Among the several substrates used in orchid growing, coconut fiber is being considered the most promising substitute for xaxim (tree fern fiber), material highly used by orchid growers and collectors, which has become endangered. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of coconut-based substrates in the cultivation of the Brazilian orchid Oncidium baueri. Seedlings were grown in polypropylene vases kept in a nursery with 50% of lighting. Treatments included: defibered tree fern (control), de-fibered coconut, coconut powder, de-fibered coconut + coconut powder, coxim (diced coconut.), coxim + coconut powder and coxim + de-fibered coconut. Plant height, pseudo bulbs diameter, number of buds, root dry matter weight, root length and pH substrate were evaluated 19 months later. The experimental design was entirely casualized, with 7 treatments and 10 replications. For all analyzed variables, the substrates powdered coconut and the mixture of defibered coconut with powdered coconut were as efficient to the plants development as the defibered tree fern and can substitute it in the O.baueri cultivation.
Orchid; Oncidium; defibered tree fern
