Grapewood

[Tobi]

Has anyone ever used grapewood for mounting any of their orchids. I picked
up a rather nice piece at an orchid show. My concern is that it's very hard
and how the roots react to this. The roots have penetrated my other bark
mounts that I have, but I can't see that happening with this dense a piece
of wood.

[jerrymeola]

I use only grapevine. I mount thousands using about 200 pounds of grapevine a month.

Grapevine as you found is very beautiful and hard. It has a life span of 10-15 years as opposed to pine (2-3 years).

Cattleys will atach their roots easily as well as dens. Oncidiums always need support. Do not be concerned. Tie it on and let it grow as it wants.
This one is a 30 inch plant on about a 20 inch piece of grapevine. You do not see the fishing line holding the plant which is around the sphag. the little line is
green plastic coated wire (bonsai traing wire) used to support the extra weight.





This mount is about a 28 inch piece of grapevine with multiple plants

[Tobi]

Thanks Jerry. Your mounts look great!!. The piece of grapewood that I got
has most of the bark removed, but still has some in certain grooves and sides.
Do you soak it for a period of time to loosen it and what do you use to remove
the bark? A wire Brush?