What Kind of Wood to use

[Orchids4ever]

Originally Posted by AnonYMouse

I cruise the reptile aisle, too!

Molding? As in crown molding? Its probably been treated with something or another. I don't know if it would be harmful, though.

Cedar (shingle? plank?), I think are not treated since they already possess preservative qualities.

Baseboard Oak Molding and it is not treated 1/2"x3'"by 5" long and the Cedar is none treated fence panel.
The little orchid is right now on some kind of sticks-I think it is tree fern? it is falling apart-every time i water more sticks fall off-so i have to put it on something else.

---------- Post added at 07:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:29 PM ----------

Originally Posted by orchideya

When I tried to grow on mounts - I was buying grape wood pieces from pet store. They have it in reptile section and sometimes you can find interesting pieces there. That wood is clean and safe for orchids.

If all else fails i will go and have a look at these
Thank you

---------- Post added at 07:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:31 PM ----------

Originally Posted by ronaldhanko

Untreated cedar shingles are probably best. Oak can have tannins in it that may be harmful, though I've used live oak (not live wood, but wood from the oak trees known as live oaks) in the past. Leaving cedar shingles out to weather a bit is also helpful. If you ever gets plants from Andy's he mounts a lot of things on cedar shingles.

Thank you Ron
Right now i have both oak and cedar soaking in water
But i wanted to check with you all to see what would be best.

[IncurablePlantHead]

Originally Posted by JC Espinosa

I use oak, cedar, mango, avocado, citrus, palms, bamboo, firebush, plumeria, podocarpus, and just about anything without a toxic element in it. I like the look of Live Oah bark. I mount on it a lot knowing the mount will be short-lived and I will have to mount the mount on another mount. Say that three times real fast. I also grow on broken pots, ceramic jugs and am about to plant sacrificial phals in old wine corks. I posted some pictures of my mounts on OB. I also mount on the few trees in our small yard.

After hurricane Andrew, I took some very interesting pieces of uprooted slash pines. Root wood has fascinating twists and unusual shapes. The best part is slash pine roots simply do not rot. These pieces, kept outside for lo these 20 years, still look like the day I took them, albeit with a much appreciated patina. I just mounted a Y Redland Sunset on a piece.

[JC Espinosa]

I'm one of those nuts who pulls over for good piece of wood by the side of the road. Picked up a 5foot branch of avocado a few days ago. Never tried slash pine before. I have some gorgeous bamboo roots I am saving for little critter.

[Orchids4ever]

Originally Posted by JC Espinosa

I'm one of those nuts who pulls over for good piece of wood by the side of the road. Picked up a 5foot branch of avocado a few days ago. Never tried slash pine before. I have some gorgeous bamboo roots I am saving for little critter.

Lucky you
we got mostly cedar Trees around here and some Birch.

[JC Espinosa]

Orchids will grow on bricks and concrete blocks. That's probably my next Phal torture. Cedar is good, birch I don't know.

[Orchids4ever]

Originally Posted by cbuchman

Ochideya,

Me too! that's what I was using. I found it just didn't keep enough moisture for the orchid to thrive, except for my Tolumnias that seem to be very happy. I've found cork slabs work really well for me.

I have a little Orchid that came on a Cork Slab-it is a Year and a half and the roots are still not attached to the Cork-thats why i was thinking to use wood.

---------- Post added at 07:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:52 PM ----------

Originally Posted by JC Espinosa

Orchids will grow on bricks and concrete blocks. That's probably my next Phal torture. Cedar is good, birch I don't know.

Ahhh poor Phal
I think i will go with the Cedar

[JC Espinosa]

What kind orchid is it? Conditions? Some of my mounts have been disasters.

[Orchids4ever]

Originally Posted by JC Espinosa

What kind orchid is it? Conditions? Some of my mounts have been disasters.

Stereochilus hirtus
under T5 Light
Near a Humitifier and fan

[JC Espinosa]

A beautiful plant. Definitely change to wood, even the mopani wood. I would mount it on live moss to keep it humid. What do you have growing underneath it?

I am going out to dinner now but could you send me a pic of your set up ?

[Orchids4ever]

Originally Posted by JC Espinosa

A beautiful plant. Definitely change to wood, even the mopani wood. I would mount it on live moss to keep it humid. What do you have growing underneath it?

I am going out to dinner now but could you send me a pic of your set up ?

Enjoy Dinner-i will take Pictures