How to use osmunda
I have been reading on osmunda and have been playing with it. Here are my observations. It is a lot of work to harvest the root system especially when one wants to harvest the large ones. I used a pick ax to dig the clump up then replant the main root immediately. The root system is then washed several times to rid of dirt and mud. The small fiber mass is then separated from the coarse root and both parts are dried in the shade for a few weeks under good circulation of air flow. The small fibers are crunchy when dried and can break easily so must be handled with some care. However as they get some moisture, they become strong and can be bent, rolled, cut,etc. The big root chunks can be easily broken with both hands like you would breaking a stick. Do not use any sharp instrument to cut them as they are tough. Just break them with your hands— very easy!
For mounting orchids, I soak the fiber and root chunks overnight then air dry for a few hours. The chunks are then tied together with wire to as large a mount as I want. The re-wetted chunks are also easy to breaks with hand as to adjust the height of the mount. I roll the fine fiber into small rolls and stuff them around the orchids. I sometimes use very long fibers of osmunda to wrap around the root of the orchids. Some osmunda fibers are several feet long.
It has been fun so far. I am looking forward beautiful plant with blooms the next several years.
Please share any tips and advice you have. Thank you.
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