Potting and Mounting Orchids

Potting and Mounting Orchids

Potting & Mounting Orchids

Orchids are captivating plants with diverse growth habits and stunning flowers that make them favourites among plant enthusiasts. While these exotic plants may seem intimidating, potting and mounting orchids can be straightforward with the right approach and materials. This article provides an introduction to potting and mounting techniques to help your orchids thrive in a home environment.

Mounting Orchids

Mounting orchids can be a beautiful way to display them while allowing them to grow in a more natural setup, mimicking how they attach themselves to trees in their native habitats. Here are some materials you can use to mount orchids, each offering its own advantages and aesthetic:

1. Cork Bark

  • Pros: Cork is lightweight, rot-resistant, and has a rough texture that provides a good grip for orchid roots. It also retains some moisture, which helps orchids that need a humid environment.
  • Cons: It can be more expensive than other materials and may be hard to find in large pieces.
  • Best for: Many epiphytic orchids like Phalaenopsis, Dendrobiums, and Oncidiums.

2. Tree Fern Fiber

  • Pros: This natural material is moisture-retentive, which benefits orchids that like a bit of dampness. It's also lightweight and easy for roots to penetrate.
  • Cons: Harvesting of tree fern fiber is not always sustainable, and it can be challenging to find large pieces.
  • Best for: Smaller orchids that like consistent moisture, such as Masdevallias and some miniature species.

3. Wood Slabs or Branches

  • Types of wood: Oak, cedar, or other hardwoods are preferred, as they resist rot.
  • Pros: Natural-looking and provides a solid base for orchids to attach to. Wood also holds moisture better than some other mounts.
  • Cons: Some woods may rot quickly if exposed to high humidity for extended periods.
  • Best for: Epiphytic orchids like Cattleyas and Vandas.

4. Driftwood

  • Pros: Driftwood has a unique shape and aesthetic, with natural curves that add visual interest to the orchid display. It's also durable and rot-resistant.
  • Cons: Can be harder to work with if the wood is very dense, and driftwood may have salt residue, which needs to be removed before use.
  • Best for: Hardy epiphytes, like Vandas and some types of Dendrobiums.

5. Tree Bark

  • Pros: Various types of tree bark (such as pine, oak, or even grapevine) provide a natural surface for orchids to cling to. They often have a rough texture, which helps roots attach firmly.
  • Cons: Some bark, like pine, can decompose relatively quickly.
  • Best for: Many species of orchids, including Bulbophyllums and some smaller Phalaenopsis varieties.

6. Clay or Ceramic Tiles

  • Pros: These are durable, water-resistant, and can help regulate temperature around the roots. Clay is porous and can hold some moisture for the roots.
  • Cons: Heavier than wood and might not provide as strong an anchor for roots.
  • Best for: Orchids that tolerate drier conditions, like some Cattleyas and Encyclias.

7. Coconut Husk or Coconut Fiber Boards

  • Pros: Coconut fiber is eco-friendly and retains moisture well. It also has a good texture for root attachment.
  • Cons: May break down over time and needs to be replaced more frequently than harder materials.
  • Best for: Orchids that prefer a humid environment, like Bulbophyllums and Masdevallias.

8. Metal Wire or Metal Mesh (Rust-Resistant)

  • Pros: Durable and allows air to circulate freely around the orchid roots, mimicking their natural environment.
  • Cons: Orchids need to be padded with moss or another medium, as metal can become very hot or cold. Avoid metals that can rust.
  • Best for: Any orchid species, as long as care is taken to manage temperature and humidity.

9. Pine Cones

  • Pros: An inexpensive and interesting mounting option, especially for miniature orchids. Pine cones offer lots of surface area for roots to attach.
  • Cons: Smaller surface area than other mounts, limiting space for root growth.
  • Best for: Miniature or tiny orchids that don't need a lot of space, like small Pleurothallids.

10. Rock or Lava Stone

  • Pros: Offers a unique and natural-looking display, especially for orchids that grow on cliffs in nature. Lava stone is porous and retains some moisture.
  • Cons: Heavy and challenging to hang. Rocks don't absorb much water, so they require frequent misting.
  • Best for: Orchids that enjoy quick-drying roots, such as some Dendrobiums and Laelias.

Mounting Tips

  • Preparation: Ensure the surface is clean and, if necessary, soak the mount in water to remove any salt or contaminants.
  • Attachment: Secure the orchid with wire, twine, or zip ties. Moss, like sphagnum moss, can be added around the roots to help retain moisture.
  • Maintenance: Orchids mounted on non-water-retentive materials may need more frequent watering. 

Potting Orchids

 1. Recommended Pots & Potting Media Components

Choose a Pot with Good Drainage

  • Plastic pots with multiple drainage holes work well, as do slatted baskets if you’re in a very humid environment.
  • Clay pots are another option that can help dry out the media faster, but they’re heavier and may be harder to move.

2. Example Potting Mixes

Basic Mix (Ideal for Moderate to High Humidity)

  • 70% medium-grade fir bark
  • 10% sphagnum moss (or skip if humidity is high)
  • 10% charcoal
  • 10% perlite

Dry-Climate Mix (Ideal for Low Humidity)

  • 50% fir bark
  • 20% coconut husk chips
  • 15% sphagnum moss
  • 10% charcoal
  • 5% perlite or pumice

Using the right potting mix and refreshing it regularly will support healthy root growth and help your orchids thrive for years to come!

Good growing

Peter Johnson

 

Information and images are sourced from writers experience, experience of other growers, and external resources.

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