Maidenhair fern

[SundayGardener]

The bags are unsightly. I suppose someone crafty could do something with cellophane and ribbon that might not look too bad, but it still has to be removed to flush. I suppose I could put a glass vase over them...hmmm. I had zero issues moving my AFs back to soil with a wick, in fact they took off and are now blooming like maniacs.

I don't think I will use SH for any more non-orchids, and even for orchids I'm coming to the conclusion that, for me, it has worked best with phals (which really doesn't make sense, since they are warm growing and SH in WI is more on the cool side). I was recently in Kansas! I experienced something that closely resembled spring

[Orchidenvy]

I know your considering a large aquarium terrarium already so my input is minimally helpful since I agree that’s the way maidenhair ferns seem to thrive. I have one that is quite decorative though and since you complained about the “bagged” issue with terrariums thought you may benefit from my suggestion as to where to find something both beautiful and effective? I have shopped at home-goods ( T.J.Maxx store) to find such lovely terrariums. A two Foot tall pear shaped one has my abused and neglected maidenhair fern that is hardly ever cared for and about 5-6 years old now. It is able to die back and use its own fern decomp as food apparently.

[WaterWitchin]

Originally Posted by SundayGardener

The bags are unsightly. I suppose someone crafty could do something with cellophane and ribbon that might not look too bad, but it still has to be removed to flush. I suppose I could put a glass vase over them...hmmm. I had zero issues moving my AFs back to soil with a wick, in fact they took off and are now blooming like maniacs.

I don't think I will use SH for any more non-orchids, and even for orchids I'm coming to the conclusion that, for me, it has worked best with phals (which really doesn't make sense, since they are warm growing and SH in WI is more on the cool side). I was recently in Kansas! I experienced something that closely resembled spring

I think the aquarium idea will solve the issue. We'll soon find out. Phals tend to move very easily to S/H. I grow almost everything in S/H. What I've found is patience is key with some. I've put some into S/H and waited a year or more before they really took off. For me, it works best. I'm really good (or bad) about benign neglect when I get focused elsewhere. S/H tends to keep them happier until I remember they MUST be watered.

Have friends that live near Madison. Much heartier stock than I. Went there once in the winter. Never.Again.

---------- Post added at 08:39 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:35 AM ----------

Originally Posted by Orchidenvy

I know your considering a large aquarium terrarium already so my input is minimally helpful since I agree that’s the way maidenhair ferns seem to thrive. I have one that is quite decorative though and since you complained about the “bagged” issue with terrariums thought you may benefit from my suggestion as to where to find something both beautiful and effective? I have shopped at home-goods ( T.J.Maxx store) to find such lovely terrariums. A two Foot tall pear shaped one has my abused and neglected maidenhair fern that is hardly ever cared for and about 5-6 years old now. It is able to die back and use its own fern decomp as food apparently.

I don't mind the terrarium idea. It's the "bag" idea that isn't aesthetically pleasing to me. Have a lot of terrariums. Height isn't as much of a problem with maidenhair as width, for me. I want a HUGE maidenhair.

[Orchidenvy]

Quote:
I don't mind the terrarium idea. It's the "bag" idea that isn't aesthetically pleasing to me. Have a lot of terrariums. Height isn't as much of a problem with maidenhair as width, for me. I want a HUGE maidenhair. [/QUOTE]

Well I once had a 100 gallon saltwater tank... you could have a pretty large maidenhair in one of those.

[WaterWitchin]

Originally Posted by WaterWitchin

I don't mind the terrarium idea. It's the "bag" idea that isn't aesthetically pleasing to me. Have a lot of terrariums. Height isn't as much of a problem with maidenhair as width, for me. I want a HUGE maidenhair.

Originally Posted by Orchidenvy

Well I once had a 100 gallon saltwater tank... you could have a pretty large maidenhair in one of those.

Well, I have a 75 and a 125 sitting in the garage. I'm starting off small with a 55. Gotta keep something back for the transplanting once it outgrows its space.