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  P.O. Box 5416   |   Mooresville, NC 28117   |   770-271-0859

SUSTAINABLY SOURCED TREE FERN LAUNCHED IN USA

July 10, 2018 by AcadianSupply Leave a Comment

Orchid growers as well as people with a passion for reptiles and amphibians who are based in the United States can now purchase tree fern products with a clear conscience, as Fernwood Products (NZ) Limited has launched its sustainably sourced products into the US market.

Fernwood Soft Tree Fern Substrate is an excellent growing medium for orchids

This is good news for anyone who currently uses tree fern or has done so in the past, as the availability of the product has been spotty for several years. Combined with inconsistent quality, many users have simply stopped using the product altogether.

Up until now, Central and South America have been the source for most tree fern in the United States. Unfortunately, poor harvesting strategies and misuse of natural resources has landed tree fern products from these countries under the protection of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).

The harvesting process of New Zealand tree fern products does not damage the environment

“Fernwood works closely with New Zealand government authorities to ensure that their process is fully transparent and sustainable, and consumers can rest assured knowing that tree fern products harvested and processed by Fernwood NZ are not CITES listed,” says Fernwood’s Export Sales Manager Alan Ford.

“Over the past 25 years, the team has developed a robust system that ensures all harvesting is managed sustainably and that the environment is left as it was found – intact and undisturbed.”

 

It’s easy to see the difference in quality between tree fern from New Zealand (left) and South America (right)

 

Users will find the natural properties of the New Zealand Dicksonia species of tree fern to be superior to the Cyathea species typically coming out of the Americas. New Zealand tree fern is soft, porous and spongy, long lasting, and has fantastic moisture holding capabilities. It’s these inherent characteristics that make the products so successful with target markets.

Fernwood has been exporting its tree fern products to Japan, Europe and the UK for decades, and they began working on product configurations for the United States in 2017. Their recent partnership with Acadian Supply, Inc. has made the launch a reality.

 

Fernwood Soft Tree Fern Panels are an ecologically friendly, non-toxic solution for vivarium walls

 

“We wanted to make sure our products were properly tailored to the US market,” Alan says.

“For example, we’ve designed our vivarium panels to align with the dimensions of the most popular vivariums available to US consumers. This will make lining vivarium walls quicker and easier, with minimal to no wasted product,” he explains.

 

Prized as a growing media for orchids and as a key component in the construction of vivariums for the herpetology market, Fernwood tree fern will be available in the USA in both loose fiber and cut panel configurations.

Filed Under: Blog

Acadian’s Winter Orchid Care Guide

January 25, 2017 by gmg Leave a Comment

orchidsWhen properly tended, orchids provide a dynamic visual. But ignore their care, and those intricate petals will droop with wilt, and their color will fade from vivid palettes to dull browns and tans. Whether your favorite variety of orchid blooms in winter or spring, Acadian Supply has February care tips for your orchid.

Cattleya

Cattleya don’t bloom until spring, so it’s not time for fertilization or heavy watering. Instead, be on the lookout for senescing sheaths. These hollow, yellowish sheaths can trap moisture if left unchecked, leading to bud rot. Staking your orchids is vital to preventing weak spikes due to low light. This is an ideal time to buy healthy orchids from nurseries or wholesale suppliers.

Cymbidium

If you grow cymbidium outdoors, be careful of damage that occurs when temperatures reach freezing. Indoor orchids should be in full bloom. Watch for slugs, snails, and spots of botrytis due to wet weather.

Lycaste

These picture-perfect orchids will bloom any day now. Tie them loosely together to prevent the leaves from interfering with blooms. Resist moving them around, which causes the orchid to reorient itself to the light. Take care not to overwater.

Odontoglossums

New hybrids have no trouble thriving in the cooler season. These orchids offer a burst of color during January and February, with new blooms emerging through spring. Keep an eye on the plant’s pseudobulbs; if they’re shriveled, you’ve been giving your orchid too much or too little moisture.

