hhh, I can give you a little insight on Thamno. Tessellatus as I grow this variety in 7a (SE VA). Your climate doesn't look as severe as mine (per weather underground) so I think you can grow this type with the right siting. The biggest difference being you might need a little more protection during the winter. Note that I wouldn't recommend this type if you're an absentee gardener (unless a water timer is used). They need to be watered and fertilized regularly in the spring/summer to stay strong and beat the heat. My climate >> Summer temps are 85~95 F during the day, 70~75F at night, relatively high humidity most of the time. As for sun exposure, my most exposed plants get 6~8 hrs of direct morning sun with dappled afternoon shade. My hunch is that a full afternoon of southern sun may be too much due to its strength (just speculation). Also my soil is pretty sandy so drainage is good, no standing water. WRT to your question about water/humidity, the key is to view the plant as living in two environments, one above ground (influenced by humidity) and one below ground (influenced by water/moisture levels). In the PNW, summer temperatures don't get as high as in the SE. Warmer air can hold larger amounts of water vapor (humidity) than cooler air. So while plants in the PNW see moderate humidity during the summer (along with high avg rainfall), plants in the SE are swimming in humidity and have to deal with only moderate rainfall (or none like last year). The native habitats of many of the mountain bamboos have similar environments to that of the PNW, so they grow well. But we can do it too :) If you end up getting a TT and have any specific questions, let me know.

Miracle grow means they are probably too wet, not too dry, that is not a good mix. Can you replant in the garden but first amend the soil with something like the miracle grow, but then mix with your native soil? You can try to make al's gritty mix. But, I think they like the ground better if you have a some shade in Texas. I have a box with with a fern sand clay compost and peat moss, but in a pot you don't want any compost. Birds nest ferns may be hard to grow, I had one once it did not make it. They do well in green houses. This is just general advice. In the house could be too dry if the air conditioning is drying things out.

A friend just sent me this, it's not entirely related to gardening but sort of appropriate for this post. YOU KNOW YOU ARE IN SOUTH CAROLINA IN JULY WHEN. . . . > > The birds have to use potholders to pull worms out of > the ground. > The trees are whistling for the dogs. > The best parking place is determined by shade instead > of distance. > Hot water now comes out of both taps. > You can make sun tea instantly. > You learn that a seat belt buckle makes a pretty good > branding iron. > The temperature drops below 95 and you feel a little > chilly. > You discover that in July it only takes 2 fingers to > steer your car. > You discover that you can get sunburned through your > car window. > You actually burn your hand opening the car door. > You break into a sweat the instant you step outside at > 7:30 a.m. > Your biggest bicycle wreck fear is, "What if I get > knocked out and end up lying on the pavement and cook > to death?" > You realize that asphalt has a liquid state. > The potatoes cook underground, so all you have to do > is pull one out and add butter, salt and pepper. > Farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to keep > them from laying boiled eggs. > The cows are giving evaporated milk. > Ah, what a place to call home. God Bless Our State of > SOUTH CAROLINA!!

@ wantonamara: I KNOW!!!!!! I can't believe it. I was here for training for the Army back in 2001 throughout the summer months. I remember being out in formation at 4am and it was already 80+ degrees trying to breath during physical training. I have been trying to keep that in mind everytime I go out the door. We just came from WAY upstate NY near Canada and although it reaches the mid 90's with horrible humidity it is maybe a few days or weeks out of the yr. I am thankful for the mildness while I try to re acclimate to Texas. This week, I am putting up another raised bed in preparation of the fall planting. This has a duel function. Home grown food and to keep the dog on the other side of the fence from breaking any more fence slats trying to get at my dog. He literally grabs the warped board and breaks it in half. It is an older fence, but WOW! My dog is partially to blame. She doesn't get it. She thinks they are playing. She races back and forth along the fence tongue hanging out and happy. The dog on the other side of the fence means business. I've been considereing spraying (at least MY side) with an animal deterrent spray. Any other ideas?