Coconut mounts - Page 3 - Orchid Board

SueK · #21 10-16-2008, 03:13 AM

The orchids in coconut husks looks great. I am going to try it too when I can get hold of some coconuts. I was going to Winnipeg for a holiday to pick some up off the ground over there.

But, can someone tell me how to deal with these problems. They are only suitable for hanging in greenhouse, no good for shelf of windowsill because of the irregular round shaped base - correct? Also, how do you deal with the problem of potting on or dividing? I should imagine the roots would be stuck like glue to the coconut and very difficult to get out.

Sue

snow · #22 10-18-2008, 01:48 AM

sorry sue! i got to them first

Lorraine · #23 10-18-2008, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SueK

The orchids in coconut husks looks great. I am going to try it too when I can get hold of some coconuts. I was going to Winnipeg for a holiday to pick some up off the ground over there.

But, can someone tell me how to deal with these problems. They are only suitable for hanging in greenhouse, no good for shelf of windowsill because of the irregular round shaped base - correct? Also, how do you deal with the problem of potting on or dividing? I should imagine the roots would be stuck like glue to the coconut and very difficult to get out.

Sue

Hi Sue,

When I needed to repot/divide I waited till the plant got very large and the coconut started to disintegrate. Made it easy then I just redid the whole thing.

thakshila smith · #24 10-22-2008, 05:54 AM

Yes coconut husks decompose easily . It comes to particles.

shahrezsyed · #25 11-07-2008, 04:22 AM

yes but what if you mount it on the coconut6 shell which does not disintegrade. how to pot on or divide there!!!

Lorraine · #26 11-07-2008, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shahrezsyed

yes but what if you mount it on the coconut6 shell which does not disintegrade. how to pot on or divide there!!!

I would soak the plant for about 5-10 minutes so the roots would loosen somewhat and then explain gently to the chid that it might feel a little pinch here and there

while I removed it from the shell. Same as if it were very over grown in a pot. Divide where you can get at least 5 pseudo bulbs in the division. Treat the cuts with cinnamon The next day soak in KLN to stimulate root growth then repot.

Plan 'B' would be to decide if the whole plant can go in a basket and grow out of all sides.

greenbean · #27 11-08-2008, 02:37 AM

I've been planning on using a coconut shell as a pot. It's a half shell with all the husk removed, so it's not quite the same as what you've all been talking about. I gave it a rough polish and discovered a beautiful star-like pattern on the shell, so I drilled some large holes in it to use as a pot. I think I might glue some struts on it for stability.

Hehehe, guess what I plan to put in it. Maxillaria tenuifolia. Can you think of a better place to put a coconut orchid?

I'll post some pics when I get home from college of the "pot" and the chid, and when the chid is actually in the shell. I also need to raid the computer back home for pics of the few orchids I've gotten to bloom so far.

I'm wondering what kind of medium to use though. Unlike coconut husks, the shell won't hold enough moisture or nutrients on its own. Right now it is in a 2 inch with a fine bark/perlite mix, in an east facing window. Any suggestions on mediums?