Phals grown as in nature

[Sakkie]

Hi,I am interested in growing Phalaenopsis in a tank,but not in a pot-maybe attached to a dry branch.Is it possible?I do not have a tank yet,but planning to build one.Any advice and tips welcome.

[Tindomul]

Welcome to the Orchid Board. The answer to your question is YES! We have an entire sub-forum that treats the subject of growing in tanks, and naturalistic setups.
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ium-gardening/

I myself was able to grow a miniature cattleya hybrid on a piece of drift wood inside a tank, and within months had attached itself with many roots. Some orchids are more willing than others to attach themselves, but most of them do it in the long run. All they need is plenty of air movement, humidity, water, and lighting as necessary for that particular plant.

[shakkai]

Some of my Phals are mounted....





Mostly the smaller growing species, but if you have enough room in the tank, there isn't any reason that larger ones couldn't also be grown this way.

[cb977]

Hi and welcome to Orchidboard

As Tindo said...check out our Terrarium Growing forum, you'll find lots of great information
Are you growing any orchids now, out of the tank?

If you need help with anything, let us lnow

I have one or two mounted phals but most of Phal species are in small baskets with sphag moss, hung from the side rather than the top:

[Ross]

Originally Posted by cb977

I have one or two mounted phals but most of Phal species are in small baskets with sphag moss, hung from the side rather than the top:

I personally think they look better this way. I just wish I had the space to do this.

[Tindomul]

Very nice P. bellina / volaceae? sue. I like that arrangement. How do you keep the insides of the pots from falling out?

[cb977]

They're tied in with twist tie. The plants love being hung this way...and I got the idea from our good friend Gin

Tin, this bellina is a total mystery to me at this point, check out this thread:
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...na-blooms.html

Sakkie, sorry to your thread

[Sakkie]

Thanks for all your replies.I went to mistkings website and saw some lovely pictures,which gave me another idea.Adding some poison dart frogs ,that is if I can found some in South Africa.Wont they sort of keep the tank pest free? I found a tank by the way and will start soon.

[Tindomul]

Possibly. If the pests move around alot. Look into Mantella frogs. They are the poison darts of Madagascar. Very pretty too. Same size, just need cooler environment. Good if you want to grow and cool growing orchids.

[Dorothy]

Those mantella frogs are cute little buggers -
Pictures: Mantella frogs in Madagascar
Mantella frogs - Google Image Search