pics of your mounted orchids

[vanda]

I just found out my parents-in-law own land with cork trees on it and they said I could go and cut some cork for myself which is fantastic. My problem is I have no idea where to start. Some one will show me how to actually cut it off the tree but I don't know what I want. Are flat slabs the best or would a piece with a kind of cupped shaped recess be even better? If I could see some pics of your mounted orchids it would help a lot. Any advice is also welcome.

[cb977]

Hi vanda

I've used pieces that are flat and some that are curved...take a look in my gallery to get a better idea.

My question is this: what steps need to be taken prior to using the cork bark directly from the tree? I'd wait for some answers from the folks that know about it before trying anything like that.

Once you do it...I'd love to see some

[Tricho]

Susanne, I will try to answer your question, but I think I didn't really catch it!

Cutting cork from a oak tree ( Quercus suber) is usually done by professionals. You can hurt the tree and destroy the thin layer that growths , etc.. and it must be done on the right season.

We (Portugal) prefer to buy it, it is very easy. sometimes even people that have trees like the one referred, when they run out of stocked cork!

We do apply the orchids directly on the bark without any treatment (oops, shouldn't have told you that )

The virgin cork (the first bark that is removed when the tree is younger) is the best one, because it is less flat.

One great solution it to use the small rotten branches that we usually see on the ground. It is great for displays and it still has the virgin cork (bark is not removed from small branches).

[vanda]

Thanks for the imput Trico, I was wonering if the bark needed treatment, the stuff for sale doesn't look like it has had anything done to it.

Don't worry I won't hurt any trees, I'll get someone who knows what there doing to show me. My inlaws used to sell the cork from their trees many years ago but now it isn't really worh it for them so the trees are left to themselves exept that bark gets stripped once in a while by someone who decides to nick it, they don't mind too much.

[Tricho]

Ok!

Then just use at your will! Have fun!

I think it is the easy way to grow most of the orchids. But don't forget to water every day in summer!

[vanda]

The watering every day bit I'm worried about, there is no prob when I am at home but if we are away for a few days, say a week once in a while will this be a big problem?

[Tricho]

Yes, it can!

What we do is to buy a misting system for the holidays (you can use it everyday if you like)! You can buy it in a Pet Shop!

[vanda]

I don't have a green house yet lol!
My plants are all packed on windowsills and our 2m square varanda, I do hope to get a green house soon though and I like the idea of a mister then.

[Tricho]

well, should have explained better.

it is not a big system, it is that little ones for terrarium/vivarium.

Our members have some in varandas and inside homes!

What you usually see around is this one:

http://www.vivaria.nl/vivaria/?get=p...atecontrol.xsl

[vanda]

Wow that is really cool, I never thought of that! Of course that's a good idea