Coveting orchids grown on trees

[Marge in Naples]

Hi everyone,

Very new to forum and orchids. So a a gazillion questions but will start with asking for help with
mounting my orchids on my palm trees.
I have searched the internet incl. forums and this lousy orchid book I bought. Came away with some useful info but prob. more questions than answers.
I live in Naples, FL 10A I think.
I have some phals, cattleyas and one dend. Some I know the names some I don't.
My question is/are how do I mount them on trees. I have wonderful palms which are crying for these orchids.
# Which ones can be mounted. I know to mount the phal upside down. They are all blooming now and wonder if I can mount them now.
# Can I mount the cattleya & dend which aren't blooming now?
# Which side of the palm should they be mounted - I thought North.
I am using panty hose and figured out I should use moss tucked around the roots.
So that's my limited knowledge about what I am doing.
Any suggestions or can you direct me to where I can get step by step help. I did try YouTube but still have these questions.
Thanks and this forum is awesome.

[WhiteRabbit]

I'm sure some others can help you out!

[Gage]

There are basically 3 things to think about with mounting to a tree.
1. Light
2. Water
3. Cold hardiness

Most palm trees give minimal shade, so your higher light orchids should be the first choices. Vandas, cattleyas, anything that can get used to a little more direct sun.

That said, most commonly available phals will burn with more than a little direct sun in the early morning or late afternoon. Phals are also more cold sensitive than some other types, so you may find that our coldest Florida nights may be a bit too cold for phals left outside. I have seen, however, phals mounted to trees amongst thick shady foliage that seem to have been there for years. And anything mounted to a tree will have more cold tolerance than of they were in a pot. The tree provides some warmth, and wind protection in some cases. And then just think about if the type of orchid will be getting enough water, considering the bark of the tree, rainfall, wind, is it near a sprinkler, will you be watering it by hand beyond beyond initial establishment.

[tucker85]

Your cattleya is probably the best bet for mounting in South Florida. I would mount it on the East side or the South side of the tree. Morning sun is great for orchids. The North side can expose the orchid to cold wind when cold fronts blow in from the Northwest. Strips of pantyhose are often used to tie the plants to the tree. Place it so the new growth will be towards the tree. Water it every day, if possible, until roots take hold of the tree. My orchids have attached to mounts as quickly as 6 weeks. Luckily it's spring and by May we should be getting a lot of rain. Good luck.

[tucker85]

I just checked with a grower who has lots of orchids mounted on trees. He said he always mounts his orchids on the East side of the tree. It has the best quality light and protection from the cold winds from the West. If you're a member of Facebook, there's a group called Florida Orchid Growers on Facebook. Most of the 300 members are from South or Central Florida so they have lots of good information about growing down here.

[james mickelso]

That said, I would acclimate the orchids you plan on mounting so they are not put into shock from over exposure to the intense sunlight down there. I have two orchids mounted on my palm tree. They are not doing as well as they should be due to the high light and mine are mounted on the north side pof the tree. But I would try and see how yours do. Be sure to water them every day in spring summer and early fall. Here is a picture.

[Marge in Naples]

I mounted them on the south side of the palm so that I could see them. The east side faced the golf course. Have been watering every day - wot a pain but I know we will be getting our daily rains soon.
Fingers crossed and appreciate all the advice.

[pjgoodin]

Hi there, I'm also in Naples and interested in tree mounted orchids. Did you have any luck?