Cattleyas and mounting - Orchid Board

Mikeg · #1 07-08-2010, 06:30 PM

Hi, I"m new here and I have a Cattleya that has wonderful areial roots but when I look into the soil the roots look black and dead (most of them). So I was wondering if Cattleyas are good orchids to mount? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

Royal · #2 07-08-2010, 06:34 PM

Hi Mike,

Cattleyas are epiphytes in nature, so growing on a mount would be no problem if your growing environment is good. If the media is broken down to a "soil", then it's really time to re-pot or mount it. Hope that helps, welcome to the OB!

Swamper · #3 07-08-2010, 08:33 PM

I have one I mounted on a rock 2 years ago. It seems very happy. I'm not so happy because it's kinda heavy plus the roots go underneath as well so I sorta regret it.
I have a couple of other catt mounts as well.
Like Royal said, as long as they are still in their "happy environment" then they will be fine.

Mikeg · #4 07-12-2010, 05:33 PM

Oh sweet! Thanks for that! That really helps. SO how would I go about mounting it? And, thank you for welcoming me!!

Swamper · #5 07-12-2010, 05:50 PM

The way I did the catt was by tying moss on top of roots to the mount. Also drill hole and place wire or whatever method you are going to use to hang it first before tying plant. So have the mount fully prepared first.

CTB · #6 07-12-2010, 05:52 PM

Ask just about anything and you usually will have an answer with 10 mins, with over 14,000 members somebody will come to your rescue. Post some pics too. Welcome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lorraine · #7 07-12-2010, 06:10 PM

Hi Mike and welcom to OB.

I love to mount and most of my mounted chids are catts. I did an article and have pictures also in the members articles, mediums, titled Living with orchids and how to mount them. You can see what to use and information on how to do it. Everyone has their own way of mounting that works for them, so gathering information really helps when you finally do the mount. The forum that deals with mounting has some great info too. Good luck

Swamper · #8 07-12-2010, 06:24 PM

and there it is....
Living with Orchids and how to mount them - Orchid Board

Mikeg · #9 07-12-2010, 07:00 PM

WOW!!!! Thank you so much! This is awesome! I officially love this site and all you guys for being so helpful!! Thank you guys so so much! So, now here is another question: Why is New zealand sphagnum moss so expensive? And I live in Washington where there is moss everywhere! Could i possibly use that moss to try and save some money? I'm sixteen without a job (in progress lol) and don't wanna spend alot of money so i can possibly get more orchids at show coming up in the next week.

Lorraine · #10 07-12-2010, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikeg

WOW!!!! Thank you so much! This is awesome! I officially love this site and all you guys for being so helpful!! Thank you guys so so much! So, now here is another question: Why is New zealand sphagnum moss so expensive? And I live in Washington where there is moss everywhere! Could i possibly use that moss to try and save some money? I'm sixteen without a job (in progress lol) and don't wanna spend alot of money so i can possibly get more orchids at show coming up in the next week.

If you have a show coming up next week hold off and mist the keiki each day to keep it going. Maybe you can get some from a supplier if they have a broken bag or something...Never hurts to ask. Esp since they might get you as a good customer later on. I would start a "Wish List" and post it somewhere family or friends see it. That way if so inclined you might get some surprise presents. Be specific...like 6" wood orchid baskets...5" slotted orchid pots (they have holes on the sides for air), spagnum moss...etc. and where you saw them and how $$ Good Luck.