How do I handle a Darwinara Charm 'Blue Pacific'

[mspatt]

Hi, I'm new to this forum, so I hope I am posting in the right place I just got this orchid and I know that it is a cross between a neo, a vanda, and a couple of other parent plants. My question is: should I leave it in the pot it came in, or put it in a basket (Vanda parent) or, --my preference-- mount this little chid? I have seen a number of other neos that are mounted, but I have never seen/heard of a Darwinara in anything other than a pot...Is there a reason for this

[luckygrower]

I think it depends on your preference, I have a Darwinara Charm 'Blue Star' that I grow in the traditional method of a moss mound.

[shakkai]

First off.... to Orchid Board! So glad you found us!! Don't worry about posting in the 'right' place too much. The categories of different forums are really just to make sure that your posts are seen and your questions answered.

Personally, I think that the main reason people grow Vandas in baskets and not on mounts is simply because they get too big. A basket and a mount achieves a very similar thing - lots of air around the roots and quick drying. I have my little Ascocentrums mounted, and they are doing well.

I can't see any reason why the Darwinara wouldn't be perfectly happy on a mount, if you are used to growing things mounted.

[gmdiaz]

I love these vanda hybrids!

I would grow in a larger sized bark mix with really good air circulation in a pot but mounting should work great and so should the basket!

Let us know how it goes!

[shakkai]

Have you decided yet how you are going to grow this one? If you have decided to mount it - we'd love to see photos of that it looks like mounted!!

[Grandma M]

My
I have had mine only a short while but it seems to be doing well in a wood basket with only charcoal and lava rock. I like to have all of my neo crosses potted like that so they all get the same treatment.

Marilyn

[mspatt]

Thank you ,everybody. My PC was down when your replies were posted and so I did not see your answers until this evening (Sunday, Aug. 24th). I finally got it back and I'm now trying to build up everything again... aaahhhh technology. Got some nasty virus and have to start all over. Anyway, thanks for answering. I'll mount my Darwinara and post pics as soon as I can ...BTW, is there a delay when you post replies? I can't seem to view my post til the next day...