Paphiopedilum

These orchids adapt to a variety of conditions and take to repotting even while in bud. Use Orchiata bark to help these orchids thrive.

Phalaenopsis

Stake your orchids now to ensure the vivid spring blooms are displayed to their full effect. Water carefully and remove spent blooms. Don’t risk repotting phalaenopsis orchids in February.

Zygopetalum

Most blooms are already spent, so late winter is an ideal time to repot zygopetalum orchids.

 

Filed Under: Blog, Uncategorized

Why is pH important when growing orchids?

January 13, 2017 by AcadianSupply Leave a Comment

pH is a numeric scale used to specify the acidity or basicity (alkalinity) of an aqueous solution.  Solutions with a pH less than 7 are acidic and those with a pH greater than 7 are basic (or alkaline).  pH is important in the growing of orchids because the pH level in your orchid pot impacts the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients.  If the pH is too high or too low, your orchid will not be absorbing the nutrients provided by your fertilizing regimen and plant health will suffer.

ph-impact-on-nutrient-uptake-5There are several methods that can be used to check the pH of your orchid’s growing media (or any plant’s media for that matter).  The most common is the pour through method.  As the name suggests, this involves collecting water that has been poured through the orchid’s pot and testing the pH of the collected water.  It is typically best to do this at the end of your regular watering regimen.  pH strips can be used or for a more precise reading, you may want to invest a few dollars in a pH meter.

 

Most orchid resources recommend a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 which is slightly acidic.  In any given orchid pot, your growing media, water and fertilizer all work together to determine the pH in that particular pot.  Pine bark and fir bark, popular orchid growing media, are naturally acidic with pH often in the range of 4.0 – 5.0.  Orchid bark mixes with lower inherent pH means your orchid is depending on water and fertilizer to raise the pH into the optimal range – an interaction often left to chance.  This is further challenged because as the growing media breaks down over time, its pH can fall further.  Fortunately, Orchiata orchid bark is pH adjusted during its unique aging process to deliver a potting media that is already in the optimal range right out of the bag.  Orchiata’s hard internal structure results in minimal breakdown helping to avoid pH degredation.  If you think your orchid is not living up to its potential, consider checking the pH.  You may find its time to change your potting media.

Find out where you can purchase Orchiata near you!

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Blog, Uncategorized

Award Winning Growers Choose Orchiata

December 15, 2016 by Kristi McBryar Leave a Comment

The American Orchid Society regularly publishes awarded orchids on both its website and in the monthly edition of Orchids Magazine.  We are always delighted to see so many of our customers represented amongst the winners – particularly those who show up month after month!  Professional growers and hobbyists alike rave about Orchiata’s long pot life, consistent chip size and ability to be used straight out of the bag.  The prestigious awards speak for themselves and we are proud to be able to contribute to our customers’ success.  We’ve highlighted a few recent winners and the thoughts they’ve shared with us.

Jason Fischer, Orchids Limited, Plymouth, MNPhragmipedium Jerry Lee Fischer ‘The Old Man’
Awarded AM/AOS SM/CSA
Jason Fischer, Orchids Limited, Plymouth, MN
“This bark is really, really hard.  It doesn’t break down quickly.  It’s very clean – hardly any dust at all and it’ll last anywhere from 3 to 6 years.  You can just use it straight out of the bag.”

 

Paphiopedilum Dragon Lord ‘Winged Warrior’Paphiopedilum Dragon Lord ‘Winged Warrior’
Awarded FCC/AOS
Hadley Cash, Marriott Orchids, Kernersville, NC
“Orchiata bark is one of the most significant growing improvements that I’ve made with orchids in the last 10 years.  We all want a potting mix that will produce great roots, yet last as long as possible.  Nothing I’ve tried accomplishes these goals better or longer than Orchiata.”

