plant phal in banyan tree?

[tedro]

see attached picture.

can i “attach” my phal (without pot) to the tree outside? (shown in picture) Naples, Florida

[DirtyCoconuts]

short answer is yes.

Phalaenopsis are naturally epiphytes and do very well mounted in an area that meets their needs.

I cannot see enough of the tree to tell you if that is a good spot.

Banyan trees in general are fine host plants as they don't shed their bark.

phals need a lot of shade and very little light and make sure you mount it on the side of a branch or inverted so the water does not rot he crown

[tedro]

Originally Posted by DirtyCoconuts

short answer is yes.

Phalaenopsis are naturally epiphytes and do very well mounted in an area that meets their needs.

I cannot see enough of the tree to tell you if that is a good spot.

Banyan trees in general are fine host plants as they don't shed their bark.

phals need a lot of shade and very little light and make sure you mount it on the side of a branch or inverted so the water does not rot he crown

fascinating!
another tree pic attached. in a sec. ok, up.

why do i feel like my phal would wilt away in 1 day?
i could “throw” or water it on the tree? how about pest/phal predators?

in the pano
photo, far right bottom corner inside apartment is my phal, now.

Shared album - Ted Rogers (ichi) - Google Photos

[DirtyCoconuts]

What side of your house is this on? North south etc. ? Looks like it is south if that is an afternoon shot.

I would watch the tree throughout the day (every couple hours) and then find the spot that no sunlight hits and then tie on there with either a nylon or some burlap

[WaterWitchin]

Originally Posted by tedro

fascinating!
...
why do i feel like my phal would wilt away in 1 day?
i could “throw” or water it on the tree? how about pest/phal predators?...

Yes, you would have to water in while it's on the tree. Mounted orchids require more frequent watering than in a pot.

And yes, when grown outside, it exposes the plant to insect damage, etc. I have my orchids outside in summer months, and sometimes wonder why some of the thinner leaved plants seem to be grasshopper attractants. I'll leave it to DC to tell you about iguanas. None here in Kansas.

[tedro]

Yes, that is the setting sun. so SSW.

thank you both, very much.

[DirtyCoconuts]

get a pellet gun....pew pew pew


j/k they prefer the easier foliage in my experience but i have a very well protected yard so i might just have a haven from them...…

Pete is curious and Luella has a taste for them....

[WaterWitchin]

Oh man! Didn’t realize you’d put up an iguana barricade! Yes, grasshoppers seem to prefer Onc, Zygo, and the occasional snack of Cymb. Many preferable to chew on than Phal, Brass, etc.

Frankly Tedro, I’m surprised you would consider it, as you appear to be VERY protective of your orchid. How about get a grocery store phal, mount it to the tree, and let it be your guinea pig until you see what it’s like.

---------- Post added at 01:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:14 PM ----------

PS Pew pew pew doesn’t work well for grasshopper. I’m a good shot, but that’s kinda overkill.

[tedro]

Originally Posted by WaterWitchin

Oh man! Didn’t realize you’d put up an iguana barricade! Yes, grasshoppers seem to prefer Onc, Zygo, and the occasional snack of Cymb. Many preferable to chew on than Phal, Brass, etc.

Frankly Tedro, I’m surprised you would consider it, as you appear to be VERY protective of your orchid. How about get a grocery store phal, mount it to the tree, and let it be your guinea pig until you see what it’s like.

---------- Post added at 01:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:14 PM ----------

PS Pew pew pew doesn’t work well for grasshopper. I’m a good shot, but that’s kinda overkill.

Aha! you’ve found me out! that’s a very good read! ❤️
problem is, while yes mine is SPECIAL i kinda feel that way about all plants! Not sure i want to torture ANY, other than forcing them to be my LIVE-IN mates!

Frankly, while I am very curious about that, if I try an experiment with ANOTHER phal, it may be a “low light” experiment. I’d much them nearer to me, but out on the tree would be really cool! —if you look close at the picture, there's some wire formed like it would hold stuff — been there for over 10 years!

—I’m a bit out of sorts right now, yesterday I won a lawsuit that started in 1998.

[WaterWitchin]

Or one outside, and one inside. Agree that it’s a waste to have your kind of climate and not be growing one on a tree. I would have them strung up EVERYWHERE!!

Not a hard read at all Tedro. And winning a lawsuit is a good thing as opposed to the alternative.
Not something to be out of sorts about! Carpe diem!!