Is this a suitable mount? Advice please.

[Triffid]

I have mounted a couple of smaller Orchids before, a Neofinetia & Renanthera, and they seem to be doing all right. However, this is the first attempt at mounting a larger plant. There's a piece of driftwood I've had for quite some time, it is sturdy and has lots of nooks for the Phal to get a hold of. The question is "Is it big enough?"

From the pictures you can see how vibrant the roots can be, so I am reluctant to just re-pot it. I think it would be much happier mounted.

The Phal leaves are around 10 inches, and the mount is 19 inches in length but with a maximum 6 inch width.

As always any advice is appreciated!

[Junebug]

Your driftwood is beautiful. Make sure to soak it well if it was exposed to salt water.

Phals love to be mounted and I've transitioned almost all of mine to mounts. It's not uncommon for them to suffer some leaf and root loss as they adjust to their new environment. Through experience I've learned to use a rather large mount for phals. I attach phals upside down about 6 inches from the top of the wood with a strip of panty hose. Allow enough space for the plant to grow in a downward position. I recommend a mount that is no shorter than 15" with a diameter of no less than 3"...something sturdy that the roots can latch on to. Over time the phal will grow new leaves and drop old leaves near the roots. The phals I mounted 2 years ago have grown downward so much that they've nearly run out of space. Once they're attached there's no getting them off, so make sure your mount is long enough. The attached photo speaks louder than words. Good Luck!

I just re-read your post and it sounds like the size of your driftwood is perfect. I've found that the established air root generally don't attach however, the new roots will. Plenty of misting will encourage new roots to grow.

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[Triffid]

Thank you Junebug!
Your reply and picture were very informative, they have given me the confidence to go ahead with mounting my Phal (with budding plans to mount the rest in time )

I hope my Phals end up look as happy and healthy as your!

[Otis226]

Junebug, is that spanish moss you have covering some of you mounted Phal roots?

I've only mounted one Phal so far, about a month ago, but it seems to be taking well to it and is almost ready to rebloom, as well as growing a new root and leaf. Anytime I get a particularly 'floppy' or flat growing Phal, I think I shall mount it.
Thanks,
Tony

[Junebug]

Originally Posted by Triffid

Thank you Junebug!
Your reply and picture were very informative, they have given me the confidence to go ahead with mounting my Phal (with budding plans to mount the rest in time )

I hope my Phals end up look as happy and healthy as your!

Your welcome. I forgot to mention one thing. Add a little sphag or coconut husk between the phal and the mount.

[Kelo]

Remember to rinse your mounted plant very well once a month during peak feeding times. Your driftwood is beautiful and your finished mount will be terrific!

[Triffid]

Thank you!
Well have mounted the Phal now, probably not the prettiest job, but seems to be holding so I have no complaints.

I'll pop up a photo sooner or later, and you can tell me how poorly I have done Things have just been a bit busy recently though.

[Triffid]

As promised a picture. Like I said not the prettiest job, though some of the old roots have actually attached themselves to the mount

I was surprised that it decided to spike so soon after mounting.

(Also the mark on the leaf is a result of me accidentally scratching the poor thing. )

[camille1585]

Nice job. Must be happy there if it decided to spike!

[Triffid]

Well the results are in, not 100% success but still better than nothing. 2 blasted buds but the rest are looking fine. Maybe next year it will be better

I need more mounts!