Large mounting project - Orchid Board

Stray59 · #1 03-13-2015, 09:49 PM

Hello everyone!
I thought I would share my current project. I do the mounting for our local museum greenhouse orchid collection and have always wanted to plant up a full log of mounted orchids and other epiphytes. What has held me back is not having the ability to house such a thing and get the light, humidity, etc that it would need to do it's best.
Well, recently I checked with a local pet store and the manager ordered me a large, hollow cork log. I am just going to stand it up in a clay pot for balance right now, but eventually I would like to see it hung. I am donating it to the museum greenhouse as part of their species collection.
I started working on it tonight, after staring at it for the last month, figuring out what, where and how. I was able to get a Liparis grossa mounted tonight, and have purchased a rather nice assortment of other miniature to small orc's to attach, such as Ceratostylis rubra, Brassavola cucullata, Angraecum didieri, Schoenorchis fragrans, Dendrobium loddigesii, Sophronitis coccinea, Dendrobium unicum, along with Ressurection fern, Pleopeltis polypodioides, and some Tillandsia varieties. I was thinking of placing a large bromeliad in the top, perhaps just in a pot, but I might actually do an inside mount, not really sure how I want to "top" it off exactly. Feel free to give suggestions, input, criticism (please be constructive). I will be posting new photos as it progresses. Hope you enjoy!

Stray59 · #2 03-13-2015, 10:07 PM

Here are a few more pics with better lighting so you can see the really cool "roping" and all the nooks and crannies I can play around with.

AnonYMouse · #3 03-13-2015, 10:37 PM

I may be wrong since my Liparis grossa was a freebie (and really didn't trouble myself too hard about it) but doesn't it like to be wet? That's why mine is in S/H.

If you want to keep the log upright, get a PVC pipe that fits in the log and silicone glue it to a base, even a saucer. I suppose you can get fancy and pump mist (or even water) over the top.

I think the museum is lucky to have you. Good luck with it!

silken · #4 03-13-2015, 10:49 PM

That cork log is just waiting to have a bunch of plants attached to it. I have two Tolumnias mounted that seem to be happy if you need more plant ideas.

Stray59 · #5 03-14-2015, 01:06 AM

Anon Y Mous:
Now you have me thinking. I was told that Liparis grossa preferred Cattleya-like conditions and the one that I just mounted was attached to a plank of balsa wood with virtually no media around the roots at all. And it was being grown in bright sun; the supervisor at the greenhouse was told these conditions by the seller, which is usually very reliable.
I just bothered to look it up (not much out there on culture for this little guy) and was less concerned by the moisture issue as I am about having read that it likes very cool temps and this is an intermediate to hot house. I also was planting mostly species that will want more light as this is suppose to desire shade to dappled light. This is the real trick - planting all compatible plants on one log!
I can always de-mount this as I have a ton of other species I can replace it with, but darn, I liked the way it looked.
And finally your idea of PCV is a definite possibility - I have considered various ways of stabilizing it and will be studying over that for a while. I am not troubling with misters or watering devices as the staff are watering very regularly and they will just spray it as they do the mounts that I have done for them.
Thanks!!!

Silken:
I had forgotten that the greenhouse has a ton of Tolumnia and I had, at one time, thought about adding some of those, but forgot about them, so I am glad you brought those up. And yes, I have really thought this log was crying out to be a "raft" of plants! I would like to find a good species of moss to get started on it also, but that will be one of the last touches, I suppose!
Hope all are having the nice weather we have had lately! Spring is almost here.
I appreciate the input....

silken · #6 03-14-2015, 11:07 AM

I am looking after 2 Liparis grossa for friends for a few months. They said it is an easy plant, just water when dry. Orchid Wiz describes care as similar to Catts with a 3 or 4 month drier winter period. Light at 2000 to 3000 fc. I hope so as its how I am caring for the two I am in charge of.

No-Pro-mwa · #7 03-14-2015, 11:23 AM

Very neat project.

Stray59 · #8 03-14-2015, 06:59 PM

Silken:
Thanks for accessing OrchidWiz; I have not invested in that, even thought I hear it is really great. Too busy buying orchids, I guess!

No Pro wa: Thanks! I have really been jazzed thinking of all the options. I just have to research the species I have and get the most compatible mounted together.
I have enough semi-shade lovers, such as Bulbophyllum varieties, to plant up another one to keep in the shaded area of the house.
Everyone -- Have a great weekend!!