Changing moss on mounts

[Dollythehun]

John, you commented that I used too much moss on my mounts. You were correct and now I see why. This thread was helpful. I am going to remount using less moss. I will still use a little underneath and on top but only enough to protect the plant. It did get ugly looking and I think prevented the roots from attaching.

[jkofferdahl]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

John, you commented that I used too much moss on my mounts. You were correct and now I see why. This thread was helpful. I am going to remount using less moss. I will still use a little underneath and on top but only enough to protect the plant. It did get ugly looking and I think prevented the roots from attaching.

Oh, I'm so smart.

[bil]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

John, you commented that I used too much moss on my mounts. You were correct and now I see why. This thread was helpful. I am going to remount using less moss. I will still use a little underneath and on top but only enough to protect the plant. It did get ugly looking and I think prevented the roots from attaching.

Well, that's why I put the plant on the mount, then put the moss on top of that. In the end, the roots come out of the moss and dive back in.

---------- Post added at 04:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:17 PM ----------

Originally Posted by wintergirl

If that works for you bil, then great. I have noticed mounts start to slowly die over time unless I change the moss in my mini's. I looked closer at the mounts in question, they are very large with large roots. I would just wet itgood and pick out the old stuff and leave moss free.

I'm curious. How do they die off when they are on mounts? What happens?

[katrina]

It is totally unnecessary to remove old moss and, worse yet, it could potentially damage the roots.

I've had some plants on mounts for years...even attaching smaller mounts to larger ones to accommodate the growing plants...and I have never removed old moss and the orchids are thriving.

Some of the moss will eventually disintegrate away and, if conditions are ideal, the mount will even grow it's own moss.

With all of that said...if you're using too much moss on a mount then you might have problems but that can be remedied by simply using less. Problem solved and you never again have to worry about it.

[bil]

Originally Posted by katrina

It is totally unnecessary to remove old moss and, worse yet, it could potentially damage the roots.

I've had some plants on mounts for years...even attaching smaller mounts to larger ones to accommodate the growing plants...and I have never removed old moss and the orchids are thriving.

Some of the moss will eventually disintegrate away and, if conditions are ideal, the mount will even grow it's own moss.

With all of that said...if you're using too much moss on a mount then you might have problems but that can be remedied by simply using less. Problem solved and you never again have to worry about it.

Preach it Sistah!

[Dollythehun]

To clarify. I used so much underneath that two of them have not taken hold of the mount. They are phals and so should be easy to change up. They were my first mounts and John told me I had used too much.

[katrina]

Over the years, I have learned the best technique is to lay the roots on the mount and then add a 'not too thick' layer of sphag over the roots and then wire or tie it in place. The roots will attach better/quicker when in direct contact with the mount material...especially on cork.

[wintergirl]

Larger plants with big roots, no problem. But minis that need more moss need to have a change when grown in the home.

[katrina]

I grow several of the very mini/compact phals in the exact same manner...a couple having been on their mounts for 6-8 years. And I'm not talking about the easy mini hybrids...I mean some of the more difficult species.

I have a friend who has masdies, pleuros, and bulbos on mounts...for 10+ years and never changes sphag.

I can say with 100% confidence, if your plants are struggling on the mount, it is because of something else and not due to aging moss. Provided you haven't attached an overly thick layer...that is an entirely different ballgame.

You can do whatever you like but you really are making more work for yourself than you need to and possibly causing more trouble for the plants than you realize.

[Dollythehun]

They are growing, not appearing to struggle but, not attaching to the mounts. I think in my case this is an easy fix.