thoughts on this Arachnis and what to do

[DirtyCoconuts]

in a recent wind event my big Arachnis maggie oei took a tumble and the two 1x2s i had anchored in the pot both broke.

it is about 5-6' of orchid coming out of the pot and now has zero stability. so, should 1) i just start cutting, 2) try to tie it up in a bundle and repot or mount it as one, or 3) other idea here?


here is the mess

Untitled by J Solo, on Flickr


she is a spectacular plant and i believe her size contributes to her vigor (always at least 5 active spikes, often up to 20) and so i fear that if i divide it up it will take a long time to get back to that.

the plant was in this configuration for 5-7 years. i know i made the setup after my oldest was born but not entirely sure when.

she is one of the best examples of the hybrid i have seen and so i also wouldnt mind sharing it too

Untitled by J Solo, on Flickr

Untitled by J Solo, on Flickr



so, what would you do?

[Roberta]

If it were my plant, I'd try to tie it up and remount to new supports. It's a magnificent specimen, much better to leave it that way.

[estación seca]

Can you tie it to a tree and let it go wild?

[DirtyCoconuts]

ES, I can but it really hates any shade. This has been in direct sun for years and I know if I don’t keep in the same it will resent that lol

I think I will follow the sage advice of Roberta and make a really robust stand/trellis and then do as ES says and let it go!


Thanks all.

I will update once I make a plan

[Keysguy]

DC- that thing is ridiculous!

My thought- get a 3-4 foot section of vinyl clad wire shelving (maybe 24-30" wide?). Wire (or zip-tie) it onto that as best you can and then put a hanger on the whole thing and find some place to hang it in the sun.

[WaterWitchin]

I'd make a wooden garden obelisk for it out of heavier wood than 1x2. Then put a couple of trailer or swingset tie-downs on two opposing legs.