Me too! Another First! TERRA COTTA

[mayres]

Since we've had a number of people lately posting their first mount - I thought I'd add mine as well. Just did it this past week.
I was doing some research on the internet and came across this concept put forth by another orchid lover. He noted that if you take a plain terra cotta saucer and drill some holes in it for mounting - you can use them for mounting orchids in lieu of bark or other more commonly used items. You can find them at many stores for as little as 75 cents or less. I quickly learned that you cannot use a standard drill bit - use one that is made for cutting holes in tile. What do you think? One of the plus's for this type of mount is that it is reported to need watering every other day instead of every day. We shall see?! This is a seedling phalaenopsis Intermedia. Our local club is using it as a challenge plant starting this month. Grow baby grow!

[mehitabel]

What a great idea, Mike! I've seen an Slc completely attached to the outside of a clay pot-- the roots attach themselves fiercely to the clay. Wet clay gives off that constant tiny hum of moisture -- I think they would make a fantastic mount. Looks good, too.

[lmartiny]

I like the look and the concept. I'm finding mounts hard to maintain.

[katrina]

Looks great!! I might have to try that one. Good job!

[syndywindy]

Very interesting. I have seen on ebay a vendor that sells ceramic mounts, it's probably pretty similar in concept. Your idea is much cheaper. Keep us posted as to how it goes.

[koshki]

Mike, that's really interesting. How did you attach it to the saucer?

Also, can you tell us about the "challenge plant"?

[mayres]

The plant and sphag are attached to the saucer with very fine fishing line (4#). With my old age eyes I cannot even see it from the front.
Every year we do a challenge plant (or two) in our local society. We get a group of identical (as much as is possible) plants and then all raise them to the best of our ability and then bring them back to the meeting in one year to compare results. Last year we did intergenerics and the results were amazing. It was super informative to see the difference and find out what worked and didn't work. You would never have guessed that the plant potted in a peat based mix ended up BY FAR the most superior!
This year we are doing two challenge plants - phalaenopsis Intermedia and aerangis biloba. Can't wait to compare results next year - I'm actually doing them using two methods - both mounted as pictured here and both in S/H. Will see!
We've tried to do challenge plants in the past on the forum here too - I enjoy(d) it - no one has suggested another for some time and when I have noted my plants as of late I don't get too many others responding about like plant(s). Might be fun to try again soon as we seem to have a slightly different group of people actively participating on the forum now?

[koshki]

Well, my eyes can't see that fishing line, either, LOL!

I like the idea of the challege, both for my OS, and on this forum. I'm starting to meet more people at the OS and perhaps someone would like this suggestion. Probably too late for this year...we've only got one more meeting and then the picnic. But perhaps someone'd be interested for next year!

I'd definitely be in for a challenge here if anyone else is game!

[syndywindy]

I really like the idea of a challenge plant. sign me up!

[Anisa]

What a great idea. Very keeps moisture and looks neat. I don't have any clay saucers but i want to try with shallow hydroponic pots.
And challenge also sounds exciting. Makes me want to join local orchid society

[Phalcycle]

I've never thought of doing this, what a grreat idea.
I will try it soon!

[berkeleysgr8]

I like the look of that mount. I REALLY like that it's a cheap way to try mounting a plant! I have lots of schillerianas and would like to try mounting at least a couple. The roots seem to have more "grip" than a typical Phal... so I think they'd be great to mount.

[chromebright]

you could even attach two saucers back to back and mount a couple of identical plants back to back!

Ken

[maiseymoo]

What a great idea! It looks really good, I am tempted with mounts, but have no idea where I would put them! A challenge plant sounds like a great idea, my name is down!

[amersault]

nicely done, Miguel! great concept, and great execution. i've never mounted any of my plants but as a Geek that pots directly into terra cotta containers, i have to say my plants prefer it more to plastic.

and i have to agree w/ what someone noted above: terra cotta gives constant moisture while drying. the roots just cling to them.

[maria1971]

mine never did well on clay mounts.

[patticake]

That looks pretty cool! Let us know how it goes. I think it's really a neat idea!

[amchu3]

I like the idea of a challenge plant. Can a total newb like me do it too?

[lmartiny]

Go for it!

[mayres]

I second Imartiny - our plants have not grown that much yet - by all means get yourself one or both of them and post a picture for starters! Look forward to having you join the group.........

[amchu3]

My bf says I have too many plants right now and that I can't add anymore (I have three on the way and I live in a little place). I kept looking at the "Orchids project #1" threads. Most of the threads were from 2008.

Haha I got so confused. This new project looks like fun! It looks like everyone is doing well for the past couple months with their two plants! Good luck with them!! Please let me know about the next one so that I may join in.