Gorilla Hair

[AnonYMouse]

The hemp thread prompted me to start this thread.

I recently unmounted a new scaphyglottis, the roots were lightly wrapped in what I know as gorilla hair (redwood fiber shreds, not coco husk). The shingle mount was slimy and decomposing but the shredded stuff was still fresh looking. The roots were having a ball in the stuff.

Anyone want to speculate on the pros and cons of this material?

[james mickelso]

Redwood lasts just about forever in the environment. There are 150 year old stumps of redwood still in the forests of NoCal. My folks still have an old table and bench built in 1953 in their backyard in SoCal. Aside from the grain becoming more pronounced from wine glases and various hobbies dragged across it the table and chair are good to go. It's the tannin that discourages the bacteria and molds that destroy other woods. Cedar lasts just about as long.

[Paphluvr]

Redwood fiber tends to be acidic, therefore not suitable for the limestone loving Paphs.

[The Orchid Boy]

I don't think Paph. delenatii would mind as much. It doesn't grow on the limestone cliffs and I have some growing in sphag (which is acidic) and are doing great.

[AnonYMouse]

I'd try it on a NOid but can't find small enough amount (sold in bulk for ground cover mulch).

I like the material, not sure why besides the pest/rot resistance. "Fresh" comes to mind. Doesn't retain water like CHC. Acidity may be an issue.

(Must convince family/friends to use in their yard)

[Island Girl]

They have it at repotme.com now, along with cedar bark, & cypress