First time mounting. - Orchid Board

ryfrazier · #1 (**permalink**) 06-27-2009, 05:29 PM

About two months back I took a swing at mounting one of my phals. Now I realize that the piece of driftwood I used was faaaaar too small for the size of the plant, but strangely it seems to be doing pretty well. Some root damage, but other roots are actually taking to the grain of the wood. So, the question is: What's my next step? Find a larger piece of driftwood/cork and connect it to this smaller piece? Also - I was told twine works just fine for mounting - is this so? Seems like it's holding up well so far...

Thanks in advance, friends.

-Ry.

Lorraine · #2 (**permalink**) 06-27-2009, 05:54 PM

Hi Ry,

Nice mount. You did well for the first time.

If this phal is a larger sized one and not a mini I would mount your mount on a larger piece of wood or cork. I do have some of my phals mounted on both and I tried to size the wood mount according to the mature size of my phals. I would use wire to attach them together. After the roots grow around it you won't even be able to seee the wire. I use brass 16 gauge wire since it will not rust. I also use it to attach my chids to the mounts. Bonsai growers have it. Let me if you need a lot and I can tell you where to find it. I buy it by the 1# spool.

Using twine works as long as it does not rot before the roots take hold. I only use fishline or the wire. Using fishline is good since you can cut it away after the roots are established and its kind of invisible being clear. Usually I wait about 8 months or longer. Depends on the plant. The wire stays permanently.

WhiteRabbit · #3 (**permalink**) 06-27-2009, 08:19 PM

I have tried using twine for mounting plants - very easy to handle but does not seem to hold up to watering for very long. I have more recently been using dental floss. have previously used thread which seems to hold up pretty well.

nenella · #4 (**permalink**) 06-28-2009, 07:18 AM

Hi Ry,
Just another idea...
I have seen people using thin strips of nylon tights.

ryfrazier · #5 (**permalink**) 06-28-2009, 05:31 PM

Great idea, nenella! Real good thought. Thanks.

Lorraine · #6 (**permalink**) 06-28-2009, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nenella

Hi Ry,
Just another idea...
I have seen people using thin strips of nylon tights.

Nice catch Nella,

I also use pantyhose but only on my chids mounted on trees since they continue to grow and the hose stretches. The panty hose will also fall apart so I don't have to worry about removing it from the tree. Too much trouble cutting thin strips for smaller mounts the fishing line (monofilamant) works for me. Even if I let something go a loooong time. Almost forgot that the cable zip ties work well although on some wider wood pieces I have to connect 2 together and maybe secure in a couple spots.

Whenever mounting and using cork or tree firn I bend a piece of firm wire/s across the chid and gently poke it right into the cork or tree firn on a downward angle so it won't pop out with a pair of needlenose pliers. If there is loose spagnum moss or some floppy roots wrap with the fishline just till it's secure.

Hope this gives you some alternate ideas.

learning2letgo · #7 (**permalink**) 07-29-2009, 09:46 AM

Glad to see your first mounting project has turned out "so far, so good" for you. I have a dendrobium that I'm trying to figure out how to mount right now. I'd like to get creative with this one, so I have to digest my ideas for a bit first.

Best of luck in your continued mounting ventures~

peeweelovesbooks · #8 (**permalink**) 07-29-2009, 12:35 PM

Great mount. I use acrylic yarn to attach plants to the mounts. I can manipulate it easily and it ties wicked tight knots without hurting the plant (or my fingers.)

Good luck and thanks for sharing your pics.

ryfrazier · #9 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 04:33 PM

Here are some updated photos of the mount in question. I added a bit more sphag (as you may have noticed) and it's absolutely flourishing! Three new roots growing as we speak!

bloominloonie · #10 (**permalink**) 08-12-2009, 02:13 AM

clearly i'm new to all of this - so i will apologize if my observation/questions seem silly...

- i LOVE LOVE the idea of mounting my phal - but ... is that only for ppl growing in greenhouses or outside? otherwise - if growing inside a house year round - how does one go about watering it without making a huge mess... (especially since mounted phals need to be watered every day)... just curious really...

- does it matter what kind of wood i use (i mean - OBVIOUSLY i wouldnt use something silly like plywood *grin*) - but what is the best kind, and more importantly where can i get it...

- what do most people do with a mounted chid? hang it? are there other suggestions since i have ridiculously high ceilings and hanging them isnt an option...

thanks to all who read, and those who take the time to reply!!