Orchids in non-potted mounts?

[Joshaeus]

'ello all! I regularly read of orchids being grow in/on things that are not pots...baskets, wood, corks, etc. How does one go about caring for orchids in such a situation? Can you tie the cork or wood to other pieces to give the orchid more room to grow? Thankx for your quick replies!

[cjm3fl]

I have some 'mounted' in a potted Ficus tree.
I have a couple in those wire-hanging baskets with the coconut husk liners.
I have some growing on some old wood branches.
And I have (only) one (for now, more in future) mounted on that dark growing board, what is that..fern something?

I live in Florida so I'm able to keep my orchids outdoors most of the year.
I am able to just pull out the hose and water when needed and feed with a pump-sprayer.

I do water the ones listed above more often them my potted and terrestrial orchids since there's little or no medium to retain water.

I'm getting to the point where some of those in the tree and on the branches need to have part removed (just means more potted orchids for Chuck!)

The one on the 'fern-board(?) just gives me keiki's all 2 or 3 times a year that practically fall off, or come off easily.

I do plan more board mounted ones...when they out grow the board I might just add a bigger board behind it..giving it addition growing area.


My observation is that the orchids I have will only grow from one side..in one direction.
None of the ones I have will "spread" like bulb flowers or lawn grass.

[Joshaeus]

So tying the cork/stick the orchid comes on to another branch would not really help? Or am I misunderstanding this?

PS...almost forgot! Can you lay the cork/wood/etc directly in the drainage tray as long as the water was not directly touching the orchid, or would this make the wood too wet?

[WhiteRabbit]

Some may grow in more directions, especially divisions, or if some new growth dies. Either way, you do want to have some room for growth, especially for sympodial orchids (Dendrobiums, Oncidiums, Cattleyas are some). At some point, they may over grow their mount, and you can then attach the current mount to another.

This one I have I purchased newly mounted on the small piece of wood - it then proceeded to grow in the opposite direction that had been anticipated, so the most recent growth was growing beyond the end of the mount. So, I attached it to this bit of plastic grid. Not the most attractive mount, but the plant has been happy enough.

[bil]

Yeah, I am not so keen on those plaque mounts. I really prefer mounting them on branches.

[cjm3fl]

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

Some may grow in more directions, especially divisions, or if some new growth dies.

Yeah.
I was looking at some of my new orchids, then a few of my older ones...and I realized I had posted a "mis-statement"...or that I was just plain old wrong.

Thanks for posting correct information, WhiteRabbit!