Mounting large Cattleya

[0ana]

This is a large Cattleya I've received - I've talked about it at the Newbie questions forum. It has six large pseudobulbs and three smaller ones.
And I decided to mount it as soon as it finishes blooming.
I've read Anton saying that his catts are doing fine mounted barefoot, so I consider this option.
Otherwise, I'll need to get some sphagnum and I'm not sure how much will I need, nor if alive moss would be better than the dry one (the live moss looks better, too).
I'm not sure yet if splitting it would be a better idea. Leaving it like this would make it easier to recover, I imagine, with all the energy stored in those bulbs; but on the other hand it will continue growing and I'll have to split it anyway at a given point.
I'll come back with photos after mounting it - it might last a while, though, because I want to wait for the last flowers to fall.
Until then, I'll be happy to hear any opinion, critique, advice anybody reading this will be willing to give.

[LouisW]

Hey I was just in Constanta!

I would not divide the plant because larger plants are stronger and will be able to adapt better and faster. You never NEED to split the plant unless it is getting too big for you to handle. Mounting could work for you but just be conscious that mounted plants require much more watering and higher humidity.

In my opinion sphagnum moss is widely used but is not the only moss that will work, I think that you can use living local moss. Healthy growing moss seems like it would be good around the roots. I would only use moss if you are mounting it, if you decide to put it in a pot then an airy medium would be better. Bark is a common choice.

[Stitz]

0ana,
I understand from reading various forums that live moss is much easier to obtain in Europe. Perhaps, you might wish to try it? Of course, you can always use dead sphagnum moss.

Just a thought........

--Stitz--

[0ana]

Thank you both for your advices.
I won't divide it, that is now a taken decision, thanks for the advice.
And for the moss - I didn't see a lot growing here (nor did I look for it, though!), but in the northern areas of Romania I know a few swamps where I can find some sphagnum, but since it's a protected species so I may (and will) not touch it.
I'll look for other types of moss though, it can get really hot here during summer and maybe it will be needed.
Louis, it's funny that you've just been here! What a small world, isn't it?