Just purchased my first mounted orchids

[Eaparicio]

I just purchased 4 mounted orchids from a seller on Ebay. These will be my first mounts so I have a few questions. I plan to hang these outside on the side of my avairy if the light is good enough, (I am going to check on this). Because they will be outside for the summer it will be easier to water them with the hose and a sprayer, but I thought cool water was not good for watering? I can't control the temp of the water coming out of the hose. Also I have well water with a TDS of about 60-90 will this hurt to use or should I start collecting rainwater?

I am getting these:

Mini Catt. Sc, Crystelle Smith
Enc. Orchid Jungle
Doritis pulcherrima var chumpornensis
Myrmecophila thompsoniana

[orchids4me]

Hi the Dortis is treated like Phalenopsis lower light than Catt aliance.
I wouldn't recomend hitting the Dortis with a hose you will get crown rot try to keep the keaves dry on that one. I grow all my Phals indoors they wouldn't do to well here outside.
The myrmecophilia is I belive (any correct me if I'm wrong) Catt alliance takes higer light like Catts. The Encylia I'm new to these my self but shann is the queen and Ysanabria growas a mean encylia her self but keep in mind your conditions where you live both of the members I mentioned are in florida so they have lots of humidity where like here my conditions are much drier so adjust your growing to your conditions
Good luck
Emmaye

[Brooke]

I think everyone who grows outside uses a hose to water their orchids. I did and had no problems. When it heats up make sure the water isn't too hot from the hose heating up. When you first turn it on the water will be hot. I can't help you on the TDS.

The Crystelle Smith and Enc. need medium light - sun until noon-ish and the thompsoniana can take full sun if adapted to it. It is a very high light plant and BIG. The pulcherrima needs early morning sun and then bright shade the rest of the day.

The pulcherrima is very upright growing so water it early in the day. If at all possible, I would unmount it and grow it in a pot because of the growth habit.

Brooke

[Eaparicio]

Thanks for the help everyone. I plan to water ever morning if needed. I have a huge aviary that is going to be perfect for hanging orchids. One side faces east and gets the morning sun, the short side is shady with dappled sun in the morning, and the other long side is shaded most of the day. I should be able to satisfy the different preferences fairly well.

Now I still need to work on where I will put them when they need to come inside....

[Eaparicio]

I thought I would post some photos of my mounted orchids. I decided to put everyone on my front porch and with some creative placements I think they will all be happy.

The growing space and my orchids:











I purchased these orchids already mounted, but I have just mounted a few of my own in the past week. I really love mounted orchids!!

[beezermommy]

Which grower did you buy from on ebay??? I look but am always a little afraid to buy....not knowing what you get. These look great. Approximately what was the price range??? Thanks.

[Eaparicio]

Originally Posted by beezermommy

Which grower did you buy from on ebay??? I look but am always a little afraid to buy....not knowing what you get. These look great. Approximately what was the price range??? Thanks.

I purchased these from Abita Orchids. They came to me healthy and as advertised. I would definitely purchase from him again. The prices seem to be between $12-$20 for most of his mounted orchids.

[Phalkiller]

Originally Posted by Eaparicio

I thought I would post some photos of my mounted orchids. I decided to put everyone on my front porch and with some creative placements I think they will all be happy.

The growing space and my orchids:











I purchased these orchids already mounted, but I have just mounted a few of my own in the past week. I really love mounted orchids!!

You have very beautifull plants and orchids. I am so very envious. I am trying to mount my orchids as well but onto a tree. Its been about a month so i'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Very nice ! Great mountings and please post some of your blooming orchids !

[Eaparicio]

Check the first post for photos of these when I got them.

First:

Mini Catt. Sc, Crystelle Smith

This one has bloomed for me for the first time

[Eaparicio]

Next:

Doritis pulcherrima var chumpornensis

This has grown some for me and has lots of new root growth. No sign of blooming yet, but I have high hopes.





Enc. Orchid Jungle

This has grown a little , but seems to be slow for me.



Myrmecophila thompsoniana

This is slow grower for me also.

[Ron]

Also I have well water with a TDS of about 60-90 will this hurt to use or should I start collecting rainwater?

Hi Lovely lot of mounted orchids, very well grown
as for the well water being a reading of 60 to 90.
Most townies would be happy with a reading like that.
my own tap water swing from arond 85 to 100, depending were they are pumping it from.
I have been told once readings get above 250ppm, some orchids like Paphs, Phalls , Masd etc do not like it.

[Eaparicio]

Originally Posted by Ron

Hi Lovely lot of mounted orchids, very well grown
as for the well water being a reading of 60 to 90.
Most townies would be happy with a reading like that.
my own tap water swing from arond 85 to 100, depending were they are pumping it from.
I have been told once readings get above 250ppm, some orchids like Paphs, Phalls , Masd etc do not like it.

Thanks Ron. It seems the well water is working out fine. I am very excited to be getting my first blooms on my small group of orchids. I definitely would like to grow some more now that I am learning what works for me with these.