Hickory Wood

[smartie2000]

Originally Posted by Djarum Black

The only wood that I know needs to be avoided is pine. The sap from the pine tree is toxic to orchids.

Thanks
...wow avoid pine with orchids too! I heard too keep pine away from many different pets

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Tindomul1of9

I was thinking about Oak. Then an alarm in my head rang off saying, Tannins! Tannins!! But now I just realized that the wook I use in my vivarium is chuck full of tannins. Haven't had any problems there.

Nothing wrong with oaks that I am familiar with. Most oak branches don't release tannin under the conditions orchids grow in.

[Tindomul]

So the Tannins are harmful they just don't leach out undernormal circumstances?
How about watering our orchids with tannic water?

[Ross]

I think you're on the wrong track. Tannins are a problem when they leach from tannic acid producing plants. Oak acorns have tannic acid, but we aren't considering those are we? We aren't watering our orchids with water that comes from high tannic acid bogs are we? So I contend that small oak branches or slabs of oak bark are OK ( and I've proven that with exceptional growth from certain Encyclias mounted to Live Oak bark slabs.) Sometimes what we read gets in the way of common science and everyday results. Just my opinion, of course.

[Tindomul]

Well the reason I ask is because in some of my vivs, my pond water has tannic acid due to the decomposing Magnolia leaves in the tank. Sometimes when I'm taking out excess water, I tend to water my orchids with it. I suppose I should cut that out. I don't water all of them, just the ones in the tank, with whatever water is in the turkey baster I use to take out the excess water.

[Ross]

Only problem (I know of) with tannic acid water is the acid, so add some pH UP compound (like for spas) and you should be good to go.

[Tindomul]

Thanks Ross!

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Tindomul1of9

Thanks Ross!

Get it in pet store like Petsmart or maybe WalMart. Aquarium area.

[Tindomul]

Yea, Im not sure its worth it to put pH up into the water in a little turkey baster, unless I collect the water inorder to water all of my orchids. In which case it would probably be better to just add fertilizer and accomplish the same goal. Thanks though! Im just gonna cut it out.

[OrchidTess]

Originally Posted by Tindomul1of9

Sounds like fun. Poor old Hickory tree though
Oh well, at least some needy orchids get a home
Hickory should be fine. I can't think of any problems with that.

Yea, we were sad to see ol' Hickory go, but we have to replace our septic system and it was in the way.

I want to thank everyone who responded. Your input is very much appreciated.
I'll let you know how the mounting project goes in a few months.

Tess