Is there a way to preserve wood to mount orchids?

[Abel-Purete]

I have been trying to look online; but I am not sure. I wanted to know if there's a way to preserve wood and safe for me or anyone to mount an orchid on?
And if I stain and waterproof the wood, would it affect the orchid if mounted on it?(after its dried and cleaned, of course.)

Thanks for all of the help!

[Orchid Whisperer]

I would not use a wood preservative or a stain on wood used to mount orchids. I would be concerned that chemical root damage will result. Use a durable non-resinous natural wood instead.

Full disclosure, I have not tried using preserved or treated wood, but my guess is the chemicals may not be orchid-friendly.

[Jackie26085]

Why would you want to preserve wood? If you use hardwood or cork, then it will last a long time. The orchid will probably outgrow it before it breaks up.


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[Abel-Purete]

Well more like so it won't get mold or fungus growing on it.
I don't know how long hard wood lasts but that's good to know.

[Jackie26085]

Well Abel, I have had my only mounted orchid for less than a season so it may be too early to tell. Growing outdoors or in a home environment, it's merely impossible to keep the mount constantly wet enough to have mold growing, algae perhaps but that's harmless. Mine dries up by the end of the day.

[jkrobins]

I have a Brassavola nodosa mounted on a large piece of oak bark. I attached the original small mount to the bark at least 10 years ago. The plant now covers both sides of the bark completely and is thriving. I have no idea how to ever remount or divide it but it seems very happy growing over itself.. In the winter I soak it weekly iin the laundry tub with a little fertilizer. In the summer it hangs outside and I pour rainwater over it with weekly, weakly fertilizer. It blooms profusely from November to January.

[Abel-Purete]

See I was scared the alge would make the orchid sick. And I would hate for mold to grow on it.

Wow Jkrobins; that's amazing! I hope my orchid will last that long on the wood I have it on. Its very easy to device orchids. I would love to see pictures of it.

[Cntry]

Originally Posted by jkrobins

I have a Brassavola nodosa mounted on a large piece of oak bark. I attached the original small mount to the bark at least 10 years ago. The plant now covers both sides of the bark completely and is thriving. I have no idea how to ever remount or divide it but it seems very happy growing over itself.. In the winter I soak it weekly iin the laundry tub with a little fertilizer. In the summer it hangs outside and I pour rainwater over it with weekly, weakly fertilizer. It blooms profusely from November to January.

Wow I would love to see a picture of the Nodosa that you have mounted. Sound beautiful!

[ALToronto]

Get a propane torch and darken the wood. Then get a bottle of Dyna-Gro Pro-tec and a tiny spray bottle. Mix Pro-tec 50-50 with water, preferably distilled, and spray the charred wood. Let dry, torch again, spray again, and torch one more time. This will slow the rate of decay.