Mounting orchids for the first time

[davidg]

Late arrival on this thread, but I have some orchids in pots I am going to mount. I tend to be a neat gardeners, and usually remove dead roots when repotting plants, but I am new to orchids. Is it OK/best to remove any dead roots, or should they be left to form part of the growing environment?

[DirtyCoconuts]

it depends on the state of the roots. if they are rotting and mushy then remove them carefully. If they are just old and deteriorating then i would leave them

[Roberta]

Totally agree with DC. Even a less-than-perfect root can help hydrate the plant, and a freshly mounted plant needs all the resources that it can get, since only the new roots will attach to the mount. The ideal time for mounting is just as the new roots start to emerge (just before, if you can anticipate it, or when the first little bumps emerge)

Another note, since this is the first time mounting... place the newest growth next to the mount. Aesthetically that may not seem the most attractive, but it's the way to get the plant to grow onto the mount which is what you want. Eventually(in a couple of years) the old, ugly pseudobulbs that are sticking out will wither and can be removed, with the active part attached to the mount. This is a slow process, as is everything with orchdis.

[davidg]

No, they are just dry and shriveled, so this sounds like a good idea. I can see that it is very different from burying them in potting soil, where they most certainly do start to rot and cause problems. Thanks for that!

---------- Post added at 07:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:15 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Roberta

place the newest growth next to the mount. Aesthetically that may not seem the most attractive, but it's the way to get the plant to grow onto the mount which is what you want.

Thanks for that Roberta - I would have instinctively done that, but it's a good tip. I noticed today that the D. aggregatum has new roots growing off the very small piece of bark it is on, so I guess I should attach that piece to something larger, and anchor those new roots to that?
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ilies/bow2.gif

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by davidg

I noticed today that the D. aggregatum has new roots growing off the very small piece of bark it is on, so I guess I should attach that piece to something larger, and anchor those new roots to that?
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ilies/bow2.gif

Exactly. Just tie it to a larger mount, You can loosely tie those new roots, just to guide them to the new mount. Something gentle for that... panty hose, or wide plastic garden ties. The firm tying should be limited to the rhizome/pseudobulb area (or if it is firmly attached to the existing mount, just tie the mounts together)

[davidg]

That's great - I think I am all set to go. I have both a wider plastic horticultural tape, that can be quickly twisted into a soft thread, and a special, stretchy tying material from one of my orchid suppliers in Germany. I have a busy couple of days planned starting tomorrow, with showery, warmer weather forecast.

I am excited, and I can't thank you and DirtyCoconuts enough for all your detailed help and support - enjoy the spring and your plants, despite the desperate situation in the wider world - thank God for hobbies!

[DirtyCoconuts]

amen, my pleasure...


...mounted orchids are like olives or listening to the Talking Heads...not for everybody but the people who are in, really like it a LOT!!!

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by davidg

I am excited, and I can't thank you and DirtyCoconuts enough for all your detailed help and support - enjoy the spring and your plants, despite the desperate situation in the wider world - thank God for hobbies!

Glad to help! Orchids keep us sane!

[davidg]

Well since I love olive (and anchovies and capers too), and I used to like Talking Heads in the day, I guess I am all set! It's true though, you either like messing around with plants, or you don't! Thanks again for your encouragement and good advice.

[DirtyCoconuts]

mmmmm and those vinegary, delicious, cornichons....i think we could hang out, sir