EpiWeb? (Sustainable mounting) - Orchid Board

Peithecelt · #1 04-23-2008, 10:07 AM

cb977 recommended a tree fern totem for my v. planifolia, but (as I mentioned in my intro post, I'm sort of a hippy) some research has made me realize that tree fern is simply not a sustainable product (or at least as it is currently being harvested it is not).. And as such I'm comfortable with using it. (Edited to add, obviously this should read "uncomfortable" or "not comfortable" -sorry about that.. lol

)

I thought some about just going and finding a small tree in the back yard and taking that, stripping that and working some local willows around it as a support structure for the vine.. (honestly the currently leading idea).

But I also started doing a little more digging, and came across a product called EpiWeb. It is recycled soda bottles worked into a similar structure to Tree Fern.. Obviously the manufacturing of it is probably problematic, but at the very least it's a reuse of items that we keep getting more of, rather than continued culling of a limited resource.

Has anyone used it? Is it any good? Are there known problems? I can't find much in the way of reviews of it (other than from those selling it, not their customers).

Thanks everyone!

calvin_orchidL · #2 04-23-2008, 10:44 AM

An Amatures guide to Epiweb

Check it out!

I've been meaning to try some too - totally hear you about the sustainability thing. This sounds like a great product.

Peithecelt · #3 04-23-2008, 10:55 AM

Now I feel like a dummy! Thanks for the link!

DelawareJim · #4 04-23-2008, 11:22 AM

Ray usually carries it. He's got some fabulous pictures of it being used too. My wife got me a gift certificate for Christmas with him so I can try it.

Welcome to First Rays Orchids

Cheers.
Jim

Becca · #5 04-23-2008, 12:12 PM

Hi Peitheclt! I use EpiWeb, and I am sure there are others out there using it as well. I have a cattleya mounted on a huge slab, it loves it! You can also buy it in chunks if you want to use it as a potting medium! I would definately recommend it. The only down fall is the slabs are black and that makes it not so pretty or natural looking, but if my orchid is happy, then I am happy! I will be converting more of my orchids to it someday as I have problems with fungus growing on my wood mounts!

cb977 · #6 04-23-2008, 12:51 PM

Hi Pei

I use Epiweb all the time...it's a great replacement for tree fern.

I have stuff mounted on it and they are all thriving. I also use the Epiweb cubes in pots and everybody is happy, happy!

Welcome to First Rays Orchids

Peithecelt · #7 04-23-2008, 01:15 PM

Thank you guys so much for your replies..

I think I might go that route, it may be black, but since it will be surrounded by what I hope will be a healthy vanilla vine, that won't be a huge problem, you won't be able to see it!

And First Rays has some GORGEOUS flowers.

*headdesk*

You guys are going to be a very bad influence on me I suspect.

cb977 · #8 04-23-2008, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peithecelt

Thank you guys so much for your replies..

I think I might go that route, it may be black, but since it will be surrounded by what I hope will be a healthy vanilla vine, that won't be a huge problem, you won't be able to see it!

And First Rays has some GORGEOUS flowers.

*headdesk*

You guys are going to be a very bad influence on me I suspect.

You are correct in your suspicions!

Gold3nku5h · #9 07-16-2009, 06:15 PM

I dont like it because, you cant ever get the roots out, without harming them. And it also doesn't give so the roots look wierd growing around the fibers, instead of stretching the fibers.

I also dont like it because it doesn't look natural, and thats what im ALL about with my plants, if its not in a potted planter (and mine have to be aesthetically pleasing) then it has to be something natural. We all know not everything is sustainably made, even if its recycling, but if your going to mount something, just go get a few pieces of sticks around your town. Look for bald cypress, or cedar that has been aged.

calvin_orchidL · #10 07-16-2009, 09:52 PM

This seems to come up quite a bit, and the question remains - why would you want to get the plant off the mount?

As for natural...well...coconut husk, bark, charcoal and pretty pots are definitely not natural either

Personally I prefer it over wood/sticks mainly because I'm a lazy waterer, and the epiweb holds the little water droplets longer than a piece of wood.