Mounting Orchids - Showing Them Off the Natural Way
Many Orchids are epiphytes or lithophytes meaning that naturally, they thrive on either trees or boulders which they use as a support or a mount.
They don't interfere with the trees own growth or invade it in any way at all, they just use it as a base.
Orchid mounting is observed very often in the tropical rainforests of Hawaii or South America where the astonishing blooms can be seen dwelling high up in the leafy vegetation.
It is not terribly difficult to replicate orchid mounting growth indoors.
Besides the mount, no other specialist equipment is required.
If you live in a warm country, it is quite possible to mount an orchid on an outside tree; just make sure that it is shielded from direct sunbeams and spray its roots often before they become too desiccated; more attention needs to be paid to this task in hotter weather.
Where outdoor survival is not possible, many unlikely substances can make good bases for orchid mounting as long as they are permeable and non-synthetic.
Some popular ones include: Cork bark - this is an eco-friendly matter as it doesn't involve a tree having to be cut down to produce it Tree ferns - cut from the outer roots of these South American trees Old logs or wooden plaques - make sure the wood is not sealed as this would repel moisture Large Porous stones - grey shades look especially striking when paired with magenta blooms Choose a base that is as attractive as possible for orchid mounting; if it complements the plant then all the better.
The Mounting Process - Immerse the intended mount in water for at least half the day, or however long it takes to ensure that it is sufficiently damp to sustain the plant - Remove the orchid from its original pot and remove any planting medium, taking utmost care not to harm the roots - Fasten the roots to the base using fishing twine; try not to compress them too much, be gentle and use just enough tension to ensure that the plant is securely bound - If the roots are pliant and long enough, they can be wrapped for orchid mounting without any string - Clear twine appears fairly indiscernible but it can be snipped away after a few weeks once the orchid has established itself further on its new base To simulate an even more normal orchid mounting habitat, a small amount of dampened moss can be spread between the orchid and the base prior to securing.
Remember, roots that are out in the open will inevitable require more hydration than those that are confined in containers as the rate of evaporation is quicker, so you will need to spray them with water more often but do not over-hydrate, little and often is best.
Keep humidity levels as high as possible and spray often with nitrogen and phosphorus feed to enhance development and flowering.
Lastly, don't be put off! Although it looks difficult, orchid mounting is actually fairly simple.
Orchids look stunning in themselves, but, when displayed in this way they will look simply spectacular; so be adventurous and set them free from their pots.
They don't interfere with the trees own growth or invade it in any way at all, they just use it as a base.
Orchid mounting is observed very often in the tropical rainforests of Hawaii or South America where the astonishing blooms can be seen dwelling high up in the leafy vegetation.
It is not terribly difficult to replicate orchid mounting growth indoors.
Besides the mount, no other specialist equipment is required.
If you live in a warm country, it is quite possible to mount an orchid on an outside tree; just make sure that it is shielded from direct sunbeams and spray its roots often before they become too desiccated; more attention needs to be paid to this task in hotter weather.
Where outdoor survival is not possible, many unlikely substances can make good bases for orchid mounting as long as they are permeable and non-synthetic.
Some popular ones include: Cork bark - this is an eco-friendly matter as it doesn't involve a tree having to be cut down to produce it Tree ferns - cut from the outer roots of these South American trees Old logs or wooden plaques - make sure the wood is not sealed as this would repel moisture Large Porous stones - grey shades look especially striking when paired with magenta blooms Choose a base that is as attractive as possible for orchid mounting; if it complements the plant then all the better.
The Mounting Process - Immerse the intended mount in water for at least half the day, or however long it takes to ensure that it is sufficiently damp to sustain the plant - Remove the orchid from its original pot and remove any planting medium, taking utmost care not to harm the roots - Fasten the roots to the base using fishing twine; try not to compress them too much, be gentle and use just enough tension to ensure that the plant is securely bound - If the roots are pliant and long enough, they can be wrapped for orchid mounting without any string - Clear twine appears fairly indiscernible but it can be snipped away after a few weeks once the orchid has established itself further on its new base To simulate an even more normal orchid mounting habitat, a small amount of dampened moss can be spread between the orchid and the base prior to securing.
Remember, roots that are out in the open will inevitable require more hydration than those that are confined in containers as the rate of evaporation is quicker, so you will need to spray them with water more often but do not over-hydrate, little and often is best.
Keep humidity levels as high as possible and spray often with nitrogen and phosphorus feed to enhance development and flowering.
Lastly, don't be put off! Although it looks difficult, orchid mounting is actually fairly simple.
Orchids look stunning in themselves, but, when displayed in this way they will look simply spectacular; so be adventurous and set them free from their pots.
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