Bulb rothschildianum - my first try at mounting.

[Orchis]

Well, I went to my local Orchid Society and picked up this little bargain for R25 (about US $3). It was bare root and severely dehydrated so I thought: let's try to save it and then try my first DIY mount.

I dunked it for an hour in sugar water and fertiliser (very little). The mount is a tall terracotta pot, upturned in a deepish drip tray. There is some gravel on the inside and around the pot as well as a glass reservoir inside. The whole construction is filled with water through the drainage hole at the top.

I wrapped coir around the terracotta pot with florist wire. I mounted the bulbo on the coir with a little sphagnum below each bulb. I will fully mount the new grow as soon as the rhizome is a little more flexible (like i said, it was dehydrated and I was scared of snapping it off completely). The crazy roots will be tucked into the coir as the time progresses.

I hope this works!

[abiom]

do keep us posted on the progress.

[katrina]

Very interesting for sure.

Just a suggestion...if it were mine...I would get those roots directed back onto the mount. I would try to twine them into the coco fiber and then secure w/some wire or twisty-ties. Otherwise the roots may continue to grow out and off the mount. I always try to get as much of the root in contact w/the mount/medium as I possible can. Of course, maybe this is just me.

Very creative idea w/the pot!

[Orchis]

I will definitely! I'm treating them very gingerly at the moment because they are not very supple yet...a few more days' watering/misting and I'll get them in there.

I will post an updated pic soon. The bulbs are really plumping up and it is looking much better! YEAH!

[Brooke]

Submerge the pot and all in a container of water for a while. The roots will turn very green and pliable and you can attach them in a matter of hours.

Very innovative

Brooke