question about mounting paph on tree fern

[postskunk]

hi
I've been a member here for a while now but this is my first post. I have a bunch of orchids but until now nothing to exotic (to my knowledge at lest?). So I'm working on 2 new Vivarium and now that I'm starting to get the handle on the whole DIY thing I want to try to get a little fancier with the flora. I made the skeletal structure for one of the backgrounds this morning and I'm about to order some tree fern panels to attach to it.

so heres my questions:
I went to the local hydroponics store yesterday and bought a paphiopedilum odette divine and I would love to mount it on tree fern if possible, is it or is this type of orchid not a type that will grow this way. if not then I think I might just covet the hydroponic pot in cork and attach that to the background.... but if possible I'd really rather do it the other way?

the other question I have is can some of you give me some tips on other paphiopedium that have really contrasting freckled leaves that would far well in a Vivarium. I really like paph's and I love the leaves on the ones I've seen but when I search orchids online I really only get photos of the flowers which are great but the plant structure leaf appearance and size are really important for what I'm trying to accomplish.

I really like your forum and am very pleased to see there is a terrarium gardening section on it...the best of both worlds for me. thanks very much for reading and any advice would be very appreciated
have a great day
-Matt

[Royal]

Hey Matt, welcome the OB.

Mounting orchids is really best left for the epiphytic orchids that grow on trees in nature. Paphs are really terrestrial. They probably need a more moisture retentive meidum like coconut chips or fine bark mix. They will do great in a terrarium though. Just make sure there plenty of air movement in there.

Be sure to post some pics as you get it all set up.

[Royal]

Originally Posted by postskunk

the other question I have is can some of you give me some tips on other paphiopedium that have really contrasting freckled leaves that would far well in a Vivarium. I really like paph's and I love the leaves on the ones I've seen but when I search orchids online I really only get photos of the flowers which are great but the plant structure leaf appearance and size are really important for what I'm trying to accomplish.

Some Phal species have cool mottled or silvery foliage too. Those are epiphtes and would do very well on a plaque. Maybe you could have a few Paphs on the floor of the viv and a few Pahls mounted on the walls.

Sorry, enabling is what we do best here.

[slipperfreak]

Like Royal said, most Paphs are terrestrials and therefore are unsuitable as mounted plants. There has been some success with it though, and there has been some discussion about it on the forum. If you search for it you'll find it. If you're going to attempt it, it's best to stick to the epiphytic Paphs like villosum.

You can grow just about all of the mottled leaved Paphs in a vivarium - as long as it is well ventilated, with good air circulation. They do have varying light and temperature requirements though. Are there any species/hybrids in particular you were thinking of?

[postskunk]

thanks both of you very much good ideas. the most appealing part of paphs to me is the shape of the flower I call them pitcher orchids but I'm fairly certain thats not what there called. I pretty much like all orchids it's hard not to but what I'm looking for in this instance is something I can mount, thats somewhat small with molted leaves preferably robust ones that flowers like deep reds, rich yellows, greens, maybe dark purples along the lines of that what I'm not looking for it like vibrant oranges or pinks or pastels I guess (not that there not nice too but I like my vivs to be more muted) any suggestions that kinda fit that criteria?

[slipperfreak]

Paphs are typically called "slipper orchids", but you can call them whatever you want!

There are no mottled leaved species that I would recommend mounting, unfortunately, which is mostly because success with it is not widespread. Although there are some instances where people have had success, it just usually doesn't work. It's something you could try if you really wanted to, but I can't name any species or hybrids which fit your criteria that would be better than the next.

The colors you don't want - oranges and pinks, are uncommon in Paphs; particulalry oranges, which are almost non-existent. Most Paphs are in the colors you want. A Maudiae type hybrid or section Barbata species like P. barbatum or P. callosum would be good starter choices for a vivarium, again provided it is well ventilated. These should be potted, but you could try mounting one and see what happens. I would put plenty of moss on it and make sure it doesn't dry out!