When to remove mount "strap"?

[Bulbopedilum]

At what point should I remove the "straps" that tie my orchids to the mount (In this case a wax apple tree)? I used "tali rafia", I have no idea what it is in english, it's kind of a rope but made of plastic strips. I simply tied the orchid and the tree together. Now back to the question, how much root does the orchid need to stay attached to the tree? The dendrobium crumenatum keikis I got from my school (Some preschoolers yanked it off) are already rooting well. Already growing too, one has new leaves, one has a new "shoot". I'll post pics when it's not 8:30 PM

[jkofferdahl]

There's really no need to ever remove it. The wrap won't interfere with the plant.

[Orchid Whisperer]

I remove ties around mounts for aesthetic purposes. I usually wait until several roots. At least 4 or 5 inches long, have a firm grip on the mount - no wiggling.

If you also have sphagnum or a similar "pad" on the mount, i would wait even longer.

[Bulbopedilum]

Yes, I am just removing for aesthetics. I like ti make it seem like they grow "naturally" there. For the dendrobium, one has 5+ roots, around 7cm each. The other one has one long root (but not attached) with tiny little baby roots growing from the big root. I think I am going to wait a little longer. No padding.

[xiphius]

I use jute twine to hold my mounted phals and generally just wait until it falls (or rots) off naturally (which usually happens in about a year or less).

If using natural fibers like jute, they will eventually decay away or remove themselves. In the meantime, they kinda blend in and don't look too bad. Plus, jute twine is super cheap.

[Bulbopedilum]

Originally Posted by xiphius

I use jute twine to hold my mounted phals and generally just wait until it falls (or rots) off naturally (which usually happens in about a year or less).

If using natural fibers like jute, they will eventually decay away or remove themselves. In the meantime, they kinda blend in and don't look too bad. Plus, jute twine is super cheap.

I have no idea where to find them here in Indonesia. I dont want to order online just for some string!

[bil]

I use braided fishing line it has a 6 kilo breaking strain, yet is so thin you can sew with it using a normal needle.

It has a greenish brown colour and blends in well. I nnever take it off because you really can't see it. It will last for over a decade.

[Fishkeeper]

Just be careful with braided fishing line, it can cut into your fingers or into the roots if there isn't enough padding.

[bil]

Originally Posted by Fishkeeper

Just be careful with braided fishing line, it can cut into your fingers or into the roots if there isn't enough padding.

Gods yes, the stuff is like cheesewire. HOWEVER, its advantages are huge.

I put the orchid on the branch, put a moss pad over the roots and start winding the line on. Then, I just keep adding moss and winding till the mount is secure.

PS, the knots are imprtant. A reef knot will slip, but that is useful as the line will pull tight. Then I do a half reef, but the line goes aroud the tree 3 times instead of one, and when that is pulled tight it locks it.

[estación seca]

You can use natural fiber string or twine. It will decay with time. Cotton, jute, sisal... whatever you can find. Even nylon will degrade in sunlight and fall apart. Old cotton shoelaces? Ties that hold vegetables together from the market?