Why are tree ferns ideal orchid pot materials?

Orchidsgrow in deep mountains and secluded valleys, under forest on slopes rich in humus, where the soil is both permeable and moisture-retentive, the air humidity is high, and ventilation is good. Iforchidsare moved to a balcony or courtyard to grow, it depends on artificially creating conditions close to what nature gives them,orchidscan only grow well, so in choosing pots, using soil and other aspects, much care is taken. In choosing orchid pots, clay pots are better than porcelain pots in air and water permeability, but not as attractive as porcelain pots; purple clay pots fall between the two in permeability and appearance, so people often choose them togrow orchids. But not repotting for a long time will not do either; orchid roots may rot, causing the orchid to wither and die. While going up the mountains to collect orchids, I found many ancient tree ferns lying on the ground in the primeval forest, covered with vines, ferns and small trees. I took a section of tree fern back and made several flower pots from it, mixed the excavated wood shavings with mountain soil to plant orchids, and three months later found that the orchid roots were thicker, whiter and more tender than those in other pots, and the leaves also grew very well. So many orchid friends and I began to use tree fern pots in large numbers togrow orchids, and all achieved very good results. Tree ferns grow in tropical and subtropical primeval forests; when old and dead they fall to the ground and slowly decay, and the trunk is composed of lignified brown fibers, loose and hollow. When making orchid pots, it can be determined according to the thickness of the fern trunk, sawed into sections of varying lengths (that is, pot height); thick trunks made into large pots need to be slightly longer, thin trunks slightly shorter, and generally pot height equal to diameter is suitable. The large end of the trunk is used as the pot mouth, the small end as the pot bottom; at the pot bottom leave 2-3 cm and a certain thickness of pot wall, and dig out the rest. The original bottom hole is plugged with the large piece of wood shavings dug out, and with slight trimming it becomes an orchid pot. The general shape is natural, that is, round or oval, and it can also be processed into square and polygonal shapes. If the other tree roots, ferns, vines and so on originally growing on the outside of the fern trunk are appropriately retained, it appears even more primitive, simple and natural. Then according to the orchidflower'sheight and size, selecting fern pots of various calibers makes it appear even more harmonious and beautiful. After three years of growing orchids in fern pots, the following advantages are summarized: First, they are breathable, permeable and moisture-retentive; the brown-fiber-like tree fern wood forms holes all over its body, so it is not afraid of pouring rain and has good air permeability. When away for a long time, there is no fear of no one watering, as long as the bottom of the pot is immersed in water, the water will rise along the pot wall and moisten the pot soil. Second, the fern pot itself slowly decays and can supply part of the nutrients for the orchids, making the orchids grow lush; this is an advantage unique to fern pots, unmatched by other orchid pots. If epiphytic orchids are grown for two years without division, the orchid roots will penetrate into the pot wall, making it impossible for you to divide the plants. Third, it is natural and beautiful, simple and elegant, with a distinctive style. Fourth, there is no drainage hole, so earthworms, ants and other pests cannot enter the pot along the pot bottom to harm the orchid roots. Fifth, it is not easily broken and is durable. However, because living tree ferns have a tight structure, with hard outer shell and ring center, they do not have the above advantages, and they are plants protected by forestry departments, so they cannot be used to make orchid pots. (Cai Dazhang)