Lithophytic/Rupiculous Orchid Mounts

[Uechi]

I am looking for a source for information on mounting Lithophytic orchids on rocks. It seems logical to me that if the orchids that fall into this category grow on rocks that a good rock mount would be just what they want. The question is what types of rocks, how to mount and orchid supply source for mounts. I assume that most of these orchids grow on rough surface limestone or granite but I don't know. Articles on rock dwelling orchids never seem to mention what type of rocks. I think it would be quite a dramatic display to have orchids growing happily on reasonably sized.

[articuno75]

What about using a large chunk of lava rock or stalite? Would that work or does the consistancy have to pertain to the Ph of the rock itself?

[Uechi]

Jenny, You got me, I don't know. I do know that some orchids grow on Limestone,but I don't know which ones. If you put the wrong orchid on this rock I would assume you could kill it because of PH. That's why I am looking for an article, book or something with some definitive info on appropriate rocks and methods of attachment.

[LouisW]

I don't think that it matters what type of rock it is as long as you give it all the nutrients it needs. For example: Phrag. kovachii grows on limestone so when they mix up the medium they add crushed limestone. I think if you get a neutral, nonreactive type of stone and add the needed nutrients yourself i don't see why it wouldn't grow.

lava rock, granite sound good.

I would do some research into the type of orchid before you use limestone.

[exasperatus2002]

Dumb question but ive seen it refered to some orchids...whats Rupiculous mean and how does it apply to certain orchids?

[katrina]

You could pick up some really good rock from any aquarium store. I have several pieces of lava rock I'll be using as mounts once I find the right plant or decide which of my current plants would do well on it.

With the aquarium store purchased rock...wash it well/soak it well to remove any salts but other than that it would've been cleaned of any harmful chemicals for use in an aquarium environment.

I personally like the idea of lava rock because it has lots of nooks and crannies for root attachment plus it will temporarily hold a little more moisture than say a piece of granite.

Sorry...no ideas on any publications dealing w/this topic.

[Uechi]

Ripicolous or Ripiculous I seen it spelled both ways means thriving on or living among rocks. Seems to be a synonym for lithophytic, but I have only seen it used in context with certain Laelias.

[Uechi]

I have found one book that has a whole chapter on lithophytic orchids. It is called "Orchid Growing in Your Garden" by Robert GM Friend, Timber Press.

[exasperatus2002]

Originally Posted by Uechi

Ripicolous or Ripiculous I seen it spelled both ways means thriving on or living among rocks. Seems to be a synonym for lithophytic, but I have only seen it used in context with certain Laelias.

Thats where I've seen it but wasnt sure what they meant. Since lithophytic is the most used or what I would interpret as proper term for a rock growing orchid, why do they need to confuse us for? lol

[brookn]

The medium I see used a lot for these is to pot them into lava rock, so I would assume that mounting it to a chunk of lava rock would work well.

How to Grow Rupicolous Laelias

[s.kallima]

Rupicolous (not ripicolous) is not synonym of lithophytic. It means that it lives in caves or in rock formations, but not necessarely on rocks because there is often some soil between rocks. Animals can be rupicolous (bats, owls, spiders...)

Lithophytic is specific to plants (with the exception of corals) and means litterally "grows on rock and derives its nourishment chiefly from the atmosphere".

I think for orchids we can see both growing habits, and lots of epiphytic orchids can be lithophytic if humidity is high enough, see pictures below...
Just my 2cts.

[Uechi]

Sorry. but I don't agree. I made very certain about the definition of Rupicolous prior to posting. There are numerous sources that use it for orchids, specifically Laelias and they don't live in caves. Rock formations may well have detritus worn finely enough that it could possibly be called soil or dirt however these lithophytic or rupicolous orchids are not terrestrials. The word has more than one meaning and is also used to describe inscribed drawings in caves. You are right, there are animals that are also rupicolous. The only reference to lithophytes. as far as I know, is directed to plants except for coral. It would seem to me that lithophytic is a more appropriate term. I don't know why someone grouped a bunch of Laelias as rupicolous. In any event, it's semantics the plants live in or on rocks and derive their nourishment from the rock, the air, the wind and whatever comes their way.

[cloudswinger]

I have a Paph mounted on a rock. It's not that hard. I have a picture in my thread "mini log in a pot". I also have a book that lists the type of rock that the various orchids are known to be growing on, and they separate the rock categories into two, silicate and calcareous. I found some good rocks at a landscaping depot.

[Brooke]

I have Phal cochlearis mounted on a limestone rock because they grow in limestone areas. It is growing great - haven't bloomed it yet :>) I mounted it exactly like I did all my other mounts - sphag and fishing line.

This is a picture when it was first mounted sometime in the spring. It has grown new leaves and the roots are now wrapping around the limestone.



I'm also going to mount a Paph on limestone when I find the right shaped rock. The Paph and Phrag book we have describes the areas in which the species are found and tells what type of rocks they grow.

In researching the rupicolous Laelia I found descriptions of the areas they grew and the type of rock in the area. I just put mine in Prime Agra and they are doing well.

Uechi if you come for a visit I will give you a shovel and you can dig all the limestone you want for free - all sizes and shapes. KY sits on limestone and we have plenty. Gas is getting cheaper, drive north :>)

Brooke

[Uechi]

Cloudswinger. What's the name of the book that lists the tyrpes of rocks? Thanks for your inputs and thanks to Brooke and everybody else a big help.

[Rishad Kalarikkal]

I have no IDEA about mounting on rocks..but I would definitely prefer those rocks which would get hot slowly in summer heat.Because if it gets heated up it may harm the plant.

[kmarch]

I have an orchid friend down here in Australia that has a lovely little Sarc. cecelia mounted on a big round piece of granite. It's a vigorous flowerer mounted like this and makes quite a nice little display all on its own. I've got a pic of it here somewhere. Let me see if I can find it.

[cloudswinger]

Originally Posted by Uechi

Cloudswinger. What's the name of the book that lists the tyrpes of rocks? Thanks for your inputs and thanks to Brooke and everybody else a big help.

It doesn't list types of rocks, it lists plants and the type of rock that plant has been found on. It's called "Updated Checklist of Orchids of Vietnam", so it's kind of specific to Asian orchids(A lot of the plants have wider ranges than just Vietnam). I also have the book "Slipper orchids of Vietnam" which has great pictures of the orchids in their natural habitat, which for a fair amount of slipper orchids, seem to be on the sides of mountains. It also has better descriptions of the type of rock, since the Checklist only separates the rock types into silicate and calcareous(one of the two is acidic, I think the silicate, but I don't have the book in front of me to tell you for sure)