One of our product trial growers, Allan Watson, says he is often asked a number of key questions since he began using Fernwood Tree Fern Fibre some 4 years ago. One of those questions is why he changed from Bark to Fern fibre substrate. He says the results speak for themselves. The Paphiopedilum is a […]
Growing your Orchids as they do in the Wild
Orchid grower Allan Watson has had great success with orchids in pots using the Fernwood Tree Fern Fiber substrate, and now he’s having more success on Tree Fern orchard boards. Here are his tips for mounting on Fernwood Tree Fern Fiber boards.
Plant, Substrate, Grower and Environment strike Gold
Allan Watson is one of our product trial growers. He started with just a few different genera, and now grows 90% of his collection in Fernwood Tree Fern Fibre. It has paid off as in three years’ time, Allan has won three awards from the Orchid Council of NZ.
Orchids grown on slabs or totems
Growing orchids is not without its challenges, says Allan Watson. Having moved from his traditional medium bark to Fernwood Fern Fibre substrate in regulation pots with award winning success, he says his next move into slab or totem culture was a no-brainer.
The proof is in the pudding
In previous blog posts, keen hobby grower Allan Watson explained that he traditionally used bark as a medium for his orchids. The introduction of Fernwood NZ’s fern fibre substrate into his orchid culture required some changes but the results show that good things come to those who wait.
A grade now the norm for Phalaenopsis Nurseries
Jacob and Anja Wassink, owners/operators at Phalaenopsis Nurseries in Omokoroa near Tauranga, have converted their entire operation into growing all plants in Fernwood fibre, and the results are outstanding. Anja reports.
Results of a Two Year Trial using Tree Fern Fibre
Allan Watson has provided this comprehensive report for Fernwood NZ after a 2-year trial growing his orchids in Tree Fern Fibre Substrate. He says that while the trial timeline comes to an end, the results just keep on coming.
Awards for Exceptional Orchids
Since converting to using fern fibre only in preference to bark, Selwyn Hatrick has been growing much larger and more robust orchids. In turn, this has led to considerably more flowers and of better quality. His efforts have been recognised with a raft of awards.
Growing in Fern Fibre: A Recovery Story
Selwyn Hatrick began a trial late November 2016, to compare the growth of three groups of paphiopedilum seedlings. One selection planted in orchid bark, the second in a mix of bark and fern fibre, and the third in fern fibre with no additives. Read his findings here…
An insight into Fern Fibre Culture
Selwyn Hatrick explains the ins and outs of fern fibre culture, explains that the main species being harvested is Ponga/NZ native fern and talks about sustainable harvesting in New Zealand. He looks at the characteristics that make fibre superior to bark as a potting substrate for orchids.
