My 'Log in a Pot' project.

[FLaCo]

I found my branch and cut it off. I took Kevin's advice and used rocks instead of concrete to hold the branch in place. Here are some pics...it is a plastic terra cotta pot filled with river rock I bought at a local hardware retailer. Now I am just waiting on Jerry's hybrid plants to mount something on it. I will keep pics coming as soon as I mount something.

The wood comes from a Longan fruit tree (see pic below).It is very heavy for its size meaning it's dense... which is a good thing. Also, the bark is very rough and has many knucks and crannies which is a good form of anchoring for the future orchids...the curves are good too. I planned on using avocado, but I found this harder, denser wood and thought that it would do better against moisture etc.

What do you guys think of the project so far?


By the way, what do you guys think I should do with that little stubby log?

EDIT] I have removed the last Attachment as the pic clearly stated Copyright.

[Tobi]

Looks good Damien. Maybe you can try something like a Maxillaria on the stubby log.
They like to climb.

[made4engineering]

I can already tell, that's going to end up looking waaaaaay cool... I say you put the climbing stuff near the bottom of the big branch, and something that clumps on the stumpy

[PhalPal]

VERY cool Damien!! I like that you can move it if neccessary for a storm or extreme weather. I can't wait to see what you attach to it!

[Vivienne]

I'm with everyone else - It's going to be WAY COOL and I sure can't wait to see it when you've done your magic!

[patticake]

Thanks, Damien! This is going to be a really fun thread to watch! Good luck!

[kmarch]

So far so good. I think you've chosen a good branch, both crotches and open sides to mount lots of things. When you start mounting, keep in mind that orchids GROW so take care not to overfill it at first, the plants will take over.

I am eager to see what plants you choose for it. I smell success!

[sandra]

Now this is getting interesting Damien. I like it.

[evagentry]

This is another interesting thread,I read abut mounts in pots, but it isn't always easy to picture them in my mind, thanks for posting your project.

[brookn]

I can't wait to see what you come up with. It looks like a great log to mount on.

[FLaCo]

Hey guys, thanks for the positivity.

You guys can suggest plants to mount...if you would like to see something in specific...I can try to find it and mount it.

[arleneg]

Nice work, Damien.

evagentry -- I have a few of my mounted orchids in pots. It looks much like Damien's project, just in a smaller scale.

[FLaCo]

I got a nice shipment from Jerry and was wondering if anyone can help me. the Epi./ Enc. cross can do well mounted but which part of the branch can I mount it on. Here is a list on what I have and your suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Is there a general rule I should follow with certain species.

Den Cathy beck

Epi Atroneceum 'Mother's Day' x Enc cordigera 'Chocolate Violets'

2 of the Blc. Lucille Lundberg 'yellow sky'

Bc. Siam Jade

C. Laticem 'Kodoma' x Slc. Pokalani 'Cherry'

Milt. Earl Dunn 'Dark Lip'

Bc (Llittle Stars x Maikai) 'Hawaii'

Also, I also have an assort of Vandas.

[arleneg]

I'd situate the older pseudobulb at the bottom. You get new growth from the 'younger' pseudobulb.

[FLaCo]

Originally Posted by arleneg

I'd situate the older pseudobulb at the bottom. You get new growth from the 'younger' pseudobulb.

What do you mean? I know what a pbulb is ...but you mean like in general?

[FLaCo]

Here are some pics of what I mounted so far.

Please, fill me in on an constructive criticism you may have. Too high, too low, too close, upside down, inside out...lol...anything.

I am trying to imagine the plants fully grown and gave it a guesstimate.

[FLaCo]

First one is a Phal. Naples Night

Second is Epi Atroneceum 'Mother's Day' x Enc cordigera 'Chocolate Violets'

Third pic, Blc. Lucille Lundberg 'yellow sky'

Fourth pic, Bc. Siam Jade

[arleneg]

Damien,

Well done on that potted mount! You mounted the Phal as it grows out in the wild.

[FLaCo]

Thank you, Arlene. I plan on adding around 2-3 more plants and that is it.

I might put a Den. or Catt. in the rocks too.

[FLaCo]

Here is an update on the project. The plants have really taken off and produced new growths including roots which are really grabbing hard to the branch.

Since the last pictures in April I have finishing adding mounts to the branch. I have added 2 more since then...that will be it though. They are a simple Den. Copter (purple) and a Dtps. Long Pride Fancy (beautiful white Phal flowers with purple speck pattern). I removed the flowers and rotten/old roots and mount that last night. The Dendrobium was mounted around 2-3 weeks ago, it also has really taken off.

Here are the updated pics.

Third to last is the Dendrobium and the second to last is the new Dtps.

[patticake]

WOW... That is so cool I can't wait to see it in all it's glory down the road! Really nice! Thanks for keeping us up-to-date on this project!

[solay]

That looks so great. I've seen something similar but all full of just Vandas. Can't wait to see it in bloom. It'll be awesome.

