I'd like to mount my Angraecum Didieri...

[ALToronto]

...but I don't know how to attach it securely. It's in a pot now, and its roots spread out in all directions. And since it's likely to put out additional fans (I just have the one growth right now), I don't want to attach it by the stem. So is there a way around it? Or should I just leave it in the pot?

Also, do angraecums tend to grow upside down, like phals, or right side up?

[ryrycochinco]

I'd secure it right below the base, on the roots. But if it seems happy in it's pot, I'd let it be! As for whether or not it should be upside down is up to you. Mounting upside down will prevent water from collecting in the crown, and potentially causing rot.

[Ray]

Alla,

Angaraecoids tend to grow up, not hanging like phals.

As the plant is growing vertically, with the roots ranging laterally, you might consider mounting it on a horizontal "raft", rather than a vertical slab, to avoid breaking the roots. And if you do eventually hang it, the plant will slowly reorient itself as it grows, with all subsequent growths starting out that way.

As far as securing it is concerned, I find that coconut husk fiber can be a great help. I place it over the roots, then staple it to the slab. When the plant is grabbing it well, i just remove the staples.

Another alternative, of course, is holding the coconut fiber in place with several windings of monofilament fishing line.

[ALToronto]

Thank you both. I did end up mounting it this morning, on my living wall with all the catts. It's held in by an electrical cable clip at the base of the roots, and the clip is nailed into the wall. I'm hoping that new fans will be able to grow unimpeded.

It has healthy roots, although the bark medium was beginning to break down, so some rot has already started. This was my main reason for moving it onto a mount. Plus, the catts really love the living wall, so I figure that all mountable plants will make their way onto it or similar future walls eventually. Up the walls is definitely the way to go for me - no more room on horizontal surfaces. Here are some photos. First is a close-up of the Ang. Didieri, the second is a wider view of it among other plants.

[Leafmite]

Your wall looks very nice. I think the didieri should attach quite quickly. One of mine has roots attached to its own leaves!

[Paul]

Don't care for using fishing line, personally. I have too much issue tying a knot tightly with fishing line. I use regular brown cotton thread. Not only does it blend in with moss, coconut husk, or wood but it is easy to knot and, IME, by the time it wears/decays the plant has already attached its roots to the mount.

[ALToronto]

Can't wrap a thread around a wall. That's why I use wire clips - they're tight on the nails, but they can slide up and down, so they don't dig into the rhizome or roots. I tap the nails in, then push down on the white plastic clip to hold the orchid in place securely. Once it gets established, I can pull the nails out with pliers, or leave the clip - it doesn't bother anything.