Best smelling orchid for Phal conditions?

[OrchidGirl]

Thanks to everyone! Some interesting suggestions. I might just have to see if I can find a good neofinetias and/or a Aerangis fastuosa. You have me intrigued!

[OrchidGirl]

How much care does a mounted plant really need? I see Oak Hill has a mounted Aerangis fastuosa.

Oak Hill Gardens

Would it be better to get a potted one, or is it fairly easy (with attention) to keep a mounted one alive?

[markr]

It depends on your growing habits - if you don't think you can give daily attention to your plants, potted might be better. In the long run, mounted plants will be healthier but they require more attention and aren't as forgiving of neglect. You need to water them (spray bottle to the roots) frequently - how often depends on your conditions but for me (terrarium grower) that means several times a week. On a window sill, a mounted plant might need daily wetting, maybe more maybe less. The trick is to water as frequently as possible while allowing the roots to dry down (white-grey velamen) between waterings (very important to epiphyte physiology) but not let the roots dry out so much that they're dry and crispy. The benefit to all this is that roots are generally healthier and it's practically impossible to overwater.

A. fastuosa doesn't need to be mounted, it will grow well in basic loose potting media. Removing one from a mount though is a tricky operation so you might want to ask if Oak Hill sells them bare root or potted.

[dave b]

Originally Posted by OrchidGirl

How much care does a mounted plant really need? I see Oak Hill has a mounted Aerangis fastuosa.

Oak Hill Gardens

Would it be better to get a potted one, or is it fairly easy (with attention) to keep a mounted one alive?

Good advise given already. ill add my experience. I have 2 fastuosa's and several other aerangis. All are mounted. I do not have a greenhouse, so watering often is a must (humidity isint always high). During dry periods, i mist / spray the plants daily. at least twice (morning and evening). i always have air flow via a fan when inside during the cooler months, then they go outside for the summer where the air is always moving. Once a week, i plop the entire plant, mount and all, face down in a bucket of water (or the fish tank) for 15-30 minutes. They are all doing well with this treatment.

Note: Oak Hill is a good one. Many of mine came from there.

Dont be afraid to try mounted stuff. Its not difficult, and only takes a couple minutes a day to tend to them. They are very rewarding as you get to see the plant live and grow so much more realistic. You will learn a lot about the growth habits of orchids by watching roots grow on mount.

[OrchidGirl]

Originally Posted by dave b

Good advise given already. ill add my experience. I have 2 fastuosa's and several other aerangis. All are mounted. I do not have a greenhouse, so watering often is a must (humidity isint always high). During dry periods, i mist / spray the plants daily. at least twice (morning and evening). i always have air flow via a fan when inside during the cooler months, then they go outside for the summer where the air is always moving. Once a week, i plop the entire plant, mount and all, face down in a bucket of water (or the fish tank) for 15-30 minutes. They are all doing well with this treatment.

Note: Oak Hill is a good one. Many of mine came from there.

Dont be afraid to try mounted stuff. Its not difficult, and only takes a couple minutes a day to tend to them. They are very rewarding as you get to see the plant live and grow so much more realistic. You will learn a lot about the growth habits of orchids by watching roots grow on mount.

That really does not seem that much work. I figured you would have to do a lot more than that. I am already watering whenever any of them start to dry (I use a moisture meter to tell when they are not moist anymore) and mist when it is dry or hot. I look at them all daily to make sure nothing is happening to them.

Hmm... I am tempted to try a mount. Decisions decisions!

[dave b]

Originally Posted by OrchidGirl

That really does not seem that much work. I figured you would have to do a lot more than that. I am already watering whenever any of them start to dry (I use a moisture meter to tell when they are not moist anymore) and mist when it is dry or hot. I look at them all daily to make sure nothing is happening to them.

Hmm... I am tempted to try a mount. Decisions decisions!

As an old friend used to tell me, "Its like Nike... Just Do It".
Though he was referring to life situations and not orchids, it felt fitting for the moment.

[markr]

Originally Posted by OrchidGirl

That really does not seem that much work. I figured you would have to do a lot more than that. I am already watering whenever any of them start to dry (I use a moisture meter to tell when they are not moist anymore) and mist when it is dry or hot. I look at them all daily to make sure nothing is happening to them.

Hmm... I am tempted to try a mount. Decisions decisions!

Sounds like you would be fine then. Try a mounted plant, you'll like it a lot.