Swamp Stick

[mojomick]

Thanks for the info. I'm game and decided to give it a try. Just ordered two and will see how they work. Mojo

[Rivka]

so can we get an update on both these ceramic mounts and how they are doing for you folks?

[harrywitmore]

I like this idea and have been thinking of making my own for 10 years or more (I have a potter friend). I guess what concerns me about this particular site is the lack of pictures of well grown orchids on their mounts. If I was launching a site of a orchid growing system, I would have lots of pictures.

[Rivka]

yeah i am asking because i am thinking of making some ones of my own, i have a ceramics background and was thinking of making it something more sculptural. maybe a hollow spiral or a thin doughnut shape

[mojomick]

OK, it is two years later and I still have only two. One has a lepotes bicolor and the other a small SLC. At first I was impressed but neither seem to have grown significantly. Maybe another plant might do better but I am thinking of taking my plants off and repotting in bark. Betty

[nenella]

Hi Betty, thanks for your update as I too had 'thought' of these as a possible good idea... looks like it will stay as an idea only....
even though would love to see pics if you have any just for curiosity.. thanks

[Rivka]

Originally Posted by mojomick

OK, it is two years later and I still have only two. One has a lepotes bicolor and the other a small SLC. At first I was impressed but neither seem to have grown significantly. Maybe another plant might do better but I am thinking of taking my plants off and repotting in bark. Betty

question about them, do you water them just from the inside or do you water the outside as well?

[kavanaru]

important is to use pure water inside, and fertilize from outside from time to time.
I have several plants mounted on them, but must admit I am not impressed at all... I think the key to success is to have a very hight air humidity (at leats that's what two of my friends always say - they have good results in the green house!)

Based on that, I also tried some in my orchidarium... the plants are doing better, but I am stil not convinced (only Aerangis luteo-alba and Nanodes schlechterianum seem to like it a lot!)

[mojomick]

I have mine in the greenhouse. Humidity is high. Am not impressed. Betty

[Ray]

The problem with such ceramic devices is getting the porosity right, and "right" changes depending upon the environment.

If you want to try something like that for yourself, you can always invert a clay flower pot and silicone glue it to a pot tray. Plant goes on the outside, and you fill it up through the drainage hole, which is now on top. Another alternative is unglazed clay sewer pipe, if you can find them.

Don't forget that the water goes away by evaporating, so that implies cooling, meaning that your plant better tolerate cool, damp, feet.