Graham Ramsey, WNC Orchid Society, Asheville, NCPhragmipedium Bel Croute ‘Blackberry’
Awarded AM/AOS, April 2016
Graham Ramsey, WNC Orchid Society, Asheville, NC
“My orchids are obviously happier and healthier since I switched to Orchiata.”

 

Ron Midgett, New Earth Orchids, Santa Fe, NM

Laeliocattleya Ann Akagi ‘Hihimanu’
Awarded AM/AOS
Ron Midgett, New Earth Orchids, Santa Fe, NM
“Orchiata bark products are the cleanest and most accurately sized I have used in 47 years of growing orchids.  The long lasting qualities have reduced the need for repotting and the plants grow spectacularly well by evidence of the awards that I have received.”

Eron Borne, Central Louisiana Orchid Society, LAEpicattleya Cerina ‘Nadia’
Awarded AM/AOS, April 2015
Eron Borne, Central Louisiana Orchid Society, LA
“Orchiata has many benefits, but most importantly to me, you can’t beat it for longevity.  I have some orchids that have been in the mix for 4 years, and when it came time to repot – the bark was still in good condition.”

 

Gyorgy Nagy, Michigan Orchid Society, MI

Phragmipedium Peruflora’s Cirila Alca ‘Betty Peace’
Awarded HCC/AOS, February 2015
Gyorgy Nagy, Michigan Orchid Society, MI
“Even with my heavy watering it lasts longer than any other bark. It rewets easily and does not turn to mud after just a few years.  Everything grows very well in it.”

 

Graham Wood, Lehua Orchids, Mountain View, HIPaphiopedilum Fred’s Aura ‘Lehua’s Pleasant Surprise’
Awarded AM/AOS, August, 2015
Graham Wood, Lehua Orchids, Mountain View, HI
“Using Orchiata has cut down our transplanting significantly, literally we only need to transplant when the plant needs a larger pot.  There is no breakdown of this media.”

 

Find out where you can purchase Orchiata near you!

Filed Under: Blog

Spagmoss for Carnivorous Plants

October 12, 2016 by Kristi McBryar Leave a Comment

Carnivorous PlantsSpagmoss is a very versatile product.  As you know, it is a favorite for orchid growers and reptile enthusiasts, but did you know that it is also a great potting media for carnivorous plants? It’s true! New Zealand Sphagnum Moss is the perfect potting media for carnivorous plants!

Carnivorous Plants are quite unique …

They are actually “predatory” flowering plants, preying on insects (amongst other things) to obtain nutrition!  As I said – very unique.

While carnivorous plants are different from most other flowers, they do share something in common: they need to be planted in the right potting media to promote growth and health. In nature, carnivorous plants are almost entirely restricted to habitats such as bogs – often rich in mosses – and in a majority of cases sphagnum moss.  With a natural desire for a moisture rich environment, carnivorous plants grown in the home can become dried out if not cared for properly and grown in the proper environment. One of the challenges growers face is how they will provide their plants with an adequate supply of water. Some put their pots in separate containers that are filled with water to ensure ready availability. Fortunately, there is a better option for keeping carnivorous plants hydrated so they continue to flourish, with less work!

Spagmoss’ ability to hold 20 times its weight in water makes it an excellent substrate, helping to mimic the plant’s natural environment. Not only will it keep your plant hydrated, but because it is aesthetically pleasing, it will keep the plant looking pretty in the container too!

New Zealand Spagmoss is an economical choice because it can maintain its structure for years, outlasting the life span of other types of moss by a significant margin.  This reduces your need for repeated repotting which will also reduce stress on your plant.

When transplanting into Spagmoss, the moss should be rehydrated first. Simply soak the Spagmoss in water (use warm water for best results). The moss will increase in size once it has absorbed the water. Gently squeeze the moss to remove excess water and then re-pot your carnivorous plant.

Find out where you can purchase Spagmoss near you!

