stan to be repotted.

What I think might work is to cut the fern's leaves when they start to grow. It will consume all the resources stored in its roots and cause them to die.
But, as Estación seca mentioned, I will lose my humidity indicator.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by Tindomul

I was thinking the fern roots (extra biomatter) would promote decay indirectly as the fern roots die, probably more often than the orchid roots.

Its possible! Tough to say without any type of study.

[Manfred Busche]

Steve is right - plus, the plant needs more fertilizer

[rbarata]

Update on this one...
After a while, when I was already thinking it should be already time for something new to happen, here it is: a new growth.
Last night I've inspected the plant and it wasn't there so this have grown this much in a few hours.





The fern mentioned in the previous posts, during the winter it didn't grow any leaves. Now, with higher temps and HR there are two tiny leaves growing. So far it doesn't seem to be doing any harm to the stan.

[Manfred Busche]

Steve is right.

Also, please realize that you have a small plant, which has not enough energy to do ALL at the same time :: maintain
the old bulbs, maintain the previous growth and, moreover, get the new growth(s) going.
This is why this small plant has abandoned the old bulbs ...
Now your plant needs much fertilizer : 125 ppm every evening.

[rbarata]

Originally Posted by Manfred Busche

Now your plant needs much fertilizer : 125 ppm every evening.

Do you see in the plant any signs of a lack of fert?