Tree-Mounting Your Orchids

Bring some color, interest and unique accents to your yard by mounting orchids to trees near your entryway, by the pool or where you spend your time outdoors. Orchids are epiphytes and grow naturally in the wild in tree canopies. 
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They derive their moisture and nutrients directly from the air and from surrounding debris. In most cases, host trees are not harmed by orchids which makes tree mounting a great option for your yard. 

Mounted orchids grow best in temperate zones and the tropics.  Be sure to check the temperature tolerance of your specific orchid before relocating it to an outdoor location. Virtually every type of orchid including Vandas, Phalenopsis, Oncidiums, Dendrobiums and Cattleyas will perform well when mounted to a tree.

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Location
Selecting an outdoor location that matches the care instructions for your particular type of orchid is important. For example, a Vanda may be able to tolerate a location in a tree that receives lots of light whereas a Cattleya may need more filtered light. 
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Another trick is to identify how rain flows down your tree. With many palms and oaks, you will notice a darker side to the tree limbs, typically the underside, where water trickles down tree. It’s best to mount your orchid where you know the rain will flow down the tree taking care to stay clear of dry spots.

Orchids can be attached to trees using a variety of different methods. 
Option 1: Simply attach the orchid to a tree limb and secure with biodegradable twine. You may want to wrap the root ball in sphagnum moss to initially keep the roots from drying out.

Option 2: Create a burlap pocket filled with your orchid plant and Better-Gro® potting mix. Attach the pocket to the tree with twine.

​Over time, the twine and burlap will degrade, however, your orchid will have grown roots into and around the tree bark. Orchids attach best to trees with textured bark rather than smooth surfaces like certain palm species.  

The best time of year to mount orchids to trees is (1) when your orchid is heading into the growing season (2) during the wet time of year, typically the summer.   With minimal effort, expense and care, your orchids will quickly adapt to their new surroundings. You will be rewarded with fresh blooms and a new look in your yard. 

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