Mounting Orchids: Some basic tips for you

Growing orchids outside on trees and inside on mounts is a beautiful and natural way of displaying these plants. If you live in the United States and are unsure if growing orchids outdoors is a good option for you where you live, you can visit the USDA’s website, enter your zip code, and look at the plant hardiness zone map.

For zones that have an average minimum temperature below 40°F (4.4°C) or receive frost, growing orchids outdoors is not recommended. If you don’t live in an area where you are able to grow orchids outdoors, you can create a beautiful orchid display inside of your house by mounting orchids.

Mounting Orchids Outdoors

If you are able to, and would like to try your hand at growing orchids outdoors, the first thing you are going to need to do is choose an orchid that is going to be able to flourish in the outside environment where you live.

For example, if you live in an area where the minimum temperature is very warm, you will not want to try growing orchids outside that are cool-growers.

After you have determined the best type of orchid, the next step is to find an ideal location. You will want to find a tree or stump that doesn’t receive direct sunlight all day, but also doesn’t experience too much shade.

Once you’ve determined the best location, the next step is attaching the orchid to the host. It is important that the orchid has roots, otherwise it won’t have anything to attach itself with.

Attaching the orchid is as simple as setting it directly on the host and wrapping cotton string (will eventually decompose) around the orchid to secure it in place.

Be sure not to tie the sting too tight because this can cause damage to the orchid. You will also need to make sure to place the orchid with its crown in a downward angle as to not let it collect with water and invite rot.

When attaching an orchid to an outside host, you do not need to add any type of medium under the orchid because it will retain too much moisture and can easily cause root rot. Orchids attached to outside hosts will need to be watered more frequently than those planted in potting medium.

The reason is because orchids attached to trees and other hosts don’t have the potting medium to retain moisture, and so they tend to dry out fairly quickly. You will still need to remember to regularly fertilize your orchid in order for it to flourish.

You will also want to be sure to regularly inspect your orchid for pest and disease as well as monitor the color of the leaves to ensure that it is receiving the ideal amount of light. In about a year’s time, you should find that your orchid has completely attached itself to its host.

Inside Orchid Mounts

If you do not live in an area where growing orchids outside is an option, you can always try your hand at mounting an orchid to create an incredible inside display.

Not only does this create a gorgeous display, it can be beneficial to your orchid’s health in that it allows for great drainage and ventilation to the roots to help prevent orchid disease.

There are several different options when deciding on an orchid mount. You can choose from many natural materials such as tree bark, cork bark, or wood slats to name a few.

These materials can easily be found on online orchid supply websites or orchid nurseries. The mounting process is very simple and you will only need a few supplies.

The first step in mounting an orchid is to place a small amount of sphagnum moss evenly around the roots of the orchid. Next, you place the orchid onto the mount with the orchid’s crown angled downward.

The last step is to wrap cotton string, thin wire, or fishing line around the bottom of the orchid to attach it to the mount you have chosen. Be careful to not tie the string or wire too tight because this can cause damage to the plant.

You will need to water orchids attached to mounts more frequently than potted orchids since they tend to dry out fairly quickly.

The easiest way to water a mounted orchid is to place the entire mount in a bowl of water and allow it to soak for about ten to fifteen minutes time. To help keep your mounted orchid from drying out as quickly between each watering, you can place a humidifier nearby or mist your orchid daily.

Whether you are able to mount an orchid to an outside host or create a mounted orchid for an inside display, you will have an original and equally beautiful orchid presentation to show off to your family and friends.