Driftwood - Orchid Board

justatypn · #1 11-05-2006, 08:47 PM

I scored with driftwood this weekend and have a few questions....

1. The driftwood was found on an island in the intercoastal waterway (east coast~surrounded by salt air and water). What preparations should I give these?

2. Washed them in fresh water to get the ka-ka off and not sure what I was thinking

, trying to get rid of the black ants...ok, wait right there. The ants are still hangin' around, any suggestions as to getting rid of them that will not harm the future home of my chids.

Marco · #2 11-05-2006, 09:02 PM

I know that driftwood is cured before being put into fishtanks to leech impurities out. For orchid purposes I don't know if the whole curing process for fishtank use is to much but here's a link

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/ar...id=415&aid=857

Gin · #3 11-05-2006, 09:04 PM

Hi Cheryl , I would soak the heck out of it to get rid of salt that is the problem with drift wood , the ant should drown ? It will take a lot of soaking to get it salt free , the Cids would not like salt residue

Gin

Ross · #4 11-05-2006, 09:27 PM

I would think salt will hang around for quite some time. Not sure how to completely leach it out of the wood. Since you are from central Florida, have you considered using Live Oak limbs that people trim every day? I suspect you can "score" large amounts of limb wood that is VERY safe for orchids.

wallyworld · #5 11-06-2006, 09:45 PM

The last time I scored some driftwood, I washed the wood to get rid of all the mess that there is and washed it....washed it......washed it.....washed it and then I had to learn to be patient...I left the wood outside where the rain and the natural elements to leach out the salt. I left the wood near where water would drench it from the sprinklers for the yard....I didn't use it for over 1 year!! The plants that I put on it are doing fine but it does take awhile to get the salt out. DO NOT USE IT ANYTIME SOON. If you do, the plants will not do too good.

justatypn · #6 11-06-2006, 11:46 PM

I do have access to Oak, but the character is nothing compared to this driftwood, pictures to come soon, w/o the chids. Wally, I appreciate your information and steps taken prior to use. I was so anxious to use the driftwood, but knew it needed to be treated; it took years for this wood to become its character and will take a long time for it to be clean...hummmm guess it's time to go rouging again.