cattleya - preferred growth direction

[IdahoOrchid]

Do catts an similar prefer to grow UP or DOWN the piece they are mounted on?

[Ron-NY]

Do catts an similar prefer to grow UP or DOWN the piece they are mounted on?

for the most part up or to the side

[IdahoOrchid]

for the most part up or to the side

So best to plant at the bottom and let it grow UP.

This is a piece of wood that my mother-in-law gave to me for my birthday many years ago after I mentioned how much I like it. I think she got it from her father. He collected pieces like this and usually finished them with varnish. He died before he could do this one.

Anyway, it is special for that reason, plus....

I want to mount the orchid that I recently got named after my (recently deceased) mother on it.

There may even be enough new leads to get one growing up each side.

[Shaydra]

Oh wow. That will look really great, I'd bet! Can't wait to see the finished product.

[wetfeet101b]

That is a very beautiful peace.

*IF* you are Catholic, I can see a very nice orchid/religious ensemble in that wood.
Mount the cattleyas on the outside edge of the wood, start from the bottom.
Then carve the interior a little bit to make room for a religious figure/statue.
After a couple of years, you now have a religious grotto surrounded by blooming cattleyas.
It could apply to other religions as well, if they use any religious representations.

Or perhaps a commemorative plaque for a dear relative instead of a religious figure.

The shape of the driftwood really causes the viewer to think that something significant needs to be in the core of that wood.

~John

[Shaydra]

Or you could just mount one of your 'Memoria' catts in the bottom bowl-type area........ That's pretty significant, too, right?

It's hard to tell the size on that piece as compared to the size of the orchid you're thinking of mounting, but I think setting toward the center and then letting the outer 'rolls' of the wood frame it might have a more powerful visual impact.

The shape and coloration the inner grain took on is really stunning. Reminds me of flames.

One day... I will try mounting an orchid... And since I'm running out of room very very quickly, I sense the day is coming soon!

All said, it's your memorial artwork and your decision. I still look forward to seeing the finished product.

[clintdawley]

Well, I'm pagan and I see the Virgin Mary's cowl.

That is a very beautiful peace.

*IF* you are Catholic, I can see a very nice orchid/religious ensemble in that wood.

[Diane]

Hmm. I'm protestant and I see a ghost standing at the end of a tunnel...

[Gin]

Here comes the wet blanket .
What about water on the wood? won't that ruin it ?
I like it the way it is .. Gin

[IdahoOrchid]

Here comes the wet blanket .
What about water on the wood? won't that ruin it ?
I like it the way it is .. Gin

I do not think the water will damage it. Since it is a catt hybrid, it will be allowed to dry out between waterings. Water does its worst damage when in constant contact with wood, causing dry rot.

Any other opinions on this?