Mounting an Orchid

How do I mount an orchid?

Orchids grown in nature are amazing! Seeing them cling to a tree is naturally beautiful and it is the way my grandparents have grown them on Useppa Island for years! If you have the opportunity to mount orchids and see them grow as they would in nature, then please do! It is an amazing way to experience an orchid's growth. If you live in a tropical environment it is quite easy to grow orchids, in this way, because of the humidity and ample water.

I have seen this on Useppa Island for years as they grow in the nooks and crannies of trees. Orchids can grow indefinitely and looking back I wonder what year they were planted? Where did they come from? And how long will they survive after the patient planting and loving hands of fellow orchid enthusiasts? I look forward to seeing these orchids, on Useppa, for years to come!

Tree fern, wood, and cork orchid mounting plaques are a wonderful way to display your orchids. Orchids love to “hug” their roots around and through the various mounts. I love orchids because of their sense of community, how they “hug” things and love being near other orchids. The best way to mount your orchid is attaching it with a fishing line, string or wire. Also using a wine bottle filled with sand, sealed with a cork with a Phalaenopsis hook sticking out makes a good sturdy hanger. Click here for a full tutorial on how to mount an orchid.

Below is a pic of my mother's mounted orchid….

It is not as easy, however, to grow mounted orchids in homes because it's hard to give them enough water and humidity. This is especially true with dry air during the winter/heating season. Also it's hard logistically to bring them your sink to water them. This is not to say that you can't do this…you may just need to watch them more carefully then if they were potted. But it will be worth it!

Hope that helps and thanks for letting me share,

Hannah