Question - Mounting Orchids

[vanessa]

When mounting an orchid, is moss the only item that is placed between the orchid and mount?

Update:

See, I didn't even realize it depended on the type of orchid. This forum is wonderful as I learn something new each time I sign on.

I am going to mount a Brassavola Nodosa.

[abiom]

I think it depends on what type of orchid. I usually place nothing for my vandaceous orchids. Sometimes I use moss or coconut fibre for other type of orchid ie bulbo and phal

[koshki]

I guess it depends on the type of orchid. I've got some plants with sphag between the plant and the mount, some mounted directly on wood or cork, some with coco fiber, some with tree fern fiber.

[ChryssM]

I used sphag for the Dens & Dinema that I did.

[Shannara]

I do not use sphagnum at all in my collection. So if I have a mount that needs some water retention I will use sheet moss or coco fiber. I also have to water regularly. Some of my mounts have no medium on them at all. Most of those are Vanda or Catt types on cork or are in plastic or wood baskets.

HTH

Shann~

[vanessa]

See, I didn't even realize it depended on the type of orchid. This forum is wonderful as I learn something new each time I sign on.

I am going to mount a Brassavola Nodosa.

[vanessa]

I have some of the sphagnum moss bought from Lowes for orchids or I can get some of the green moss out of my yard.

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by vanessa

When mounting an orchid, is moss the only item that is placed between the orchid and mount?

I don't place moss between the mount and the plant. If I'm using moss on a mount, I always place the plant against the mount and then tie the moss over the roots. That way the roots attach directly on to the mount rather than leaving a gap between the plant and the mount.

[pikkumyy]

i have only used something on the mount with my orchids twice and that is with my phal. violacea and an Onc. and even then it was just some coco husk chips tied over the roots, other then them, all the others have nothing, it all depends on how regularly you are willing to water, if not regularly then use a little more sphag, if your willing to water every day then use none, also i would not put any between the plant and the mount as Katherine said, you want it to attach to the mount not the sphag

didn't see what Andrew said, he definitely has it right..... in my opinion

[kmarch]

These days I do what Andrew does.

[vanessa]

Thank you for all of the good advice. I am willing to water as often as needed but would love to have a day in between watering as I work full time. I could water it in the morning before I leave for work.

I ordered my orchid from Hausermann and am waiting to receive it. Should be any day now. How do you guys like this company? My first time ordering from them.

[syndywindy]

Most of the time I don't place sphag between the plant and mount. But for some of my plants that don't like to dry out, I do put a small amount between.

[Phalkiller]

I have a tacky method and i guess slightly lazy! I leave most of the media that the orchid came in and wrap this in either a mesh like material or a filter material, a cloth that allows water to go through, used for ponds and expose some of the roots to the tree bark or branch. So far i have some phal roots attatching to the tree. Pictures will prob be posted later tonight. I use this method so i don't have to water all the time but yet allows water to drain. Just love mounting orchids.

[royalkat]

Omg...I water some of my mounts twice a day! hehe What I do is put the moss on the outside, and the roots on the mount now. Then I tie mine off with fishing wire, or a few well placed and hidable staple gun staples...but I have heard panty hose works well (but not sure how it looks!) After a month or so, the roots of mine have attached and I cut the fishing wire off.

There are a lot of different ways to do it, I think, but you came to the right place---everyone here has treated *this* newb amazingly!

[orchids4me]

I've gotten many orchids from Hausermanns they have usually nice healthy plants. . And I have seen the orchid your planning on mounting mounted. It should be fine . Wait to see new roots growing first (growth cycle) the new roots usually adapt better than the older roots. So if yours isn't in a growth spurt right now wait to maount next spring or summer when it is in a new growth spurt.
Good luck!
Emmaye

[Phalkiller]

Here are pics of my tacky/lazy method of mounting. Its lazy because i only water when the filter material or spagnum moss is dry.

[bumpman]

Just out of curiosity has anyone on this thread examined what materials are intertwined with epiphytic orchid roots in nature? From pictures it mostly looks like leaves and plant debris. There obviously wouldn't be any sphag up in trees. Has anyone mounted with natural substances. It would be cool experiment.