Den aggregatum v majus

[JackiBlu]

Greetings All --

I just ran across and purchased a very healthy Den aggregatum var majus in a 5in pot full of bulbs. Once I got home and looked it up it says it should be mounted and it doesn't like to be disturbed.

I have a difficult time finding materials here.. (probably coz I am not looking in the right stores?) which since the AOS is less than 10m from my home you'd think we'd be abundant in supplies in every corner of any store.

I want to mount it.. I have only purchased a mounted plant (on grape vine) but it looks pretty simple. I can't find grape vine locally. So.. here are my questions:

Where is it that those who mount can go to a store and locate grape vine ? (SE Florida) I know of a grower in S Florida and can online order, but thought I would like to pick out the shape of the vine myself.

OR . . .

I have a 5"x5" mounting plaque which looks like they are made similar to and from the same company which makes the common vanda baskets.

Since my book says when I mount to make it permanent since it does not like to be moved or divided would this work?

Your wealth of knowledge is very appreciated!

[tmaxwell]

Hi jackiblu!
Grapevine in not the best choice for a plant like this... to small to support for a long time. Mount it on cork, or put it in a basket, it'll do fine anywhere with Good, fast drainage and lots of air. You can get cork at many pet shops. Just give it some room, as you said, it'll be there a while. good luck.

[isurus79]

Ive never used grapevine personally, but you can usually find it at a petstore that has reptiles. Grapevine is often used as decoration in reptile exhibits. Im inclined to go with tmaxwell with regards to the basket. If you are worried about disturbing the roots you can just plop it in a basket instead of the pot that it is currently in. A basket (or just large media in a pot) gives the same effect of quick drying roots that a mount does. However, if it is in active root growth (not just vegetative growth) then you can just throw it on a mount and it shouldnt sulk that much. If you do mount it though, I would spend the time/money to do it right because a mount should last years and years. If you can imagine a plant sulking because of repotting, just imagine how 'angry' the plant will be if you have to rip it off a poorly selected mount because it rotted out in a short period of time.

[JackiBlu]

Thanks for your input.

I dunno what I was thinking when I thought I wanted grapevine. *slapping forehead-mumbling 'sheesh I could have had a V-8'.
However NOW I know where the heck to find it or cork, when a plant that would be appropriate comes along.

Thanks bunches!