Phal. mounting - Orchid Board

Chris147 · #1 07-12-2010, 10:48 AM

I just got a phal. keiki about a week ago, and i was wondering if it is to late to mount it. I have a peice of corkbark that would be perfect for mounting it on. Here is a pic. of the phal.

Lorraine · #2 07-12-2010, 10:55 AM

Hi Chris,

It's a great time to mount that keiki. Have you mounted a pahl before? Where are you planning to grow it and watering situation?

Chris147 · #3 07-12-2010, 11:08 AM

No i haven't mounted a phal before but have watched pictorials. I have a big window with a curtain rod over it and i hang it there now and it seems to love it. I have a vanda and on summer vacation so i water the vanda every other day. Should i do the same with the phal, and can i use spaghnum moss to hold in moisture to reduce waterings?

Lorraine · #4 07-12-2010, 12:51 PM

Hi Chris,

If you use the corkbark remember it does not hold moisture. You can still mount on it and put "some" spag behind and in front of the roots. Make sure the leaves are not pointed up (that would keep water in the crown and possible lead to crown rot) I make sure water runs off the leaves when mounting phals. You can secure your plant by a couple pieces of wire, make a U shape and push it into the cork to hold the main part of your mount. (Needle nose pliers give you more control) Then use monofilament (fishing line) and wrap it around the whole mount to keep the moss in place till the roots take hold. The phals I have mounted are on driftwood or tree fern. Lots of roots. You should plan on watering each day since it is all exposed to air and drys out daily. The roots on you keiki are air roots now and need to become accustomed to staying a little more moist so don't overdo the spag moss. Watering still depends on how fast your dries out. Maybe every other day would work for you. Just mount it and keep watch.

Let me know if you need more info. I have a posting in the "article" section on how to mount. I used a catt for that one but the gist is still there with pictures.

Call_Me_Bob · #5 07-12-2010, 01:04 PM

i have a mounted phal wit lots of spagh, and its really humid here. but i still have to water everyday