Very interesting discussion. I think someone said it best earlier on, but the world of Hybrids is just too big and too confusing to someone who only has the space for a few dozen orchids. Also agreed about the ease of culture...not that species are easier to grow, but rather that there is far more easily obtainable information on the culture of specific species (ie: Baker cuture sheets). My collection is about 80%/20% species/hybrids. When wading into the (for me) uncharted waters of a new genra I generally pick up a couple inexpensive (~$10) hybrids to see if they'll grow/flower in my conditions. If that works out I'll move on to the species. I think I myself would be more interested in the hybrids if I was also interested in hybridizing. I'm just not at that stage in the hobby yet, and certainly don't have enough room to raise the potentially hundreds of seedlings that could result. Tyler

I would continue to watch it for a week or so. There are two basic possibilities: damage to the central bud or damage to the roots. I'm guessing it's root failure based on the appearance of those droopy emerging croziers -- a classic symptom. It could be due to compacted soil, drought, pH problems or contact with weed killer. A tree fern planted that close to a home foundation is going to have a lot of lime leached into the root system. I would plant it out away from the house in a soil heavily enriched with compost and generously mulched. FWIW, in the future don't remove old fronds before the replacement fronds have unfurled. It takes a lot of energy for the plant to pump out new fronds and that energy has to come from somewhere. Ideally, it will come from photosynthesis from the old fronds. If the old fronds have died and are unable to photosynthesize, the fern may still be able to absorb some nutrients from the dying fronds to form some new (though probably stunted) new fronds. If the fronds are entirely removed, then there is no energy input for the fern to unfurl the new fronds forming in the bud. It isn't likely that this is the reason for the plants' failure, but it's something to keep in mind for the future. Ugly as they may be, dying fronds should remain until at least three new croziers have unfurled. I think the hummingbird issue is unrelated to the health of the tree ferns. I would also remove the Spanish Moss and put it on a tree or something. It looks unnatural on the tree ferns and spoils their natural beauty.

Finger lime seeds do not grow true to type. You will probably get a tree that will never fruit if the seeds even germinate at all. Your best bet would be cuttings.

Sorry, I've been busy. The visit went very well. The young man knows his stuff, genuinely cares about the good health and integrity of gardens, commercial and residential and likes his job. First we went over documentation. Regulations require that buyers (us) obtain a permit to get a plant from overseas AS WELL AS requiring that seller has a phyto certif. or some agreement with USDA. The Netherlands, for ex., has such agreement. That is why you can go to tourist shops there and bring back the bulbs they sell. But technically, you should have permit in your wallet and declare those things when going thru customs. You can get permission up to 12 of certain plants in your luggage, again, need permit to do that and declare. Not all plants, there is a list. You go to USDA website and search permit PPQ Form 587 and it will tell you what all you need to do. As to my plant, he said that technically he should have confiscated but didn't. However, he asked me to report of any problems with plant. I said yes and considered it a solemn promise to him. There will be a record of my visit, what I purchased/planted, from whom, etc. As to my other citruses, other than aphids, there were all in good health though he did take several pics of a branch on mi Lisbon Lemon. He noticed something unusual and said he'd contact me if problems. I feel better but it will be much simpler if I just buy stuff here, by the rule. Easier said than done where my taste for the exotic rears its ugly head.....