My first mounting attempt - questions!

[butterfly_muse]

Afternoon, all.

I am going to attempt to mount my phals - one a large guy, and one a small guy, on some cork bark that I purchased in the reptile section of Petsmart.

The cork bark seems like it has some dirt on it, so I was wondering if you are supposed to pre-clean the bark? Do I need to at least scrub the dirt off?

And what about moss, how much do you mound onto their roots? I am so paranoid about moss because of root rot and phals, so...I am hesitant.

And after they've established themselves, do you take the moss off? Or just the wire to hold them on?

Sorry to ask so many questions!!

Thanks!

[tucker85]

If there's dirt on the cork I would wash that off with just some water or maybe soap and water. I put moss between the roots and the mount. I don't put moss over the top of the roots because it could keep them too wet. The moss under the roots eventually deteriorates and falls away. I try to arrange the plant so it's growing out at close to a 90 degree angle or maybe a little more downward than 90 degrees. That way the leaves will droop down like they're supposed to but the plant will grow out away from the mount for a better presentation. You'll need to water every day for a few months. I'm sure there are other ways of doing it but that's what I've done.

[butterfly_muse]

Originally Posted by tucker85

If there's dirt on the cork I would wash that off with just some water or maybe soap and water. I put moss between the roots and the mount. I don't put moss over the top of the roots because it could keep them too wet. The moss under the roots eventually deteriorates and falls away. I try to arrange the plant so it's growing out at close to a 90 degree angle or maybe a little more downward than 90 degrees. That way the leaves will droop down like they're supposed to but the plant will grow out away from the mount for a better presentation. You'll need to water every day for a few months. I'm sure there are other ways of doing it but that's what I've done.

Do I have to sterilize the mount first to make sure there are no microorganisms or fungi? If so, how would I do that?

Do I water them as in DRENCH them or water them as in mist them, or both?

[tucker85]

Originally Posted by butterfly_muse

Do I have to sterilize the mount first to make sure there are no microorganisms or fungi? If so, how would I do that?

Do I water them as in DRENCH them or water them as in mist them, or both?

No you don't need to sterilize the mount. Just wash off the dirt and dust that might keep the roots from attaching themselves. You can use either method of watering. Whatever is convenient for you. I use a misting sprayer most of the time but make sure you get it good and wet. I've also occasionally taken the mount to the sink and soaked it under the faucet but be careful not to bang the plant around before it's attached to the mount. I've never dunked it in water because I don't have a container the right size to do that and it seems like too much trouble. My phals have been slower to attach themselves than my cattleyas. It took several months for them to attach well.

	Mistking Looking for a misting system? Look no further. Automated misting systems from MistKing are used by multitude of plant enthusiasts and are perfect for Orchids. Systems feature run dry pumps, ZipDrip valve, adjustable black nozzles, per second control! Automatically mist one growing shelf or a greenhouse full of Orchids. See MistKing testimonials

[butterfly_muse]

Originally Posted by tucker85

No you don't need to sterilize the mount. Just wash off the dirt and dust that might keep the roots from attaching themselves. You can use either method of watering. Whatever is convenient for you. I use a misting sprayer most of the time but make sure you get it good and wet. I've also occasionally taken the mount to the sink and soaked it under the faucet but be careful not to bang the plant around before it's attached to the mount. I've never dunked it in water because I don't have a container the right size to do that and it seems like too much trouble. My phals have been slower to attach themselves than my cattleyas. It took several months for them to attach.

Excellent, thank you! :3 I am looking forward to it. My one guy in the kitchen is suffering, he has very few roots and it doesn't help that my cat keeps knocking him a few feet onto the counter from the window >.< Same goes for my big phal, only it has less of a distance to fall (if it doesn't bounce off my couch!!) My cats are jerks. This is my compromise, lol!

Edit: I also hope this will encourage my little guy to grow me some new roots *crossfingers*

[butterfly_muse]

Welp, here are the pics. O_O I don't have string or wire, so we used zip ties. He's on there pretty snug (but not strangle him and kill his roots snug)...Hopefully this is okay?

[Ciao Juan]

Originally Posted by tucker85

No you don't need to sterilize the mount. Just wash off the dirt and dust that might keep the roots from attaching themselves. You can use either method of watering. Whatever is convenient for you. I use a misting sprayer most of the time but make sure you get it good and wet. I've also occasionally taken the mount to the sink and soaked it under the faucet but be careful not to bang the plant around before it's attached to the mount. I've never dunked it in water because I don't have a container the right size to do that and it seems like too much trouble. My phals have been slower to attach themselves than my cattleyas. It took several months for them to attach well.

Totally agreed with your very experienced way of treating the drying moss. I sometimes soaked the whole mounted part in the bucket for about 5 min. or so when the moss was dry like it was new from the package.
Our Phal. here are full shaded because our sun is very scorching. I water the mounted ones everyday, the potted every other or two days, depends on the dryness of the moss.
Moss is always between the wood and Phal. roots, so you won't drown them when over-watered.

The pics for your ref.

P. Schilleriana on camphor tree trunk.




The roots already extended, the strings can be removed.

[Gthumbz89]

Just wanted to thank you for your post!!! I stole your idea of using cork bark from petsmart to mount my sedirea japonica.

[Kevin_PR]

When I still lived in the states I mounted most of my plants on cork or grape vines. Now that I live in PR and tree fern is readily available(no Cork is virtually nonexistent here) I prefer the tree fern. I fond that It is the best material for mounting. There is a lot of space in between the fibers which creates a humid environment for the roots while being free draining. The roots also love to infiltrate this kind of material. When the mount has deteriorated you can simply break away the mount without destroying the roots. Not to mention the fact that tree fern is cheaper than cork.
I use fishing line for mounting. It is important that the plant does not move at all otherwise it will never establish itself.

Have you been to Parkside nursery in PA. They were my one and only suppliers while I lived in NYC. They would be happy to show you how to mount, pot, or do whatever.

[The Orchid Boy]

I have 2 mounted dendrobiums that are doing excellent. I'm hesitant to try phals, afraid I couldn't keep them watered. Funny thing about me is, I underwater in moss and overwater in bark!