Using a 2x4 as a mount

[jpyerry]

Hello everybody, had a quick question. I have a couple of orchids that I would like to mount. It seems that mounting materials tend to be somewhat costly. Anyways, I have a spare 2x4 (pine, I believe) that I am considering sawing into pieces and using. I know it won't be all that aesthetically pleasing, but I was curious if anybody has tried doing this and what their results were.

Thanks,
Justin

[NiNiDazzle]

I have used a pine plank before and don't recommend it. It is a soft wood. After 2-3 months of daily dunkings, the wood has cracked and/or split.

[mayres]

If you are looking for inexpensive mounting materials try cedar shingles - which is what Oak Hills Gardens does with most of their mounts. Many people that are handy with wood have them lying around or know people who have them available - they can be cut to make numerous mounts for small orchids from a single shingle. You can oftentimes purchase enough to make lots and lots of mounts for a small price at a place that has broken bundles of shingles too! They will also last years and years............

[rcb]

I have used cedar shingles many times. And I've gone into Lowes, and if there was a broken bundle, asked the manager if he would sell me a few pieces. Usually the answer was yes. Even got 10 full pieces for 2 bucks one time.

Then I just get them cut to size, drill a hole, and it's ready.

[JLu]

The 2x4 is to rot pretty quick

[Daethen]

I have taken to wandering around the woods and grabbing cool looking branches, roots, etc. Treat them and you are good to go and the are really interesting.

[Ray]

Personally, I don't think you can beat virgin cork bark for looking as "wild and natural" as possible. With all of the grooves, the plants take to it really well, too.

A 8" x 12" piece is only about $5, so not that much of a "dent" in your wallet.

[jpyerry]

Thanks everybody for the advice. I am glad that I have avoided a bad idea resulting from your input. I was leaning towards using cork, I just wanted to bounce the idea off you guys before I went ahead and tried something foolish.

Thanks,
Justin

[HotPot]

cork and cedar would be my choices also - cedar has antifungal properties built in. I noticed a Taiwan orchid grower that would make grooves in planks of smooth wood with a router - he made the grooves horizontally for the plant roots to grow along.