Cement based orchid growing plaque

[Brotherly Monkey]

you would need to treat anything that contains cement due to the leaching of lime. But I think this can be done with vinegar and a few other accessible products.

If you're interested just do some research on aquarium backgrounds and just apply the leaching methods they use

[Jerry]

Yes, I was thinking about selling these back then, but my business got too hectic.
Now things have slown down because of the economy, I have more time.
I dont know about hypertuffa, but these are made with actual cement which has had the alkali content removed, there are some additives. These are very strong, very porous and lightweight.
I dont know how much I could sell these or the product for.
Maybe $75.00 for the plaque without the orchid. Here is another photo.

Jerry

[Vanda lover]

Originally Posted by Brotherly Monkey

you would need to treat anything that contains cement due to the leaching of lime. But I think this can be done with vinegar and a few other accessible products.

If you're interested just do some research on aquarium backgrounds and just apply the leaching methods they use

hyper tufa is made with part peat moss, which helps to acidify it, But if doing a waterfall I would use a sealant on the waterfall.

[peeweelovesbooks]

Do they have holes for hanging?

Do you have other pics of orchids growing on these?

How big are the plaques?

Can they be out in the full sun?

I'd be VERY interested in buying some, if you ever made to sell.

I just paid that for a reclaimed piece of cypress wood that came mounted on a heavy chain. I bought it because 1) it had an interesting shape and 2) because it came ready for hanging. That way, I didn't have to mess with it--it was ready to go.

I wish more people would sell stuff like this.

I think the company is reclaimed something or other. It's the first time they attended Tamiami Orchid Show, and I think they are going to be @ Redlands.

These look pretty cool. I can picture them with some Myrmecophila albopurpurea or some hanging cane dendrobium in my entrance.

[Anisa]

I think it is a great idea if orchids are able to establish and grow on these. It is porous and can be made in virtually any shape. While ago I read an article about using cement in aquarium decor. It was talking about leaching of harmful minerals and advised to soak the cement piece in a water before use.
I think if it is safe for aquarium use it probably safe for orchids.

[phearamedusa]

check out dendroboard, dartfrog, or vivarium.com look under construction. They do some AWESOME tanks, and since they are going to put poison dart frogs in it has to be very non toxic.
take a look at this tank... So it begins..... The 125gallon saga - Dendroboard

[Vanda lover]

Originally Posted by phearamedusa

check out dendroboard, dartfrog, or vivarium.com look under construction. They do some AWESOME tanks, and since they are going to put poison dart frogs in it has to be very non toxic.
take a look at this tank... So it begins..... The 125gallon saga - Dendroboard

Fantastic! I don't know why I didn't think of using foam to build a waterfall. I use it around my koi pond waterfall, and I've read that you can use it to make floating islands in a pond. it can even be sprinkled with sand while still wet, to hide it. They sell it in black for pond use, but the kind for insulation is usually an ugly colour.

[Jerry]

Tucker, thanks, now that I have positive comments, I need to weigh and measure the mount to find out how much it is to UPS them.
Then I will put it in the classifieds and maybe ebay it.
The material is realy great to use and orchids just love growing on it.
I have put a little slow release fertilizer in the mix of some of the mounts and the orchids grow like mad and it probably feeds the plant for years.
I was thinking of $100.00 ea as I have seen just wood branch mounts for almost that,what do you think?

[keithrs]

I would like to see air holes for circulation around the roots.

Also, How hot does the mount get in the sun?.... Say on a 80 deg day.

All in all..... that mount looks very interesting.

$100 might be alittle steep at this point!!!! I'm thinking $45-50.... thats about how much a fancy pot go's for.

[Vanda lover]

Originally Posted by keithrs

I would like to see air holes for circulation around the roots.

Also, How hot does the mount get in the sun?.... Say on a 80 deg day.

All in all..... that mount looks very interesting.

$100 might be alittle steep at this point!!!! I'm thinking $45-50.... thats about how much a fancy pot go's for.

Anything that is hand made is always more expensive than a fancy factory made one. Many of those are made in countries where labour is cheap.