Filed Under: Blog

American Orchid Society Fall Members’ Meeting and International Orchid Show

September 30, 2016 by Kristi McBryar Leave a Comment

AOS Fall Show Oct 21-23Just next month from October 19-23, orchid hobbyists, enthusiasts, and those who enjoy the beauty of orchids will come together for the 2nd annual International Orchid Show held at The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens in Los Angeles, California! This year’s show, Elegant Orchids, will also coincide with the American Orchid Society’s Fall Members’ Meeting.

The Huntington Botanical Gardens sits on 120 acres of land and features 16 gardens with 15,000 plant varieties. The gardens was founded in 1903 by Henry Huntington who originally purchased the property formerly used as a ranch and converted it into a beautiful estate. Today, 40 gardeners, a curatorial staff of seven, and more than 100 volunteers maintain the botanical collections, provide educational programs for visitors, and propagate plants that are often included in special sales.

We are honored to sponsor this exceptional event enjoyed by orchid lovers from around the world! We will be on site attending meetings and networking with others in attendance. We will also host a lecture on October 21, October 22, and October 23 from 1:30pm – 2:30pm focusing on “why award winning growers choose Orchiata.” This special presentation will be led by Graham Wood of Lehua Orchids and Garry Clark of Besgrow.

In conjunction with the members’ meeting, The Huntington Botanical Garden will host it’s Orchid Show from 10am-5pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday which is open to the general public. We encourage everyone in the area to stop by and enjoy the beauty of the show. We hope you will leave as inspired as us!

Filed Under: Blog

Our Favorite Orchid Care Resources

August 20, 2016 by Kristi McBryar Leave a Comment

Orchid Care ResourcesCaring for orchids can seem intimidating. After all, you have probably always heard how delicate they are. We bet you novice growers out there are always impressed when you see someone managing to keep their orchids alive. But caring for an orchid and maintaining it’s beauty isn’t as difficult as it may seem. All you need are the proper resources to help you navigate through your orchid care journey!

To help you keep your orchid beautiful and make it last, we are sharing some of the best Orchid care resources available online…

American Orchid Society: The American Orchid Society’s mission is to promote and support the passion for orchids through education, conservation, and research. Their website is filled with tons of information for beginners and experts. They also feature a helpful orchid glossary as well as an index of common orchid species!

Orchid Web by Orchids Limited: Orchids Limited shared answers to the most frequently asked questions which range from basic orchid care to treating common orchid diseases.

Besgrow: Besgrow, our parent company, shares tips and techniques for growing orchids and other plants with the help of our products, Orchiata and Spagmoss. Their website also features helpful testimonials from customers sharing expert tips you can try at home!

Our Blog: In case you haven’t already guessed, we also share helpful information for orchid growers! Our blog highlights helpful tips for novice growers as well as product guides for expert growers.

Be sure to also check out your local orchid society for local news, events, and tips.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Send us a note on Facebook and maybe your question will be featured in a future blog post!

Filed Under: Blog

Not All Sphagnum Moss is Created Equal

August 8, 2016 by Kristi McBryar Leave a Comment

If you have shopped for or used sphagnum moss in the past, you may have found yourself confused by the various claims and descriptions found in the market.

Moss in tunnel house

The reality is, there are approximately 120 species of sphagnum moss found throughout the world. The physical characteristics and intrinsic qualities (i.e. chemical properties) of these different species can vary greatly. Characteristics of sphagnum moss that are of interest to most users include color, strand length, strand strength and durability, salt accumulation and chemical properties.

One of the most important things to remember when comparing and choosing sphagnum moss is that different species grow in different regions around the globe. So it is important to understand which species are most likely to come from which regions. The table below outlines some of the more popular species on the market today along with a comparative summary of their key characteristics and qualities.

Chart of popular species' of sphagnum moss

EC = electrical conductivity in milliSiemens / centimeter. EC is a measure of salinity, a factor that influences a plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. As salts accumulate and moss breaks down, EC rises and begins to negatively impact the health of the plant.

