1st time Den mount Q's

[kjp8128]

I ordered a Tree fern plaque last week and received it today. I figured that the tree fern plaque would be good for the den that I am going to mount because the den has little roots and the plaque has little places for the roots to attach. I got excited and began preping the orchid by removing the media.

There are a few concern before I mount this den. 1. A few days ago I noticed white fussy stuff growing on the roots. I am assuming this stuff is from the media, the orchids potted in, breaking down. I am not sure how to treat this before I mount it??

The second concern I have is how to mount the den? I have some sphagnum moss that I used for my Phals. Should I Mount this plant this same as a Phal?

Basics on how I mounted the phal:Soak the tree fern, put moist moss down, put the den roots down , put some more wet moss cupping the roots, tie it down.


Thanky ou for reading and helping if you can!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

My opinion is that wood mounts are better for epiphytical Dens. But I guess tree fern could be alright. Never tried tree fern for Dendrobiums.

No moss is necessary. Moss tends to rot the roots out for Dens in my experience.

All the pics I've seen of Dendrobiums growing in the wild, they're growing amongst lichen not moss. Or the tree is barren of moss or lichens.

Just to throw it out there...

Dendrobium kingianum is really a lithophyte not an epiphyte. There are a few lithophytic species of Dendrobiums out there.

I want to make it clear what I'm referring to here.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

White fuzzy stuff = fungus.

[cb977]

I have Dens mounted on cork, tree fern and on wood. I'm not sure there's one choice that's necessarily better than another. Sometimes the plant will let you know that they're happy...or unhappy....with what you've chosen

Once you mount it, just keep an eye on it for signs of stress...or lots of new roots running out to attach themselves!

I use regular Listerine to get rid of mold/fungus. Spray, let it sit for a minute or two and then rinse.
I usually give it a little mist before I mount it but leave it there. Your mounting method is

[kjp8128]

Thank you very much. I will watch the den and make sure it looks happy on the tree fern.

Also, thank you for letting me know not to use moss. I was going to assuming that it would need it for humidity.

I appreciate all the help I can get. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

[isurus79]

I always mount with a wad of spag, no matter what species. I have very dry conditions though, even though I water every day for most of the year. It really depends on what kind of conditions you can provide. As for the white stuff, I can't tell what it is is from the picture. Dry orchid roots tend to be white and some are even fuzzy. Once you mount it, it should dry quickly enough to kill any fungus, if that is what it is. Can you get a pic of the fuzzy roots that are more clear?