Coelogyne cristata mounted?

[UnstuckinTime]

Hello everyone!

This will be my very first post to Orchid Board, but I have been "lurking" around for months (especially in the section discussing mounted orchids). I grow all of my orchids in that fashion, except for my Coelogyne cristata. I realize that these aren't generally considered great for growing as an epiphyte, but seeing how so many people grow them root bound beyond belief, I refuse to accept that it isn't possible.
So, how about it? Has anyone grown any Coelogyne on some cork bark, or other surface? If so, how? And, of course, you should post some pictures!!
(My apologies if this belongs in the "Mounted" section, but I felt I might get a more accurate response here.)

All the best,
CJ

[Orchid Whisperer]

Welcome to OB!

It probably makes a difference what conditions you can provide. C. cristata likes to stay pretty moist at the root. If you can grow them cool & moist, it may work, but everything I have read on the species points to potted/basket culture, which is how I grow mine (big net pot, water-retaining medium)

[RandomGemini]

I recently purchased coelogyne usitana and when I received it, the plant was mounted. I tried to keep it moist enough when mounted, but after two weeks, I realized that I was fighting an uphill battle. I was having to water it several times a day (at least four, but usually more than that), even with a humidifier in my grow space.

I now have it potted in a medium bark, the sort you might use for oncidiums or cattleyas and it's finally started growing roots.

[UnstuckinTime]

Originally Posted by RandomGemini

I recently purchased coelogyne usitana and when I received it, the plant was mounted. I tried to keep it moist enough when mounted, but after two weeks, I realized that I was fighting an uphill battle. I was having to water it several times a day (at least four, but usually more than that), even with a humidifier in my grow space.

I now have it potted in a medium bark, the sort you might use for oncidiums or cattleyas and it's finally started growing roots.

That sounds like the media it's planted in now. I originally tried growing it mounted, outside, but it was pouting and didn't do anything. The second I potted it, it exploded with roots and new growth. I'm thinking that I may try to "trick" it into growing on some cork. As it starts to over grow it's pot, I'll put a slab of cork bark near by (with a sphagnum dressing) and let it creep onto it. Sure it'll take a few years, but I'm young and only just got unto orchids!!

[SilverShaded]

Coelogynes in the wild can grow as epiphytes or lithophytes but usually in wet/humid conditions. Some ive seen growing as lithophytes were in a waterfall spray zone and growing with exposed roots soaked 24/7. I have a photo somewhere.

---------- Post added at 06:25 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:20 AM ----------

Ok found it, notice the water dripping of the leaves and exposed roots, these plants were not growing beyond 20 feet of the spray zone as it was too dry... Not 100% sure but i think these were C. lactea.

The other thing to notice is that they tend to grow only on trees that have very rough bark with deep crevices that stay wet, cork just doesnt do that so well. Vanda coerulea, which also likes moisture, for example only grows on three tree species that have the right type of bark.

[Yéri]

I was definitely going to try mounting some of my more creeping Coelogynes next year. I think the best way to do it, as mentioned above, is by 'tricking' it onto a slab of something moisture-retaining and separating it later on.

As always, some Coelogynes will have a better response to mounting than others, but I think the ones creating longer rhizomes are definitely worth a shot.

[UnstuckinTime]

That's an interesting idea, Yeri, about using a different kind of bark. The only problem is that, with the higher water retention of the bark, the faster it will break down. Clearly I just need to mount it on to a living tree next to a water fall! If only, right?

[Yéri]

You're right, it will break down faster of course! But unless you find some pieces of wood with natural crevices in them, I can't seem to think of anything else.

However, I can think of several big pieces of Yati wood with nice holes in it (check out my Dendrobium tree project in the Dendrobium section, I think the bottom part might be an ideal place). So maybe instead of looking for slabs for each individual plant, try finding a nice piece of wood that can house several plants?

And yes, buying a shack in the middle of the jungle surrounded by my orchid garden is a dream of mine as well. One day maybe...

[UnstuckinTime]

Originally Posted by Yéri

You're right, it will break down faster of course! But unless you find some pieces of wood with natural crevices in them, I can't seem to think of anything else.

Now that's a thought! I think I may have just the piece, too. I think it could very easily work, especially if I shove some sphagnum into the larger crevices. Only problem is that I found it on the beach, and even though I've soaked it for days when I first got it, I'm still not sure it wont have too many salts in the wood...

[SilverShaded]

Something like fimbriata should be easy to mount they're bomb proof.