I blame Ray.... and his cult.

[bil]

These Catts have been on these trays for about 14 months, ie one growing season only. When they went on there they were in quite small pots. 6" to 8" diameter.

They also went on a strict diet, RO water, and they were signed up to the K Lite Cult.

This is what I found when I peeled them off the trays prior to mounting them. (Note, the trays are half a metre long, ie about 20 inches.)

[bil]

That is one solid mass of roots in a year. The Catts were tied down to the tray, which slopes with drainage holes at the bottom of the slope. There is a single layer of 2" bark chunks covering the tray surface, and the roots grew under that.
They were watered every day with Ray's Klite at the lowest strength recommended, and once a month with the Kelpmax solution at the strength he advises.


So, the logical question is, "If they are doing so very well, then why are you taking them out?"

That's Ray's fault too.

A few months back, I had the idea of trying a couple of mounts, and realised that not only did I rather like them, but the plants seemed so much nicer, and in some cases, happier too.
I was discussing with Ray as to which orchids were best on mounts, and his comment was "Any epiphyte is better on a mount."

Really? So, I started moving them up into the air, and the difference was like comparing a free flying bird to one in a small cage.
In the end, the only ones left potbound (I'm not mounting the oncidiums, Odntoglossa, milts etc) were the large Catts in their trays, and in the end I went out into the orange orchard and started pruning out suitable branches for mounts.

Here they are.

[bil]

Of course, there is another side to all this, -the greenhouse was pretty full for the winter, but with the Catts in the air, that bench does look rather empty......

Oh woe!

What can I do?

[Pattywack]

That certainly is impressive! Ray and his cult seems to have worked well for you along with your amazing grow space and green thumb. Your mounts are beautiful, just beautiful!

I think you need more plants.... Congratulations on such a nice project.

[estación seca]

My bet would be on increased humidity, plus excellent air movement, at the root zone, due to the single layer of bark over the roots. Orchid roots love being out in the open and wet, like lovers in a Parisian park in springtime.

[bil]

Originally Posted by Pattywack

That certainly is impressive! Ray and his cult seems to have worked well for you along with your amazing grow space and green thumb. Your mounts are beautiful, just beautiful!

I think you need more plants.... Congratulations on such a nice project.

Thank you. As yet my OH hasn't grasped that there will be open space available.....

[Ray]

For the record, if I commented at all on that, it would be that, to me, epiphytes LOOK better on a mount.

Certainly there's less likelihood of rot, but not everyone can deal with mounted plants. Now that I'm no longer going to be growing in a greenhouse, that applies to me, too.

[bil]

Originally Posted by Ray

For the record, if I commented at all on that, it would be that, to me, epiphytes LOOK better on a mount.

Certainly there's less likelihood of rot, but not everyone can deal with mounted plants. Now that I'm no longer going to be growing in a greenhouse, that applies to me, too.

Ohh gods yes, can you imagine the mess if you had them in a house?

[No-Pro-mwa]

I too love the look on mounts but as a house grower I'm not going there.

[bil]

Originally Posted by No-Pro-mwa

I too love the look on mounts but as a house grower I'm not going there.

It is addictive tho....