Mounting on xaxim (tree fern)

[Mr.Fakename]

I'm considering making the switch from pots to mounts for a few plants that could benefit from having roots exposed to light.

Apparently xaxim is a neat support, because it distributes moisture evenly, stays aerated, doesn't break down fast, and provides nutrients to the plant.

Can anyone confirm, or deny? Does someone have experience with it?

[Ray]

It is a great mounting material. It's relatively lightweight and holds water, while staying airy. Root grow into it very well.

Typically, it is used with the strands oriented vertically.

[Mr.Fakename]

Awesome, I'm curious to see how plants will like it.

Thanks Ray!

[DeaC]

My Diplocaulobium has been on a mount about 6yrs or so-bought as such. It's 2x6'' and roots firmly attached and have weaved themselves thru the fiber. Water drains quickly yet retains enuf moisture. Orchid has done very well despite blooms only lasting 1 day, normal for this species.

[Dusty Ol' Man]

Originally Posted by Ray

It is a great mounting material. It's relatively lightweight and holds water, while staying airy. Root grow into it very well.

Typically, it is used with the strands oriented vertically.

This may be a noob question, but here goes. If the roots grow through the material, when it eventually does break down, how do you get the roots out of it to replace it with a new mount?

[Mr.Fakename]

I don't know about this specific thing yet, but with the usual cork, you can't really unmount without causing great damage; it's easier and safer to get rid of as much rotten material as possible and stick the whole thing on a new mount.

Degradation is a somehow long process, so the plant has time to adapt and grow new roots.

[Roberta]

I do the same as Mr.Fakename... when a mount starts to disintegrate, I just tie it to a new one. The roots eventually attach to the new one. Only things that actually get unmounted are those which never really attached to a mount (often the case if the seller has placed sphagnum between the plant and the mount)... if you are unsure how well a plant has attached to the mount, you can cut the ties (fishline or whatever)... if it falls off it wasn't attached, just remount, gently removing excess sphagnum so that roots have a chance to get intimate with the mount.