Häpu‘u (Hawaiian Tree Fern)

[geraldw3210]

well ray this is what she asked for and its her decision what she wants too use.

Ray im sure you have never ever done anything too harm the environment HUH??

[lepetitmartien]

But maybe our friend here needed some input on the consequences of her decisions.

Since the 19th century, orchid cultivation went thru a lot of changes regarding to potting mixes and supports. Some happened under ecological pressure just because even the small amount of cultivators itself frightened populations of tree ferns. And we moved on, for the common good. And we're still cultivating orchids.

Every little act counts. And inform persons is the first thing to do. No judgement, just know the consequences

[AnonYMouse]

gerald, thanks for your effort but like the earlier reply, that is not the type I'm looking for.

Well, my using the stuff is moot since I can't find it. The Smithsonian (easiest list to use) lists it as "Apparently Secure". Since I sit on the ground floor of the ivory tower, I will reconsider its use barring acquiring mounted plants from growers that use it. I've tried EcoWeb, hated it, use the remainder as very expensive pot drain sieves.

Since we use the scientific names for plants here, i should have said Cibotium glaucum.

Glass houses, people. Glass houses. Make sure you don't live in one. And since I don't know if any of you do, I'll rely on my conscience, not your words.

[Leafmite]

Some of the orchids I have been getting are mounted on tree fern. The old orchid books that I consulted from the library seemed to think it was the only worthy medium. Personally, I prefer red lava rock and LECA for a medium but when they come mounted, I usually leave them be. Tree fern, though, seems to like to shed...drives me crazy. However, my Haraella rectrocalla absolutely loves it.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by geraldw3210

well ray this is what she asked for and its her decision what she wants too use.



Ray im sure you have never ever done anything too harm the environment HUH??

I have no argument with your first statement, and my response was to offer an alternative. Nothing more. Your second statement strikes me as being a cheap shot.

None of us are perfectly "environmentally friendly." I'm quite sure that my use of the insecticidal "big guns" when the situation calls for it, falls in that category, but I am trying to move my culture away from those things, through the use of biological and botanical probiotics, preventives, and treatments.


Ray Barkalow
firstrays.com

[AnonYMouse]

The subject is HAWAIIAN tree fern. As stated earlier, the stuff Kawamoto (and apparently Carmela) uses for mounts.

It is very different from the more available tree fern (exoterra, kelly's korner, calwest tropical, repotme, etc). It looks like fiberboard, absorbs like a sponge, does not shred. It's great stuff.

[Leafmite]

I haven't been fortunate enough to see the Hawaiian stuff. I assumed that they were similar. I will need to Google it just to see what it looks like.

---------- Post added at 06:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:44 PM ----------

I found this. It is a pretty tree. Maybe I will need to try to grow one.
http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/OF-16.pdf

[No-Pro-mwa]

Sun shine, perhaps everyone needs sun shine

[Ray]

Anonymouse, did you read this?

Originally Posted by Hawaiian Sunshine

The hapuu boards used by Kawamoto Orchid Nursery are not made in Hawaii. Carmela Orchids also has and uses these boards. They are imported from an unknown source off island, probably from Florida. The boards are great for mounting and hanging plants. Wish I knew where they're getting them too. <RB Edit: most of the Florida-sourced tree fern is from Central- or South America>

Over the years, I have seen a great deal of variation in the density and overall quality of tree fern. It may have to do with the species, the maturity of the harvested material, the specific conditions under which it was grown, or even where in the "trunk" it is taken. I would not doubt for a moment that Kawamoto and Carmela - two excellent growers - might not specify particular grades though, and maybe that's the difference you're seeing. Unfortunately, as an individual grower, that makes it hard to get exactly what you want.

I did a quick search for "Hawaiian Tree Fern" , and found this by the University of Hawaii Extension Service.

[AnonYMouse]

Originally Posted by Ray

Anonymouse, did you read this?

Yes.

Originally Posted by Ray

Over the years, I have seen a great deal of variation in the density and overall quality of tree fern. It may have to do with the species, the maturity of the harvested material, the specific conditions under which it was grown, or even where in the "trunk" it is taken. I would not doubt for a moment that Kawamoto and Carmela - two excellent growers - might not specify particular grades though, and maybe that's the difference you're seeing. Unfortunately, as an individual grower, that makes it hard to get exactly what you want.

"Plant is mounted on hapu'u (Hawaiian tree Fern)", is the exact wording Kawamoto uses. Certainly the material is different from anything I see now and from 40 years ago when my father was actively growing orchids. All I can say is it is fantastic stuff.

Originally Posted by Ray

I did a quick search for "Hawaiian Tree Fern" , and found this by the University of Hawaii Extension Service.

Serious conservation needs to disseminate information quickly, easily and concisely. "Considered threatened" and "Apparently secure" are wishy washy statements used for our particular bias and provides huge legal wiggle room. What is the terminology used by whatever governing agency that decides all this? Obviously, the use of this material is not prohibited.

I'm done. It's a moot point since I can't get the stuff and I find I'm repeating myself. This thread is now bordering on pedantic and to my mind, not in a good way.

---------- Post added at 12:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:14 PM ----------

I retract my "I'm done".

Originally Posted by No-Pro-mwa

Sun shine, perhaps everyone needs sun shine

back at'cha.

I have sunshine. What I need is rain and lots of it (but not all at once like TX is getting now).