Finally got the nerve to mount one... - Orchid Board

ChasWG · #1 (**permalink**) 04-27-2009, 01:12 PM

Well I did it. I finally decided to mount my Brassavola cordata up last night. Not sure if I did it right, but here is my attempt.

After unpotting my Brassa I found that it had several new growths of roots and maybe one new leaf bud/thingy starting. The older roots fit so nicely into the cracks and gaps in the wood that the plant litterly stood up in it's spot while I messed around with it and got it secured in place. I'm hoping it likes it's new home. The piece of wood is huge compaired to the smaller plant, but I have heard and seen examples of this orchid getting huge. So I decided to mount it on this piece of wood as I am hoping it will do well and prosper.

Comments and critiques are always welcome!

Turtle · #2 (**permalink**) 04-27-2009, 03:36 PM

I like using unique pieces of wood for projects like that. If I'm not mistaken, it looks like grape wood. Nicely done. I hope the plant thrives there. Just don't forget to monitor it's watering OFTEN now that you've mounted it.

ChasWG · #3 (**permalink**) 04-27-2009, 03:58 PM

It's actually a piece of Mopani wood that I bought from PetCo. It's a very heavy piece of hardwood that comes from Africa. It doesn't float because it is so dense and is suppose to be used in the aquarium trade. I love the look of the wood. And it was cheap! I only paid about $9 for it. I do think the kid at the register made a mistake, but oh well.

I have been keeping an eye on the moisture level. It seems to dry out rather quickly with the fan that I am using in my orchid enclosure. I'm thinking about heading over to a local electronics store and seeing what they have in the way of smaller computer fans and AC power converters. My techie nieghbor was telling me about this store and how he used these fans to help cool his plasma TV in it's cubbie hole.

Also, this Brassavola likes to dry out a bit in between waterings. so I'm thinking this mount thing will work well with this plant. But I will keep an eye on it.

quiltergal · #4 (**permalink**) 04-27-2009, 04:44 PM

Nice job Chas! It looks great. I think you will find you need a lawnmower to keep this one in check.

SP2340 · #5 (**permalink**) 04-27-2009, 04:51 PM

Beautiful... I'm going to Petco!!!

cb977 · #6 (**permalink**) 04-27-2009, 05:46 PM

Job well done!

Mounts dry out faster than pots so keep checking for how dry/damp it is.

You did a really nice job on your first try!

WhiteRabbit · #7 (**permalink**) 04-27-2009, 07:27 PM

I too have bought 'orchid mounts' at the pet store lol - grape wood meant for reptiles and cork bark meant for hermit crabs

guess I will need to check out the fish dept for some of this mopani wood as well!

nice find and nice job on the mount!

Turtle · #8 (**permalink**) 04-27-2009, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChasWG

I'm thinking about heading over to a local electronics store and seeing what they have in the way of smaller computer fans and AC power converters.

I've done a couple of these with case fans; even one with LED's. It's very easy. I would recommend looking for AC converters that have variable amperage switches and a polarity reverse in the event you solder the pos/neg wires backwards. I found a couple of cheap repackaged units at my local store on sale for approx $7 plus the fan for $10.

You can see one of them here.