First Mounting

[cb977]

Same question I've always had, Tin

[Tindomul]

OK, who wants to experiment with an orchid on pine wood mount?

[Shadow]

What's wrong with the pine? It is the most popular mount source over here. Just pick the clean pieces without tree gum on them.

[Ross]

Pine bark is OK for orchids - it has been treated (usually) to remove the resins (naturally occuring.) In Idaho, I'd try one of the smaller hardwood shrubs like sumac or mountain oaks (not sure of names any longer). When I was living in NE Oregon we used to go to Idaho a lot and I am sure there are some natural species that will be better than local pine or fir. Also you can use cedar shingle strips to mount orchids. They don't look as nice but will work.

[justatypn]

Pine sap is toxic to orchid roots and the phytotoxins in pinebark/wood are easily broken down by weathering, pine bark breaks down fairly quickly, especially when you add fertilizer.

There are about 35 species of pine tree found throughout North America. In addition, a number of foreign trees, such as Scots pine and Austrian pine, have been introduced for commercial and ornamental purposes.

There is a large variety of other types of tree mounts in which will be less damaging and stressful to orchids.

[Ross]

I think that was my point. In Idaho there are two major spp of pines - Lodgepole and Ponderosa. Neither would make good mounts. Both tend to be quite resinous, esp lodgepole. P Pine can get quite thick bark and the bark may be OK in mixes, but that isn't the point here. I recommended a couple hardwoods like shrubs becuase the bark is non-resinous and thin and the shrubs can look very nice as chunks. JMO.

[Ross]

Besides, you can buy cork bark or other mounting material quite cheap on the net - maybe that was your point?

[Tindomul]

Well I could always just go get some mounting would at the petstore. Those hold up well to humidity as they are picked so they can be submerged.

[Dorothy]

The baby orchid the Easter bunny left for me is a EPI. FLORIBUNDUM X EPI. CORDIGERUM 'PARSDISE' aka Epidendrum Mabel Kanda .. here is a picture of the flowers! Waiting patiently for the blooms and fragrance. Will be posting pics once I receive my camera cable. Much luck with yours!!!

Dorothy

[Dorothy]

OK maybe now it's attached ..