Cork vs. Tree fern for mounts...?
 

Hello all! I have a Brassavola Nodosa 'Gale' that is thriving, but is outgrowing its mount quickly and needs to be remounted. It's currently growing on a tiny piece of tree fern, and I'm considering switching it to a cork slab, which looks more natural and doesn't break down as quicky, IMHO. Before I do this, any thoughts as to why changing over may or may not be a good idea? i.e., Do tree fern or cork have any obvious advantages over each other as mounting material? Thanks!

Cork is better.

I perfer cork, it has lots of little hidey holes for the roots to grab onto and the look is very natural.
I really think it's a matter of personal choice tho.
Al

Ive never used tree fern, but Ive also never had problems with cork. I vote for cork.

I don't personally know that I can reliably say one is better than the other. I've used both, and in my case I prefer tree fern. For me it holds moisture better, and as it breaks down it naturally provides some feeding for the plant. I also kind of like the way it looks, though agree that cork is more natural looking.

As an aside, I have a Phal which I purchased mounted on a section of bamboo, and I really like the way it looks.

I started to post about tree fern vs. cork renewability and didn't finish. I don't know for a fact, but I have read that tree fern is being depleated at a pretty fast rate (thus the creation of new products like epiweb.) Cork trees also get a real going over sometimes for "virgin cork" but most of the slabs we have access to are not virgin cork (I think that is correct.) I use mostly local tree branches, cedar slabs, cork, etc. because these products are more renewable than tree fern. Just my :twocents: :biggrin:

Theyre also FREE!! A very important factor in my opinion!! I have found some VERY nice tree branches on the side of the road many times.

Steve, was I correct on my assessment of the tree fern? I know a lot used to come from Hawaii.

I believe you are correct, Ross. Tree fern is not renewable, but the cork slabs we use are just shed from the outer bark of the tree. The cork trees will continue to put it out. (that wasn't very eloquent. but true.)

The treefern from Hawaii is very common as a landscaping plant but has had problems with over collection in the past. In wetter areas it seems to be fairly common, probably because it is now protected. Here is an interesting article about Hapu'u: http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/OF-16.pdf
Tree fern is still sold on a somewhat regular basis in stores around the state. I personally dont use it because of its water retentive capabilities.