Growing Dendrobiums on trees

[gutchin]

I just rescued some bare rooted dendrobiums. The roots look dried out, so I am soaking them in a bucket of water. Can I make some sphagnum moss packets, put them around the roots, cover them with a piece of mesh to hold the moss on and staple them to a sable palm? How else would you attach the plant to the tree?

[JennS]

I would not recommend stapling them. I haven't mounted to a tree, but I have to cork slabs, and I use clear fishing line. It is strong and you can't really see it. You can just cover the roots with moss and wrap the fishing line over it several times. It doesn't need to be real tight, just enough to keep the plant secure. You don't want to squish the roots. I don't think you would even need the mesh then. Just my 2 cents.

[Vanessa]

Here's one in my yard blooming. I attached it with green twist ties. The roots grab and grow on the palm pretty quick. click on pic to enlarge.

[Dorne]

I would say use synthetic sponge for growing orchids in and on instead of spahgnum moss or bark. Sponge is light and airy, soluable and dosn't deterioate. Thats my halfpennies worth.
Dorne