Lithophytic/Rupiculous Mounts

[Uechi]

I am looking for a source for information on mounting Lithophytic orchids on rocks. It seems logical to me that if the orchids that fall into this category grow on rocks that a good rock mount would be just what they want. The question is what types of rocks, how to mount and orchid supply source for mounts. I assume that most of these orchids grow on rough surface limestone or granite but I don't know. Articles on rock dwelling orchids never seem to mention what type of rocks. I think it would be quite a dramatic display to have orchids growing happily on reasonably sized rocks. Help please.

[juanna]

I grow for instance Laelia lilputana on my ceramic nanoviv...
Thomas

[Weebl]

The pictures I have seen show lithophitic orchids growing in rock crevases, I assume for the available moisture without the roots drowning. The few exceptions I have seen are some rupiculous laelias which like the mossy/lichen covered area of rocks.

As to mounting them on real rocks, unless you're growing them outdoor or planning on a permanent installation in your greenhouse I wouldn't use rocks unless it was some sort of pumice.

[juanna]

You can also have them on epiweb but not the traditional hanging, but horisontal and the Laelia on top.
You can do this and hang them so over each other.
This is very good for lithophytic laelias.
Idea from our Denish neighbours.
Thomas

[Ross]

From what I have learned, most of the rupiculous plants (spp and genera) grow in gravel-filled low spots in granitic or dolomitic rock areas exposed to high moisture, but drying overnight. I think you can tease many (like Sarcochilus) to grow in bark, but I think, for the most part, they want the free draining rocky detritous found in gravelly crevasses. Hope this helps.

[epiphyte78]

Here's a decent article on orchids mounted on rocks.

Lithophytes and epiphytes can grow on most rocks...the trick is finding a rock with enough texture that you don't have to water the orchid every day. If I had to choose one type of rock to mount orchids on it would probably be a type of lava rock called waterfall rock. It's highly textured and often has large depressions that can hold water. Not sure how widely available it is.

[brooke]

Here is Phal. cochlearis mounted on limestone dug up on my property. This pic was taken right after I mounted it.



It now has roots growing all over the rock surface. I water it whenever I water my other mounts.

Brooke

[ericst11]

Couldn't you just grow on some light weight pumice rock . The kind you scrub your toilet with , but make sure you get the kind with no chemicals. You should beable to get it at any grocery store . I would glue your plant to it instead of tie it because pumice is a sharp rock.