In their natural habitats, orchids usually grow high up in trees or nestled on rocky cliffs. You can actually recreate this exotic look in your own home by “mounting” your orchids onto branches or stones. It’s a total showstopper and a great conversation piece! Here’s my guide on how to get it right.
Orchids as Epiphytes
Most orchid species are what we call epiphytes. In the tropical and subtropical rainforests they call home, they live high up on large trees. This keeps them in a humid environment while the dense canopy protects them from harsh, direct sunlight. By mounting your orchids on branches, you’re basically giving them a “home away from home” that mimics how they grow in the wild.
What You’ll Need
To get started with mounting, gather these supplies:
- Your orchid of choice
- A sturdy branch, rock, or similar mounting surface
- Some peat moss (Sphagnum moss is the gold standard here!)
- A pair of nude-colored nylon stockings (cut these into strips)
- Some twine and a bit of wire
Getting Ready
Before you start mounting, give your orchid’s roots a good soak in a bowl of water. This helps them hydrate and makes them much more flexible and easier to work with without snapping.
How to Mount Orchids on Branches
When picking a branch, go for a durable wood that won’t rot quickly—oak, cherry, or teak are fantastic options. Start by placing some dampened moss onto the branch; you can secure it with a little twine if it’s sliding around. Next, nestle the orchid’s aerial roots right onto the moss. Use your nylon strips to tie the plant to the branch. You want it to be secure enough that it doesn’t wobble, but be careful not to tie it so tight that you crush the plant.
If you want to hang your new creation, just wrap some wire around the ends of the branch. Pro tip: Don’t hang it so high that you can’t reach it easily for daily care!
Caring for Your Mounted Orchid
Since mounted orchids don’t have a pot full of moisture-retaining substrate, their roots are exposed to the air. This means humidity is your best friend! You’ll need to mist the roots regularly with lukewarm, filtered (lime-free) water.
Because they love warmth and moisture, mounted orchids thrive in places like bathrooms or home spas. The natural humidity in those rooms makes your job a whole lot easier!
