Best wood for mounting orchids?

[smweaver]

I'm interested in mounting a few orchids, but want something that is A) long lasting (at least longer lasting than cork) and B) looks natural (for me, that rules out treefern). Has anyone used manzanitas branches (the kind that are sold as bird perches), driftwood (freshwater sourced) or douglas fir branches with any success? I would appreciate hearing from anyone who's had experience (good or bad) with any of these. Thanks in advance for your help.

Steve

[ronaldhanko]

You might try contacting Andy's Orchids. He mounts nearly everything and on different kinds of wood from cedar to branches.

[FairyInTheFlowers]

I was going to say cork, but I see that you are looking for something longer lasting. For me, I personally LOVE the look of cork, and I think it can last for up to 10 years, but don't quote me on that, as I am unsure.

[smweaver]

I like the look of cork also, and 10 years is actually longer than I thought it typically lasts. So if I can't find anything else, I might give in and try it. Ideally, I'd like to get something that's cylindrical (like a tree branch), but since I'm mounting a half dozen Clowesia rosea plants, the diameter of the cylinder can't be more than around 1 to 2 inches (which, again, makes cork probably not the best choice for this particular situation). I guess my big concern is that I don't want to get any type of wood that would harm or inhibit root growth.

[gnathaniel]

Manzanita is a good choice, I think a lot of Andy's stuff comes on that. Another vendor I know uses mostly crape myrtle (though I suspect that's not common where you are), red cedar, and sassafras. I've got some things that have been on cedar and crape myrtle for 5 or 6 years with no obvious degradation beyond some weathering/silvering and a little peeling of the bark (which the roots then get under). The mounts are still quite dense and hard, whereas some of the cork mounts I have at that age are starting to get a little spongy. Rhododendron, laurel, and blueberry (tends to be smaller diameter) are also supposed to be good choices.

And, uh, at the risk of making an unwelcome advance, are you interested in selling or trading any of those roseas? I've been unsuccesfully looking for that species for a few years now. I could send some nice pieces of mounting wood as part of a trade. Feel free to tell me to piss off...

--Nat

[camille1585]

Mopani wood from pet stores is a good choice since it's a very hard wood. It lasts for what seems forever in an aquarium, so usually makes a good looking and long lasting mount.

[Paul Mc]

I was just going to suggest Mopani wood. That's what I've used in my terrarium and it holds up quite nice.

[Gage]

Does anyone know the "life expectancy" of grape vine when used for mounting? I was told to make sure I regularly treat with insecticide, so I've been doing that. But does it rot easily?

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by Gage

Does anyone know the "life expectancy" of grape vine when used for mounting? I was told to make sure I regularly treat with insecticide, so I've been doing that. But does it rot easily?

I don't know the answer to your question, but I'm curious to know why grapevine in particular has to be regularily sprayed with insecticide?

[Johnnyb]

Cedar is wonderful, not much last longer than cedar and it is impervious to bugs. I like taking a walk in some woods near by myself and finding dead cedar trees. Frequently I will find interesting pieces of wood to use for mounts. They are free and no one else has one like you!

-Johnny B