what happens when?

[flhiker]

These are the first orchids I have ever tried to grow except a ghost orchid I bought on ebay about a month ago. I still have the welt were the orchid bug bite me. What would you use to mount it wood, moss, ect.?

[dave b]

Originally Posted by flhiker

These are the first orchids I have ever tried to grow except a ghost orchid I bought on ebay about a month ago. I still have the welt were the orchid bug bite me. What would you use to mount it wood, moss, ect.?

Hardwoods, cedar planks, or the most common...cork bark. Dosent rot as easy and looks good. You could mount it directly to the bark and if you wanted, put a bit of sphagnum moss around the roots for added humidity. May not even be needed though in your region. There are many different methods to adhere the orchid. Some wrap the roots and base with fishing line, wire. Another method is to drill 2 holes about an inch apart at the area you want the base of the plant to be. you then use wire or twist ties to tightly hold the base of the plant to the mount running them through the mount and twisting the ends together behind the mount. In time, new roots will grow out and adhere to the mount and then you can remove all the wire, string...whatever.

[dave b]

Mounted orchids can be watered more often and many should be, since the roots are exposed to the air and dry out more quickly. But, thats a good thing. Less prone to root rot, and photosynthesizing roots like those of phals will benefit. Phals dont like to dry out much, and could be watered daily at times. If the humidity is really high (or its raining), they could miss a daily watering and not be hurt at all. Phals dont like really bright light, so keep them out of the direct sun or they will burn. Grow them outside if you want, in the shade. They will love the humidity, rain, and fresh air (nothing below 50 degrees - does it get that cold where you are at?). If potted phals are left outside, water collecting in the crown of the leaves can lead to rot, so watch for that. Thats another benefit of them being mounted. The water will run off the crown since they are hanging perpendicular to the mount.

based on the photos ive seen you post, id say you have more exposure and understanding of how to grow orchids naturally than many of us.