Cymbidium Info
Dendrobium Info
Sarcochilus Info
Orchid Mounts
Orchid Mounts
Epiphytic Orchids
Epiphytes are plants which require a structure to grow on, but do not derive nutrients from the structure. The epiphytic orchids in nature grow supported by rocks, tree, and fern structures, which we call mounts.
In our nursery, we have orchids on cyathea fern and cork. There is a need to be cautious on which orchids are placed on mounts from trees, due to the variety of wood bugs which can hide behind the orchid, and have a damaging effect on the plant. Plants with a dense root system are better suited to cyathea fern or cork. Would also like to add if Mount/stem becomes decayed or rots with a healthy orchid still attached simply attach a healthy mount/stem to the one to replace and wait till firmly attached before removing old mount/stem.
LIGHT REQUIREMENTS
Epiphytic Orchids grow from ground level to the tops of trees. Many of the sarcochilus orchids are found naturally along the side of streams in gullies and as such will not require as much light as the orchid known as the Sydney Rock Orchid or King Orchid (a dendrobium speciosum), which grows in full sun on exposed hill faces.
In our nursery, we have varying light sections ranging from 70% shade cloth, smokey laserlite and solid tin roofing. We also have the ability to hang mounts high to gain more light, or lower to receive less light, depending upon the individual orchids requirements.
WATER REQUIREMENTS
Epiphytes require more than a potted plant. Epiphytic Orchids absorb water and nutrients through their spongy velamen-covered roots. These plants have been called air plants, as their roots are exposed to air, this does not mean they live on air. Having their root system exposed to the air means that they dry out more quickly due to exposure to wind and heat.
In the nursery we have a misting system, which can be turned on several times a day in hot weather to provide the necessary moisture and humidity. We also have a small spray bottle kept on location to give a dry mount a spray.
The mounted orchids are watered at the same time as all other potted orchids, although we then mist or spray as required during hot or windy days, to keep them from drying out.
FERTILISER REQUIREMENTS
During summer - Late spring through summer, plants will enjoy a feed every second or third watering.
During winter – feeding requirements are minimal, due to the plants being in a non or slow growth period.
We feed weekly during late spring to summer, using a majority of organic (horse, cow, sheep manure) and suppliments with inorganic (Aquasol, Seasol, Orchid mix, Miracle Gro) fertilisers every third to fourth feed. We then drop this to fortnightly or every three weeks, heading in autumn, and then down to once a month over the winter months.
THE ROOT SYSTEM
It is interesting to watch the growth of the new root system as they meander their way over the mount with the new root tip showing the direction of growth. The spongy velamen-covered roots take gentle hold of the mount to secure the plant. The root system can often grow beyond the mount sticking out in the air. As shown in the first two photos below.
