Mounting a catt hybrid

[rbarata]

Do you think this is viable? Althought they are epiphyts I think it's not common to see them mounted.
Probably there's a good reaon for that.

[Fairorchids]

You can grow them that way, but you need a VERY LARGE MOUNT, as you can't repot every 2-3 years.

[rbarata]

Is that the reason why people don't do it?

[estación seca]

You're handy. Take a section of old, weathered branch about 30cm long and twice as thick as your arm. Drill pilot holes in each end and insert large stainless steel eyelet hooks, sturdy enough to support 20kg or so. Mount the plant on one end of the branch, pointing towards the far end. When the plant grows to the opposite end, turn it over and hang it from the opposite eyelet hook.

[Triffid]

The main reason would most likely be that you need to keep an eye on them to make sure they do not dry out. I had relative success with a mounted one, until a year+ of bad health meant I was not as able to check and care for my Orchids.

I can confirm though that when you get the care right, Humidity and Watering especially key when mounting, then Cattleyas can quickly outgrow the mount. Even my rather diminished one is still quite alive and now in good recovery, and if it keeps going that way it will outgrow the mount within the year. So like Kim says get a "Very Large Mount" begin with.

Because the roots will be open to the environment if you do mount it, then it would best to either keep it in an environment where the Humidity is kept relatively stable, or you may need mist the roots daily (in the morning, not in the evening). Drenching the mount every so often also - depending on your conditions.

They look great mounted, but I can also understand why some growers prefer pots.

[estación seca]

I have some Coilostylis species (long-petaled Epidendrums whose plants look like Cattleyas) that came from Andy's on much larger branches than I expected. I water them by soaking them in a 5-gallon bucket overnight every few days. They just fit.

Most people don't mount Cattleyas because most people don't have the space, or they don't want to lift something heavy.

[rbarata]

Most people don't mount Cattleyas because most people don't have the space....

Even before reading this I was thinking about it...I don't have any available space for such a large "installation".

[Triffid]

Yeah, most people wouldn't when they have lack of space. I just turned the heating off in the small room (I do not have a big home) and hung it from the curtain-less rail. If I hadn't let it suffer for long long, I hate to think what I would be dealing with now.

[katrina]

I grow quite a few cattleya alliance (and others!) mounted. It's how most grow in nature...attached to a tree or something...so they do very well. BUT - they require more work (more watering) as well as a place to be hung and I believe those two factors are the bigger issues for most people.

I love them mounted but growing inside and under lights most of the year puts a limit on how many I can have.

[cbuchman]

There are smaller growing catleyas that can solve the space issue. You can also use a Kool-Log or mounting jar. These mounts have a water reservoir that continuously feed the exterior surface with water so the orchids roots get excellent air and continuous moisture. This kind of set up can reduce some of the care issues mentioned.