Mounting the entire rootball

[tucker85]

I've only mounted a few orchids so far, so I don't have much experience. This little cattleya was in a 2 1/2" pot so I decided to just mount the whole plant with the root-ball and medium intact. It started growing roots faster than any of my other mounts. Has anyone else tried the technique? What is your experience?

[billc]

I did something similar with some species phals about 2 years ago. What I found was the established roots wound up dying after a while, but the new root growth was enough that the plant didn't miss a beat. My mounted plants do much better than my potted plants as far as growth and flowering. The only issue I have with mounts is the need to water every day and keeping the humidity up. If I had a greenhouse where water could splash to the ground my orchid life would be much easier.
Probably with catts you could go several days between waterings. Your mount looks good.

Bill

[dendro king]

nice job tucker85!!
looks good!!

[Vanda Miss Joaquim]

I have used this technique everytime when I received dying orchids from friends who asked me to save them.

After clearing the roots, I mount the plant onto dead tree barks (moist) and cover it with some moss and charcoal and spray water daily.

Being orchids, they have a mind of their own. The new vertical environment on the mount helps the tired/inactive plant to become active again in the new environment....i think.

p.s. i am not an expert but sharing through experience.

[WhiteRabbit]

Cool!

[DelawareJim]

Great idea Tucker! I'll have to try this on a future mount.

Cheers.
Jim

[keithrs]

I do the same only I cover the roots with "green moss" intel the plant is established on the mount. It doesn't hold nearly and much water as sphag. but keeps the roots from drying out here in my very low humidity.