[kid a]

That is so neat! I wish I could muster up the the courage to do some mounting.

[FLaCo]

It patients more than anything. You really have nothing to lose in mounting unless you can't keep a consistent watering regimen...and even then...sometimes these guys get water in morning and that is it.

[evagentry]

It sure looks good, thanks for the update.

[FLaCo]

Ok, so here it is...as promised a 3 month update for my little contraption. Everything is going great my naples night is going balistic with its roots but no spiking. My dtps is finally grabbing after being the last plant to be added. The den is 'ok'...could be better but at least i see a new growth coming up from the bottom. The Jerry hybrids are doing great lots of roots just making their way through and around the bark...they seem to love the lychee tree bark's texture.

[FLaCo]

If most of you haven't noticed already I doing an update on all of my posts. Here is my Log in a Pot...everything seems to be doing well...some better than other, but overall, good. I think it is time to remove the mounting tape.

[Vivienne]

Looks like the 'Log In A Pot' project is turning out to be a success! Good Job!!

[FLaCo]

Thanks Vivi! I am a little worried that down the road I might run into the log wearing down.

[Vivienne]

I don't know the wood and how well it holds up. But I think it would be a while. Anyone know??

[FLaCo]

When the wood has gone through enough I will saw off piece by piece and mount the plants with wood and all onto another host, maybe cork.

[katrina]

WOW! Your project definitely looks like a success to me...looks GREAT!

I would love to do some mounts on a large log....hmmmm....just have to figure out where it would fit inside the house during winter. Perhaps hanging from the ceiling? That might work. Wheels spinning.....

As for the log breaking down...I believe you said it was lychee, right? If it's the lychee I'm thinking of...orignally a chinese fruit tree...that's a very hard, dense wood which would take a good deal of time to break down. I don't think you'd have to worry about that anytime soon.

[dolo3]

I am enjoying following this thread. Your project looks so cool. I'm a little worried about that pot though...I think it might be the first thing to go? Can't wait to see a pic of any one of the plants blooming on their log. Way to go!

[FLaCo]

Originally Posted by dolo3

I am enjoying following this thread. Your project looks so cool. I'm a little worried about that pot though...I think it might be the first thing to go? Can't wait to see a pic of any one of the plants blooming on their log. Way to go!

Kat, it is a lychee and I also have heard of its dense wood...but it is always humid.

Dolo, thanks for the compliment. The pot is plastic but I bought a clay which is tougher, steady and helps water evaporate faster.

[arleneg]

I see the 'chids took hold. It's definitely time to remove the blue tape.

I can hardly wait to see all of them in bloom on that log.

[FLaCo]

This is an update of the Log IN a Pot Mount. They have really taken off. The Naples Night has buds and the rest have roots galore. I had an accident with the dend on the bottom. A hose hit it and broke a cane. =( I'll take a few more pics...this was take with a 105mm macro lens. So i didn't have room.





These are some misc. pics.
A Drop on a Naples Night Phal leaf.

A drop on a Milt. root.

[kmarch]

I'm happy to hear this is going so well! It was a fun adventuresome project and it's turning out great! Thanks for the update!

[solay]

It looks like a success. The orchids have taken a hold of that log and the spike on the Phal. looks so nice. Don't forget to post an update of the blooms.

[patticake]

It looks great, Damien!! Very pretty... I hope you're doing well.

[hulaorchid]

Wow looks like it's taking off! keep us posted

[evagentry]

Thanks for the update Damien. I had been thinking of this project of yours, I am glad it's doing so well!

[tizzycat]

Nice one Damien, looks really good.

[PhalPal]

Really really nice Damien!!! I have some manzanita branches (California native, red bark, beautiful with lots of nooks) that I took out of the woods last summer. I have let them sit out for a season because I wasn't sure if this particular wood would be a problem for orchids. Today is a big repotting day and I think I'm going to try planting some on my branches.

I'm excited about the manzanita too because it is illegal to collect it in the wild with huge fines. I was only able to get this (with a Rangers help) because it was cut to make way for a controlled burn and on the side of the road. I've wanted some for years but wasn't willing to spend time in jail, not even for my orchids.

Thanks for the encouraging project!

[trinigirl]

Wow, your project is turning out really beautifully. The orchids seem to love it. Did you have to move it in this winter?

[FLaCo]

Thanks for the kind words everyone. What I have to figure out is a way to remove wait while stabilizing the log.It isn't very easy to move it around with the weight. I'm young and fit and I can only slide it. The plastic pot became brittle with the sun and would crack everytime I would move it.

Connie, I don't know why people haven't gotten to do this. I suppose it may have to climate, but even then, you have the ability to move it around like a big house plant by removing the entire log from the pot (that's worst case scenario).

Sarah, I was lucky enough to get some cold fronts that got down to 40 degrees, at most. Those days required lots of water to warm them down but nothing to make a big deal about. So the answer is no.

I am doing well Patti. Thank you!

