Coconut mounts

[fluffylily]

I bought this orchid last year and it came like this with a clay saucer attached to the bottom with some kind of foam. I eventually needed to take it out of the coconut which ended up in me hacking of lots of the roots, but it's ok, it's a hardy plant.

[susiep]

Lilly, that den looks great in that coconut. Like a beautiful flower arrangement in a vase! What a great idea.

Marilyn, I love the way yours is mounted, too. I know what you mean about watering mounts. It will be easier if it is bowl shaped.

I am getting some great ideas here!

[bellini girl]

Originally Posted by snow

i am also going to look for coconuts out on the ground here in winnipeg

snow, isn't it snowing already in the 'Peg???. thought you got all the summer ur alloted for by now

Lecent

[cloudswinger]

I'm going to get my husband to hack some coconuts off our tree. Then we can mix some pina coladas from the milk and have orchid mounts to boot!

[unhappykat]

Originally Posted by cloudswinger

I'm going to get my husband to hack some coconuts off our tree. Then we can mix some pina coladas from the milk and have orchid mounts to boot!

Yes you need to take the edge off from fighting with those orchids all day.

[priz_m]

Originally Posted by Grandma M

Lorraine sent me one this spring, thanks Lorraine, which I planted a Dykia hendersonia in. It is doing great and is just starting to flower, only a few buds open yet. I'll post another picture when more buds open.

I like the idea of placing it flat because I find it difficult to water this way. Mounts don't like me. This morning mine will be changed to it's back. Marilyn

I have a question, how did you prep the coconut for the mount? I ask because I have a coconut drying out in my yard and 2 keikis waiting to be mounted on it, other than washing throughouly I don't know where to take it from there, this would be my 1st mount I appreciate the help.

[dsim]

i "mounted" one like this ...

[Weebl]

I like to soak coconut chips in water in direct sun (to heat up the water) changing the water daily for 2 weeks. I dont know how vital it is, but all those tannins or coloring leach out. Which means it wont leach out on my orchid's roots when it's mounted and dries up.

[Lorraine]

Originally Posted by Grandma M

Lorraine sent me one this spring, thanks Lorraine, which I planted a Dykia hendersonia in. It is doing great and is just starting to flower, only a few buds open yet. I'll post another picture when more buds open.

I like the idea of placing it flat because I find it difficult to water this way. Mounts don't like me. This morning mine will be changed to it's back. Marilyn

Glad your chid is doing well and you like the husk. I was wondering if you mastered the coconut husk mounting job. Looks great. Mine are hanging on a plant tree that gets misted each day and rained on. Makes it easy for me. Once the coconut breaks down a little it will hold more moisture the roots will open it up some more.

Anyone out ther trying to get into that coconut be careful. I usually use the ones that are newly brown. Saw through in 3 parts just to the inside nut then take a hatchet and crack it at the 3 saw lines. Watch out for the water to escape. Pull apart and hammer the inside hard shell into pieces and toss. A large screw driver works to loosen pieces. Have fun!!!

I use a piece of wire bend it over and and use it as an anchor to hold the plant in place. sometimes a couple pieces are used and it stays in place. No problems. I'll take a couple pics closeup if needed let me know.

[Psyched]

Coconut husk is a sustainable orchid media. Good for tropical countries because it's easily available and retains water. The only bad thing is fungi also thrive in damp coconut husk. But treatment prior to planting and water as needed can take care the fungi problem.

I saw people grow orchid in empty coconut shell and it looks good aesthetically. I also start substituting tree fern with charcoal made of coconut shell and coconut husk mixture. More sustainable and readily available.

A lot of people using tree fern for anthurium and orchid potting media in here. Such increased demands will make people go to the forest and hack forest tree ferns.... so no more tree ferns for me.

+1 to mother earth with coconut