The best advice – take a few moments to understand the characteristics of the species being offered.  That way, you will be able to accurately determine the quality of product that best meets your needs and expectations.

Filed Under: Blog

Our Commitment to Sustainable Management of Natural Resources

July 29, 2016 by Kristi McBryar Leave a Comment

We are the exclusive importer of premium growing and bedding substrates from New Zealand used by horticulturalists and herpetologists across the United States. Our two main products are Orchiata brand orchid bark and Spagmoss brand sphagnum moss. Renewable by nature, we are proud that these products are also sustainably managed by our supplier, Besgrow.

We are committed to the sustainable management of natural resources

What does it mean to be sustainable?

According to Merriam-Webster, a sustainable resource is one which is used or harvested in such a way that it is not depleted or permanently damaged.

How is being “sustainable” different from “renewable”?

A renewable product can be restored or replaced by nature or natural processes.  However, if not managed sustainably, nature may lose the opportunity to restore.

Why does being sustainable and renewable matter?

  • Renewable products sourced under sustainable methods are less harmful to the environment
  • It ensures our products will be available far into the future

How Our Products are Renewable and Sustainable

Orchiata is 100% sourced from New Zealand Pinus radiata bark which is grown in 4.2 million acres of renewable man-made forests for the timber industry.  Harvesting occurs on a 25-30 year life cycle and is specifically managed to ensure continued availability.  Spagmoss is sourced from natural swamps on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island.  The Sphagnum moss is hand-picked allowing us full control of sustainable harvesting. Proprietary processes and technologies are then employed which cut regeneration time in half while allowing the swamp land to continue to develop.

Our raw materials are put through a unique process that takes the raw resource, applies natural processing techniques and ends in the creation of these high quality products.

Besgrow is committed to the sustainable management of natural resources which ensures our eco-friendly products will be available for years to come!

Filed Under: Blog

Spagmoss Helps Rehabilitate Rescued Turtles

July 6, 2016 by Kristi McBryar Leave a Comment

New Zealand Spagmoss is a versatile substrate with uses that range from orchid growing to reptile bedding. Our latest guest blogger uses Spagmoss in its efforts to rescue Eastern Box Turtles.

Introducing Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons!

New Zealand Sphagnum Moss helps rehabilitate rescued turtles

Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons, Inc. is a Non-Profit 501©3 located in eastern Long Island, New York. We rescue, rehabilitate and release injured local wild turtles.

Turtle Hatchlings in SpagmossOur Eastern Box Turtle patients love the Spagmoss! They feel safe hiding and camouflaging in the moss which reduces stress and aids in the recovery process. In order to replicate the humidity levels found in their natural environment, our box turtles are housed in half dry, half moist moss. The moss is incredibly absorbent and retains moisture longer, better regulating the turtles’ hydration levels. Spagmoss has no tough sticks or other debris that could injure our turtles, especially baby hatchlings. We get pure soft moss!

We love the Spagmoss too! Due to the properties of the moss, it reduces the smell of feces and urine, while inhibiting mold and bacterial growth that can slow recovery or cause additional health problems. With no chemicals in the moss, we know our turtles are safe while in our care.

 

We pride ourselves on making sure every turtle has a clean and moist environment which is crucial to their health especially while they heal from their injuries. Spagmoss enables us to do this while keeping the turtles happy, healthy, and safe.  It is the perfect substrate for our 200+ turtle patients we receive annually that are in need of medical assistance.

Rescued turtles are thriving with spagmoss beddingVisit Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons at turtlerescueofthehamptons.org and “Like” us on Facebook. We are primarily funded by donations and rely on the public to assist in helping us rescue, rehabilitate and release local turtles.  We are on call 24/7 and it is our goal to never have to turn away an injured animal.  

Click here if you’d like to make a tax-deductible contribution to our cause.  Gifts of any size are greatly appreciated.

Filed Under: Blog

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