[PhalPal]

Damien I tried a few phals outside in the shade last summer and it was just too difficult to keep them cool. We don't have the moisture in the air as you do. My 'log' is going to have to be a lot smaller so I can put it inside and not have it be too hard to water. I tried a few catts attached to trees too but they didn't like the cold nights in winter. They survived but won't flower and are not the healthiest specimens. I'll have to stick to cyms and twinkles outside.

[FLaCo]

Originally Posted by PhalPal

Damien I tried a few phals outside in the shade last summer and it was just too difficult to keep them cool. We don't have the moisture in the air as you do. My 'log' is going to have to be a lot smaller so I can put it inside and not have it be too hard to water. I tried a few catts attached to trees too but they didn't like the cold nights in winter. They survived but won't flower and are not the healthiest specimens. I'll have to stick to cyms and twinkles outside.

Sounds like you have a great plan. I mean you must adapt to your environment if not, you will do a poor job. I must admit, mounted take a little bit of more work, at least in the beginning stages of the mount.

[virgil]

4/10/2008 to feb 2009 ok so less than a year and the plants are well established on the log, very nice, you have made a good thing. I see from the last picture ,I can't see the name tags any more, are you going by memory or do you have a map of the log with the plant names in their position on the log, I hate to make my on noids, lol

[orchidfriend]

my question is...

Is log in a pot the coolest orchid project ever?

Great work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[katsrevenge]

*want*

I bet it will be drop dead when it flowers.

That is cool. Can't do a huge one... but I want my own log!

[digitalgate]

eh,,, no longan fruits?

[Ochin@]

I'd love to see pictures of the Naples Night in bloom....

[FLaCo]

The Naples Nights' flowers are falling off and now it it just has around 5 blooms.

At one point it had 14 flowers. It is one of the most beautiful spikes I have ever had. Since it was mounted, the spike grew up and to the side. With the weight of the flowers it would slower bring down the spike. Simply Beautiful.

Here are the pics, just click the link and scroll down. My Naples Night finally bloomed.

[Ochin@]

Thank you for directing me to those pics, it is a gorgeous plant, i love that everything about it is purple from the leaves to the spikes, the buds and finally the flowers. Great growing...

[FLaCo]

Thank you, tomorrow I will take good pictures and show an update.

[dtje2000]

Damien, that's a fantastic project, and I'm tickled you shared. I've had your project floating about in my head for a while, and seeing it in virtual reality (what?), helps me imagine what I'm looking for.

Do you have any equitants? one of those perched merrily on the cut ends would be just another layer of cool. Then again, I just love those little guys...they give you a great bang for the buck!

Again, thanks for sharing. VERY inspiring!!! If I may ask, where did you come by your log?

[FLaCo]

The update as promised.



This Dendrobium got a big hit one stormy night when a bucket fell on it and ripped of a cane.


These three are all Jerry's that I bought, but have lost the tags.


This Phal is not a Noid, but I do not have the Tag right now (it is somewhere in the yard, I'll find it.)

[dorothea]

it looks great! Naples Night is a beauty!

[Ochin@]

Wow, Beautiful....Thank you for the update.

[LouisW]

Great. Its looking just like you always hope(at least I hoped it would look like this)!

[NancyG]

Looks good. What a great idea.

[trinigirl]

Thanks for this wonderful update, things are looking really good.

Do you have any idea how high the log is? Thanks.

[FLaCo]

Thanks guys.

The log is around 4 to 4.5 feet tall.

[FLaCo]

Originally Posted by dtje2000

Again, thanks for sharing. VERY inspiring!!! If I may ask, where did you come by your log?

We have some land further south of Miami, and we have a small grove of lychee trees. My brother decided to clean the trees up and kept big pieces of branches. I took a few from him.

[syndywindy]

Who Is Jerry and does he have a website for his orchids? the mounting is so cool, is this soemthing someone relatively new to orchids can do?Thanks- Syndywindy

[FLaCo]

Jerry is one of the moderators here at Orchidgeeks. His website is OrchidsAmore Home page .

I think with patients you or anyone can accomplish this. Heck, I was fairly new to orchid cultivation, and I was able to do it.

[jay]

I am amazed every time I see an update. That looks great. I love to see the roots just moving in and out of the crevices of the bark. That is so cool and natural.

[FLaCo]

Thank you Jay. I just noticed that it has a year already---time really does fly. Anyway, I have found the tags and ID'ed the plants again.

[patticake]

Damien, it looks really great! The plants have really started to take hold. You mentioned lychee trees....OMG, I love lychee nuts!!! We can sometimes find them in the grocery stores up here in June, if we're lucky, and then they're ridiculous-expensive!! I usually buy a few, just because they're SO GOOD!!! I sure wish I had a way to grow my own!

[-k-]

Applause!! That really looks amazing, anyone would be proud to have what you have here... Well done The pic progression is very interesting to view, and impressive how the roots climbed and attached the way they did... I would certainly call that an overwhelming success!!!