what to do with an outgrown mount
the
what to do with an outgrown mount
what you'll need:
click on photo to see a close-up
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| Here is an Encyclia that has completely covered the front of this cork slab. The next flush of new growth will begin to grow around the back of the mount making displaying the orchid difficult. We'll give it room to grow by attaching it to a bigger cork slab. | You would use the same technique for an outgrown tree fern slab or one that has begun to decompose. This is a good opportunity to cut off old flower spikes. Make sure that the shears are sterilized if you intend to cut any live plant tissue. | Select a new slab that will allow for several years growth but not so large as to dwarf the orchid. Make a hole for a hanger using an electric or portable drill. Insert a piece of 10 or 12 gauge galvanized wire through the hole and fashion into an "S". |
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| We could use monofilament fishing line to tie the two slabs together but we find a single piece of 18 gauge galvanized wire faster and neater. Place the old slab centered on the new slab with the new growth facing upward and shape the wire into a broad "U". | Place the "U" shaped wire over the orchid and around the back of the two slabs. Make sure that the wire is situated in a place where it doesn't damage any part of the orchid. Give the wire a few twists on the backside to tighten it. |
Cut off any excess wire with your lineman's pliers. you're done !
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| there are many other techniques for growing orchids on mounts and in baskets...choose from the following topics -------> |
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