Wacky Mounts

[latsyrc]

Here's kind of an odd question. I've read that orchids can be mounted on bark, cacti skeletons, cork, and so on . . . does the medium have to be organic? I mean, does it really matter what I mount an orchid on as long as it gets enough water? Has anyone seen an orchid mounted on something really weird?

[gerneveyn]

I've seen some phals mounted on hardware cloth and sphag and tubes of hardware cloth filled with bark. I also found a picture of phals growing on a cinder block wall in S. Africa.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

I think they would do well on unglazed pottery. One orchid enthusiest that I used to see at shows was selling his pottery that was made like ornate baskets woven of thick strings of clay then fired. He sold them with and without orchids growing in them.

[latsyrc]

Gerneveyn, that's neat! What exactly is "hardware cloth?" Maybe I'll just google it.
Wow, okay. I would not have called that "cloth."

[johnemartin]

One acquaintance grew an orchid mounted along with a staghorn fern & told everyone that this was what the fern looked like when it finally flowered ! ;-)

[virgil]

I have seen a orchid, Cattleya mounted on a old cow head and hung on a fence pretty impressive.

[rodbender]

I have mounted them on rocks and seashells with great sucess in my profile album is a pic of a Neo. that is growin in a seashell

[frostychic]

Hi Rob... I peaked at your album... love love love that two tone purplish vanda... yummmmy

Really like the sweet little orchid mounted inside the seashell...

Can I swipe that idea from you? Sometimes pots are just sooooo boring. I'm assuming there is a drain hole in there where the original conk lost his life and shell? Even with that drain hole, do you have problems with too much moisture or does this mount dry quickly and require daily spraying?

Hi latsyrc... my opinion is that some orchids are more environmentally sensitive than others (at least that's what I'm sticking with at the moment) and their surroundings (including what you use to mount them) can affect their health so when I consider mounting an orchid (I'm a novice so take this advice with a grain of salt) I try to recognize if the roots will absorb anything toxic from out of whatever they are to be mounted to. Examples would be paint, stain, dye, chemicals etc.

Even when considering an organic piece to mount your orchid to you need to consider what bugs, mold, scale etc. might already be inhabiting the piece first and can they be removed by soaking in hot water with soap etc. so that your orchid(s) have a safe new home to cling to.

Let us know (photos please!) what wacky mounts you decide to do.

[frostychic]

Ooooops... just now noticed that the original post was in 2006. Wonder how that wacky mount is doing

[latsyrc]

Sorry, frostychic, my other babies (the human ones ) have been keeping me busy, so I haven't actually mounted ANY orchids yet. I have thought about possibly knitting a bag out of hemp, which is rot-resistant, stuffing it with moss, and trying that as a mount. If it ever happens, I'll be sure to post some pictures.

[lmartiny]

Hmmmm. Hemp! Would that make it an extra happy orchid?

[tansyflower]

I like the cow skull idea. We get the occasional skull, unfortunately.....may as well put them to good use....

Would be like those pots with the faces that you put grass or bird seed in the top....sort of....

[Azzadazza]

i mount some natives down the river at my house, but high enough so the cows cant reach them. after my last attempt.

the brushbox orchid is growing like mad after the big heatwave almost killed them

[y05hih31]

gerneveyn

That pict of the phil's growing in cinder blocks is gorgeous ! i love the contrast between nature and industrial. My fav !

[Phalkiller]

Hey there!

I was reading up on mounts as i love the look of mounted orchids. How are your mounts doing? its been 5 yrs since you posted but this newbie would love to see your pics. I have my wacky/tacky way of mounting as you can see on the following pics. Its only been a few months so don't know how successful i will be. Any pointers you have will be greatly appreciated.

I have the pics saved on my work comp so i will post them tomorrow.

[koshki]

Phalkiller, thanks for dredging up this oldie but goodie! I swear, if I lived in the right kind of climate, I would TOTALLY cover a wall with phals like those on the cinder blocks! Too cool!

[bearded orchid]

Originally Posted by koshki

Phalkiller, thanks for dredging up this oldie but goodie! I swear, if I lived in the right kind of climate, I would TOTALLY cover a wall with phals like those on the cinder blocks! Too cool!

I've seen design projects where home owners creating greenwalls in their houses. They basically double-lined an interior wall with synthetic felt and plastic and planted live plants between the layers with a drip tray on the floor level. Pretty awesome in my opinion. Here's a link where a couple demonstrate it on a talk show: DIY Greenwalls: Simple Greenwall How to on the Nate Berkus Show

I'm sure one could adapt this to accommodate orchid culture. A wall covered in Phals would just be killer!

[Phalkiller]

the pics i promised! yes i posted these on another post!

[Phalkiller]

That is totally awesome! When i get rich, i'll do one of those walls.