Soaking a wood mount?

Kalt · #1 (**permalink**) 03-09-2011, 08:42 PM

I got a piece of grapevine driftwood to use as a mount today. From what I've been reading it is good to soak the mount. When I did this there was a film on the top of the water. Has anyone else seen this? And should I keep soaking until there is no longer a film on the water? Any other things I should do to the mount before placing my orchid on it?

Thanks for any info!

rcb · #2 (**permalink**) 03-09-2011, 11:02 PM

By driftwood, does that mean you picked it up off a beach?

If so, I would worry about the salt content, and would soak, changing out the water for a week. Also would worry about other stuff, so at some point early that week, I would soak in a bleach solution. And the remaining soaks would take care of the bleach.

Most of my mounts, I don't soak. Actually I've never heard that you need to soak already clean wood.

Kalt · #3 (**permalink**) 03-10-2011, 12:27 AM

Well I bought it at Petsmart and the tag says grapevine driftwood. Though honestly it doesn't look like any driftwood I've ever seen. The driftwood I have seen is usually a grey-ish color and also very light weight. This is regular brown color and not overly light for its size. Here are some pictures of it:

rcb · #4 (**permalink**) 03-10-2011, 07:16 AM

ok then.

Well I've never brough grapevine from petsmart, but I've bought manzanita before.

I never soaked these though.

But it won't hurt the mount if you do soak it.

As for the film on the water, I have no idea - sorry.

**katrina** · #5 (**permalink**) 03-10-2011, 07:23 AM

I've used grapevine and never soaked it. More than a year later the plants are doing beautifully.

Kalt · #6 (**permalink**) 03-10-2011, 10:56 AM

OK thank you for the info!

jcaesar1310 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-11-2011, 02:32 PM

Since you bought the grape wood at Pet Smart...its probably meant to be used with reptiles-birds??? Perhaps its been treated with something? You might check into it before using it with your orchids. Good Luck!

Kalt · #8 (**permalink**) 03-11-2011, 05:05 PM

The tag says it is heat treated. Not sure what that means. '0_0'

**katrina** · #9 (**permalink**) 03-11-2011, 05:22 PM

Heat treated simply means it was exposed to high heat for a period of time to ensure it's free of any "hitchhikers".

BTW -- if it's safe for birds and fish (not sure about the reptiles)...it's safe to put your orchid on it.

Kalt · #10 (**permalink**) 03-11-2011, 06:17 PM

Thanks! That makes me feel better

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