Mounting a Paph?

[JimmyTheCack]

I have seen several pictures of Paph. orchids growing in not so typical (pots) places like walls in India, and on rock with abundant moss, etc.
Is it possible, if in an orchidarium, a paphiopedilum would be able to prosper if mounted, and maintained properly?

[Laserbeak]

Most of them are terrestrials so I would think they wouldn't like mounting too much... but I'm sure there are exceptions or ways to do it. Or you can try one of those hollowed out log pots that have a pot area but a mount area too and are hangable.

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...-love-pot.html

[quiltergal]

I agree. I don't think they would like having their roots uncovered.

[FSUOrchids]

Yeah, pretty sure their roots are too sensitive to survive outside of much medium that well.

[PaphMadMan]

Actually, quite a few Paph species are lithophytic, essentailly growing 'mounted' on rock with abundant moss etc. around the roots. Many are 'humus epiphytes', growing not in soil, but on the moss and leaf litter above the soil line. And a few can grow as true epiphytes, well above the ground on mossy trees or where leaf litter accumulates. The key in all of these situations is regular rainfall and high humidity.

So absolutely YES, if you have an orchidarium that maintains high humidity and a good growth of moss, and you can guarantee a water supply that will never leave them dry for long, many Paphs could thrive. Maudiae-types and multiflorals are probably the best to start with.

[JimmyTheCack]

I mounted a paph, that was not too happy with being in a pot. Paph. In-Charm Firebird! It's not Maudiae, or whatever but I've struggled with it for over a year now. It has gotten better since it's move to my box, but when I removed it from the pot I noticed SOME rot on the rots.

I removed those roots, and mounted it between 2 layers of sphag, on a really craggy piece of bark. I plan to keep it moist, but not drenched, and this is strictly an experiment!

I'll post updates! Thanks PaphMadMan!

[PaphMadMan]

Paphs like In-Charm Firebird are often a challenge. A cross of a constant heat and moisture loving multifloral (Paph Susan Booth) and a plant of subgenus Brachypetalum (Paph bellatulum) that can be prone to rot if it doesn't get a rather cool and dry winter rest. It doesn't quite know what it wants. A good candidate for innovative culture. Paph bellatulum often grows on moss-covered limestone, so it might be a good candidate for a rocky mount, and less prone to rot that way.

[NYCorchidman]

I don't think it is a good idea, either, however, as long as you can provide high humidity and proper mix around the roots, it should work.

[JimmyTheCack]

I found a nice piece of limestone in the alley behind my neighbors house. As a bonus, there's live moss starting to grow it!