received mounted instead of in pots - Orchid Board

whygreenberg · #1 (**permalink**) 02-14-2008, 06:39 PM

Hi all...

Anyone ever ordered plants listed as being in pots, only to receive them mounted?

This happened to me today. Was very excited to receive three new chids today, but was surprised (chagrined?) at finding two of the three mounted.

They all look beautiful, and very healthy! But I am not properly set up in my apartment to hang mounted plants.

Any advice?

yvan

Ross · #2 (**permalink**) 02-14-2008, 06:41 PM

While you could unmount them, is it really impossible to find a place to hang the mounts? Once you get used to mounts, you'll see how much easier it is to care for them. Just my 2 cents.

Dorothy · #3 (**permalink**) 02-14-2008, 07:16 PM

What kind of orchids are they? Some orchids do better mounted than potted and vice versa ...

kiki-do · #4 (**permalink**) 02-14-2008, 07:20 PM

They are great to have them mounted, but perhaps a little extra work. I don't have a "place" for them either, but I just hang them on another hanging plant....piggy back style. Do you have any orchids hanging at all?
Just a thought! What are they? Once the initial shock wears off, I bet you will enjoy them this way. kiki

whygreenberg · #5 (**permalink**) 02-14-2008, 07:24 PM

Yes, you are both right...I am I think mostly feeling the difference between my expectations and reality. I must admit that I find mounted orchids extremely beautiful, and there's something so wonderfully right about it being closer to how they grow naturally in the wild. I am starting to feel less concerned.

The are Maxillaria uncata and Masdevallia floribunda. Super excited about both!!

Also got an Encyclia cochleata.

Thanks for the words of encouragement. Any suggestions on how and where to rig appropriate hangings?
yvan

whygreenberg · #6 (**permalink**) 02-16-2008, 11:43 PM

As a follow up question to my previous post about receiving a Masd. floribunda and Maxillaria uncata mounted...

Someone suggested that it might be a good idea to put the end of the mount w/ roots into a pot and grow it that way. In effect, pot it without removing the cork/bark mount.

Has anyone done this or heard of this? Good idea or no?
It seems a bit peculiar to me, but if it were to work, it might be better for keeping them hydrated in my apartment. But, please please please say if you think it's a really stupid idea.

On another note, the Max. has just opened a beautiful lil white flower with brown stripes. Will post a picture tomorrow.

Thanks,
yvan

Dorothy · #7 (**permalink**) 02-17-2008, 07:54 AM

I am unfamiliar with these orchids being mounted .. but I am sure a few will chime in with comments

Here is some info on them-
IOSPE PHOTOS
IOSPE PHOTOS
IOSPE PHOTOS

whygreenberg · #8 (**permalink**) 02-17-2008, 10:31 AM

Thanks, Dorothy, for the IOSPE links! That's a great site I will have to remember. I feel pretty comfortable with these orchids' cultural requirements. I guess I'm still getting used to the whole mounted thing. Perhaps everyone thinks the idea of potting the mount is as odd as it seems to me.

Grandma M · #9 (**permalink**) 02-17-2008, 10:57 AM

QUOTE: Someone suggested that it might be a good idea to put the end of the mount w/ roots into a pot.

I have seen pictures of mounting done that way and it fascinated me. I think it might be better for increasing the humidity that way. Keep us posted if you try that.

Paul · #10 (**permalink**) 02-17-2008, 10:29 PM

If you have a terrarium or an old aquarium that you would like to turn into one, that would be another option as you could then hang the mounted plants in the terr. I would be worried about your masdie. If your apt is as dry as mine, you may find it too difficult to keep the masdie moist enough -- even with daily watering. In a terr, it would be easier to create a more humid environ. Don't know enough about your Max to advise there.

While mounts look awesome, I have very few plants that I can grow mounted outside of a terr. In my conditions they simply dry out way too fast.