My first mount - Orchid Board

paleofreak · #1 (**permalink**) 12-09-2008, 04:43 PM

Hey a few days ago i desided to mount an orchid. the only orchid that i had however was this unidentified phal. so i was wondering how you experts thought this mount looked.

paleofreak · #2 (**permalink**) 12-09-2008, 04:45 PM

WhiteRabbit · #3 (**permalink**) 12-09-2008, 05:23 PM

I'm not an expert, but for what it's worth, it looks great to me!

Becca · #4 (**permalink**) 12-09-2008, 06:47 PM

Looking at the mount I have a question for you. Is the bark still on the mount? If so, I think, and I could be wrong, that the bark needs to come off first as it will just peel away from the wood and this wouldn't be so good. I am not an expert so hopefully the experts will pitch in soon. Some prefer to mount their phals so that water will not stay in the crown if some accidentally gets in it. Overall, it is how you want it mounted. I think it looks good!

paleofreak · #5 (**permalink**) 12-09-2008, 10:15 PM

This mount is only bark. I thought that the bark would hold more mosture and give more places for the roots to hold on to. I also did this to limit space.

Becca · #6 (**permalink**) 12-09-2008, 10:29 PM

Hmmm.... well I have heard that certain kinds of bark can break down quickly...but I am no expert. Perhaps some one else will know more then me. Sorry I am not of much help. Like I before, I think the mounting job looks good!

isurus79 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-10-2008, 12:29 AM

In my opinion, bark tends to break down pretty quickly, thus defeating one reason to mount your plants: the longevity of a mount prevents constant repotting. I would get a peice of hardwood or cork to attach your plant to. Another thing with Phals is that they actually grow 'upside down,' so if you wanted a more natural look, you should flip your plant. This way crown rot is nearly impossible because the water drains away instantly! Im also curious why there is water in the bottom of the pot? I would get rid of that water catcher thingy (now that I think about it, I have no idea what those are called!) so that your plant can dry off. Finally, it doesnt look like your rope is very tight. If the roots begin to grow and the plant moves (whether from a breeze, watering or whatever) the roots cannot take hold of the mount. I personally use to zip ties to mount my plants or sometimes the big long twist ties. You are definitely on the right track! Mounting orchids is my favorite way to grow them and so far Ive had pretty good luck! Growing them this way is TOTALLY different than potted plants and adds a new twist on their care.

ronaldhanko · #8 (**permalink**) 12-10-2008, 01:09 AM

Amen to what Steve has said. It looks to me to be too loosely attached and the bark looks suspicious to me. Some woods are not even good for orchids - the roots won't attach. Otherwise it looks to me like you've got the idea. Mounting it upside-down sounds strange, but that's actually more natural and will really look nice as the plant adjusts.

paleofreak · #9 (**permalink**) 12-10-2008, 05:40 PM

Thanks!
I will change my mount. I was wondering if anyone knew if ceader wood would work as a mount. I was also wondering if I could carve out a large branch and mount the orchid on the outside. I would then fill it up with water. In my idea the water would moisen the roots through capalary action. Does anyone know if this would work?

ronaldhanko · #10 (**permalink**) 12-10-2008, 06:20 PM

Cedar will usually work if it is not treated, but does best if it is weathered a bit. As to hollowing a branch, I suspect it would rot too quickly. With most woods a piece of branch sawed off and sued as a mount is going to cause problems when the bark separates frm the wood.