orchids for potting versus mounting - Orchid Board

utah · #1 05-04-2008, 01:52 AM

Calling on all the gods of orchid world

Overzealous newbie question:

Which types of orchids are best for mounting and which direction do you mount them in?

I've had phals and paphs for quite a while and I've become pretty good at repotting them and getting them to rebloom however . . . the orchid bug bit *HARD* and I think I've purchased one (or two) of just about ever type of orchid out there.

I get that terrestrial orchids and those who like moist roots (phals and paphs) need to be potted and kept moist but many of the ones I've purchased like to dry out between watering. Needless to say, I'd like to mount as many of those as possible so I was wondering if there is a list of orchids (and types of noids) that do better at mounting.

Also, I've read that it's best to mount them sideways or upside down (with the exception of the stanhopeas and others that require baskets) but what's right? I don't want to get an orchid started on a mount only to find out that I have it standing on it's head.

Any enlightenment?

I've read a couple of good books beginning to end (Ultimate Orchid by Sheehan - AOS and Orchid grower's companion - Banks). Maybe I need Orchid 101?

Thanks!

utah · #2 05-04-2008, 02:12 AM

Oh, one more question. I have a small soft cane dendrobium in a willow basket - is that going to be a problem? I've also seen some nice grapevine balls. Will either of these woods cause a problem?

Okay - I'll quit asking questions now and let y'all answer. :-) thanks

epiphyte78 · #3 05-04-2008, 07:32 AM

Epiphytic orchids are best for mounting given that they grow on trees in their native habitat. Although, not all epiphytic orchids receive the same amount of water in nature. Some of the Mexican Laelias receive less than 20 inches of rain per year while others receive 100s of inches of rain per year and/or misting from clouds.

When you look at pictures of epiphytic orchids growing in their native habitats you can very roughly discern how much moisture they receive by observing if they're growing with moss. Moss usually requires fairly constant moisture and it takes quite a bit of watering to get it to grow on branches. If you can keep moss alive on a mount then you can mount some of the more moisture loving epiphytic orchids such as phaleonopsis, pleurothallids, bulbophyllums, etc.

But the single best resource for finding out how much water an orchid receives in nature is the Orchid Culture website.

Regarding which direction to mount an orchid... orchids are phototropic and hydrotropic. Meaning that they grow towards light and moisture. I've changed the orientation of branches that orchids were growing on and new growth doesn't seem to have any problem reorienting itself in response to the change. Although, it's best to avoid mounting the orchid in a direction where it's forced to grow back over itself.

It's important to know where new roots will come out and making sure that that section is right up against the mount. You want new roots to have no problem finding where to attach themselves to. It's also important to make sure that the orchid is quite securely fastened to its mount so that it has no wiggle room as movement will damage new roots.

gmdiaz · #4 05-04-2008, 08:37 AM

Try Google-ing each orchid you own to find out all you can about each one; how it grows in nature, how much water, light and what temps it grows best in. That will tell you where to begin. . .whether potting or mounting is best.

Check Andy's Orchids online. . .he specializes in mounted orchids. Most of the ones I've bought from him are mounted and that usually means that they grow best that way. See if he has any of your orchids and what he has to say about the culture of each. . .more clues to add to base knowledge!

And also, remember that mounted orchids dry out FAST in dry climates, such as yours and mine! I only keep mounted orchids in glass cases, just so you know.

Good Luck! You sure do have lots of happy hours ahead of you!!!

Ray · #5 05-04-2008, 10:16 AM

By the way, your assessment that a phal is terrestrial is incorrect. Truthfully, a paph isn't either, as their roots tend to meander among the leaf litter and detritus of a forest floor, not down in the soil.

utah · #6 05-04-2008, 09:00 PM

Great sites and recommendations - thanks. Ray, yeah, 100% right - silly me. I have them potted in bark but, yeah, not terrestrial.

I bought some cool woods today at PetCo (much cheaper than having it shipped) so I'm starting a few on them. Thanks all!