More questions about mounting

[Becca]

oh...I am not sure how that would work on a windowsill....my hubby installed it for me, he drilled the holes through my acrylic pieces for the nozzles. Pictures would be a better explanation. I have some in my Gallery if you would like to look, but if I remember correctly it is a little hard to see due to lighting and the pieces are black...but it might help you to look! I am sure someone could come up with something for you to work with a windowsill, I am just not sure how that would be with a MistKing System....Marty would be able to help you with that....or Ross may have some good idea's as well!

[moogiemama]

I hope I'm not too far off topic here, and if I am please say so: I would like to try mounting orchids on some really great sycamore branches that I found in the woods today. Do you think it is just too hard (the wood) for this? Also, we have wild grape vine around here. I was wondering if it matters whether it is new (freshly cut) or if older, seasoned wood will work? And finally, what is the best way to eliminate critters or other nasty things that are locally collected collected? Thanks in advance.

In my experience, oasis breaks down very quickly and wouldn't be very good to support an orchid. Don't I wish, though! - Lynn

[Ross]

First Lynn's comments/questions: Sycamore branches should work just fine. Just peel them of bark first. I have one mount on apple wood that is not peeled and right away apple rust appeared. Didn't seem to affect the orchid, luckily.

As for local critters, if you peel the local wood, or if it is sans bark, you shouldn't have too many vermin to deal with. It wouldn't hurt to microwave the wood chunks for a minute or two on high to clear away any living thing!

Wild grape is often used for mounts. I have a couple and only thing I've noticed is presence of mold on one mount. Easily treated, but something to be aware of.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by irrka

but if you have a chance can you run me through how that thing actually works so i stop clicking on that ad and scratching my head over and over like a pavlovian dog (ooooh, miiiiister muuust click agaaaaain)

The system is pretty easy to set up, but first, can you handle it? The misting system (really any misting system - these comments are not aimed at Marty's system at all) will contribute lots of humidity. If you live in a domocile with wood windows, that may lead to too much humidity for the structure. Really any increase in humidity, whether from fogger system, cool humidifier, mist system, etc. all will cause the same problem - fog on the windows and potential rot in the window structure. This should be checked out before you leap. Having said this, it is possible to armor your windows and walls against this. Are you ready to do this? Can you afford it? Would it be cheaper to get a large aquarium or Exoterra tank and confine the humidity? These are factors to decide on.

[moogiemama]

I just lost the whole post I was typing! I hope I can remember what I was saying.

Thank you, Ross, for your input. I have some really fantastic sycamore branches I collected today with openings that I think would be perfect for the initial mounting. The grapevine is plentiful here and I can't wait to try this on some of my non-important plants.

In my experience, oasis (if this is what we've been talking about) breaks down very quickly and wouldn't be adequate in the long run for mounting orchids. I've seen where it is recommended as an additive for your other plants if it is broken up and mixed in with with the potting medium. Don't I wish it would work for orchids, though! If anyone is successful, I'd like to know.

My last question: Has anyone used moss gathered locally to use as pot/basket lining? I have some in the woods and wonder what I need to do to make sure it harbors no critters. Is it OK to nuke it or would sealing it in zip-lock bags for (how long) be sufficient? This is such a great place to get the right info! Thanks again! - Lynn

[Dorothy]

You could try dry ice method explained here - http://www.orchidboard.com/eliminate...pests-with-co2

[moogiemama]

That was probably one of the most interesting things I've read in a long time. Now if I can just find some dry ice...

[irrka]

my place could definitely handle more humidity over the winter. hell, *I* could use more humidity over the winter--it's so dry it crackles and my cat sends off static electricity wherever she walks!! That said, this place is rented and i'm not planning in investing money into actual house improvement. maybe i'll find a humidifier that's not too high maintenance one of these days. one of those for allergies or something.

[William]

I recently mounted a Den. Nobile that I got a deal on since it was done blooming and it looked sooooo bad. I mounted it on cork with some sphagnum at the roots and it's looking great. I'll send a pix as soon as I can. I got the advice on another thread earlier. Thanx for the help.

[Paul]

Originally Posted by Dorothy

You could try dry ice method explained here - http://www.orchidboard.com/eliminate...pests-with-co2

A truly neat idea but I did not find it to be successful in wiping out bush snails. (The ^%$%^% slimy buggers probably have their own gas masks and "Haz-mat" suits)