Mounting Orchidson trees and other places
Finding A Good Tree
If you have a yard, you've probably got a good orchid tree.
Citrus, oak, or palm (smooth trunk) make great orchid hosts.
Make sure that there is a spot on the tree that recieves plenty
of light and is near a water source so that the plant can be
watered during the dry seasons (a newly mounted orchid can
rarely be overwatered). Also, pick a spot that you will be
able to see - you want to enjoy your orchid! Find a nice
clean spot on the main trunk or a side branch- a hole or a
knot doesn't always work too well.
Attaching The Plant
It is very important that the orchid is attached solidly to the
tree, so that when the roots begin to adhere they aren't
disturbed. We like to use large romex type staples (you can
get them at the hardware store - they're about 3/4" across),
nailing them over the rhizome (the hard stem which connects
the psuedobulbs) of the orchid into the tree. For a three or
four bulb plant, one staple should do the trick. Some people
tie their orchids to the tree using filiment line or green
grafting tape. This is alright - most important is that the plant
is secure against the wood. Make sure that the rooting side
of the plant is in towards the tree so that the roots will be
able to grab right on.
The Best Time To Mount Your Orchids
Mount when the growth is new. Mounting plants, just like
potting plants, for many kinds of orchids is best done at the
appropriate time in the growth cycle. Ideally, we want root
actions to start just after mounting so the plant gets started
right away. If the roots and growth are in the middle or later
part of their growth flush, it is usually a mistake to process
the plant at that time. Mounting just after the growth has
matured is possible, but care must be taken that the plant,
which may sit there for 3-4 months before new roots start,
does not suffer to much water loss.