Lets talk about swamp sticks

[Weebl]

Once I find my USB cord I can upload some photos of a Phalaenopsis wilsonii I have had growing on a terra cotta wine cooler for about a year now. It's doing great and just started flowing too.

[Cewal]

Originally Posted by Weebl

Once I find my USB cord I can upload some photos of a Phalaenopsis wilsonii I have had growing on a terra cotta wine cooler for about a year now. It's doing great and just started flowing too.

How did this work out? Do you have pictures?

[tmaxwell]

Hi folks!
This is a good topic. I've been growing lots of plants on terracotta mounts for about 2 years now. I don't know about "swampsticks", never seen them, but it sounds like the porosity is too low. I work in clay, so it was an easy step to make some mounts for orchids.
I have had some great successes, especially with known lithophytes. They tend to root closer to the ceramic, and attach better, which is a big part of the deal. Also, Angraecoids seem to be happy on ceramic.
I will post again soon, with photos of some of my mounted plants. I think I've got some blooms now, as well......

[nenella]

Yes please do post some photos! I Would love to see them!
I have read alot about 'swampsticks' & have come to think they don't really work... ?
Although I have seen a thread with someone growing on an upturned terracotta pot placed in a water reservoir which was 'fab' but I can't find it right now.... This idea I like better..& would love to try in the near future.
I very much look forward to seeing your pics Weebl & tmaxwell.

[Becca]

I have used swampsticks in the past. They are a great idea, but the size I chose to buy was not meant for my growing area at that time. They are different from growing a plant mounted on a clay pot or on clay. They hold water and the water seeps through keeping the root system moist. Very clever if you ask me!

[tmaxwell]

Hey folks,
Here are a few pictures. Sorry, they're not so hot...
Some of the mounts I use are like "swampsticks" in that they hold water in a reservoir, and wick it out to the root system. In the sizes I currntly use (mostly pretty small) the water doesn't last long, a couple days at most. The bigger ones hold water a lot longer. It really depends on whether or not the roots will adhere to the ceramic. If they won't, even after a good spurt of root growth, best move the plant to something it'll attach to. I've had good results with Laelias, Sarcochilus, a few Oncidiums, most Bulbo's, Aerangis, and Pleurothallids. The Barkeria in the photo is doing well, but won't attach, so it's going on wood before winter. (crossing fingers for spring bloom...)

[Becca]

Thanks for the pictures! Do you make those yourself? I like them, they look less bulky then the swampsticks.

[tmaxwell]

Hey,
Yes, I made those Becca. I grow in a tank, so things have to stay small, and kind of "piece together", so the square/rectangle tiles work well.
Here's a good little challenge for those looking.... Name the plants!
I had at one time a bunch of these extra, but I've used most by now. If anyone is interested, I can make another batch. They'd be pretty cheap, and I need some more anyway.
tyler

[Becca]

tyler, I would be interested in a two or three! Just let me know when you decide to make some!

And I'll try naming a few of your pictures. Picture #01 looks like Sarcochilus ceciliae. Picture #02 is a ghost orchid, but I don't know the name. Picture #03 looks like Aerangis biloba. Picture #04 I have no clue, maybe a Masdivallia? Picture #05 looks like Amesiella monticola. Picture #06 looks like a Bulbophylum, but I don't know what species, and the last picture is an Angraecum or Aerangis. Well those are my thoughts on what they might be!

[Zoi2]

No.4 looks like a Haraella and I love the pot!
Joann