Epiphytic Orchids
 

Currently I have a dendrobium and phalenopsis in a thirty gallon hexagonal growing in as epiphytes. Currently the roots are covered with a damp sphagnum moss to encourage growth and attachment, but I haven't been able to get the moss to come out of its dormant state just yet and was considering replacing it down the road with Java moss. My only concern before I do this however, is whether or not the java moss will become parasitic or can remain neutral or symbiotic. Any thoughts or related experiences would be greatly appreciated.

It is my understanding that javamoss will prefer a much wetter environment then your orchid roots would tolerate. I don't have any first hand experience with javamoss however.

It may tolerate a drier climate but just not spread out and invade the place like it would if it were kept wetter.

Good Luck

Be careful with moss on roots, especially phals. I find that in a vivarium/terrarium, very little moss is needed for most orchids, provided the humidity is high enough. Too much moss will make the roots rot in a hurry.

Epiphytic Orchids
 

I have lots of Epiphytic Orchids. I just don't know much about them. I enjoy them greatly. Barb :D

Epiphytic Orchids
 

I have Java Moss alive in air with just a small bit of it laying in water. It can live in lesser wet conition as long as some part of the system has that water reserve. It took time to get it established like that. If one part breaks off from another and non of the broken off section is in just a little bit of water it will die.

The part living in air must cling to something and is stedfast. You can't scrape it off. It seems to be pretty destructive. Mine is climbing up a small wall. I feel it would not allow the roots of an orchid to breathe.

Their needs are too different. It might work with a Mandevilla like orchid, it would work but I still feel it would over come the orchid. Barb

many of the miniatures, especially those without pseudbulbs or super thick water retaining leaves, dont mind moss covering the roots. i actually have a bulbophyllum that is growing in a matt of pretty wet moss and is taking off for me!

Epiphytic Orchids
 

My Stanhopea wardii is bloomed this morning. That thing is extemely fragrant even during the day. Barb

Epiphytic Orchids
 

Here it is. If I can get it to work.

http://www.orchidboard.com/coppermin...031/wardi2.JPG

http://www.orchidboard.com/coppermin...0031/wardi.JPG

Thanks for the info. In that case I'll stick with the sphagnum moss.

wow! those are cool flowers!!! very nice waretrop!! what does the plant look like??

Epiphytic Orchids
 

It doesn't have the thick leaves that orchids usually have. Is actually is very unusual for the plants is in a wire basket, and the flower shalk shoots down through the potting medium and out the bottom. These massive heavy flowers hang out the bottom of the pot. They are awsome.Barb Yahoo IM waretrop

Nice Stan. Barb. If you like that species, you shoud try Gongoras. They are close relative of Stanhopea, and have the same general requirement. The flowers are smaller, but last much longer, up to several weeks. They have the same unique downward flower spike, and some like aromatica and artopurpurea are very fragrant.

I wish I had pics, but as I am new to this site, I haven't uploaded any yet. If you would like one, let me know. I have a few hundred photos of my collection, and I don't know where to start, so I figure if there is a need for a photo, I would gladly post it.

Justin

Epiphytic Orchids
 

Justin, Do you have a public photo album somewhere that we can go see all these piccys? Barb

I have started adding photos to this gallery. I have 2 pics of the Gongora in my album.

Epipytic Orchids
 

Justin, I just love your Dendrobium spectabile. Of the Dendrobiums. That's the best one, in the eyes of my hubby. We have it. It's not of blooming age yet. I have the patience. Barb Yahoo IM waretrop