Mounting a Den

[Emma Grey]

Hi all - For our anniversary my husby let me pick out two new orchids. I picked an Onc. Rosy Sunset and Den jenkinsii.

The Den came potted but I'm thinking about mounting it. Whatdya think?

Also, I asked the vendor I got it from and they said it's still dormant and should start growing again in early March. So, should I mount it now while it's not doing anything so that when it starts growing it will be ready to go, or should I wait until it shows some growth to mount it?

If mounting it is better, what are the differences between cork and tree fern? I assume tree fern holds moisture longer? I normally mount on cork (all two times I've done it) but I picked up a piece of tree fern just for fun. The thing is, the tree fern seems really messy. Even in the bag I bought it in it's dropping all kinds of little bits. Is it always going to be like this or will it stop shedding once the lose bits are gone? Since I grow inside my house, I can't use it if it's always going to be shedding.

Thanks!

[MelissaSE]

About half my mounts are on tree fern and I've never had a problem with it shedding. It does lose a few bits when it's cut, kind of like "sawdust" , but not afterwards.

Have never mounted a den, but I'd imagine it would be better to wait until it breaks dormancy. That way, the roots will start to attach to the mount right away.

[terra_australis]

Treefern can shed a bit but it depends on the piece you get. The material closer to the outside of the trunk (IIRC) is less dense and will drop bits more easily. Once it loses all the already-detached stuff it should be OK as long as you're not constantly moving it about.

Honestly I prefer cork for mounting as it doesn't break down as quickly. I've had various things mounted on treefern slabs but they always seem to have done better on cork. Not sure exactly why that is so.

I have only ever come across Den. jenkinsii once at a show. It was a truly spectacular specimen mounted on a length of small tree trunk. I think it's going to be one of those plants that's happy whichever way you grow it.
Oh, and I agree with Melissa, wait until it starts to show signs of new roots. It's best not to disturb them when they are sleeping or they get cranky

[-k-]

Den jenkinsii is a great plant to mount and I think you should give it a go however yes wait until dormancy is over, once it starts active growth again you can then mount it. I do not use tree fern so I cannot comment on it...

[katrina]

I use both tree fern and cork...I like tree fern but yes, IME, it constantly sheds. I have to carry my mounts to the sink/tub regularly and w/all the moving them about I am always dropping bits.

The tree fern will hold more moisture...but not much really. If you mount the plant sideways to the tree fern fibers more moisture will be held than if you mount it w/the fibers up and down. (If that makes sense)

If you use a nice pad of sphag w/the cork I'm not sure there's much difference in the moisture being held. At least not that I can tell.

I like both and use both...I just vacuum after I'm done messing w/the mounts.

[rcb]

I think the jenkinsii looks better mounted, as the spikes are pretty short, and look a little odd when the plant is in a pot.

I have three left, one mounted on cholla, one mounted on manzanita, and the third potted in LECA in a net pot. All three grow well.

One thing I've noticed about my jenkinsii, the root development starts just before the new growth in the spring. And I would wait to mount, if you are going to, until the root development has started.

Can't help with cork vs. tree fern. I don't use either.

[rcb]

And BTW, Happy Anniversary.