In their natural habitats, most orchid species aren’t actually found in the ground—they’re usually hanging out on trees or rocky cliffs. Believe it or not, your bonsai trees can actually make a fantastic home for these beautiful plants! If you want to give your orchid a more natural vibe, here’s a quick guide on how to mount one to your bonsai so it truly thrives.
Orchids are Epiphytes
Most of the thousands of orchid species out there are epiphytes. This is just a fancy way of saying that in their native environments, they grow as “air plants” perched on trees and rocks. Because of this, growing them in pots isn’t actually how they grow in the wild.
Mounting Orchids on Bonsai
To mimic those natural growing conditions, you can mount orchids onto stones, branches, or even your favorite bonsai tree. If you’re looking for the best candidates for this, I recommend checking out these species:
- Pleurothallis species
- Masdevallia species
- Trichosalpinx orbicularis
- …along with their various subspecies and hybrids.
How to Mount Your Orchid
Before you get started, give your orchid a little spa treatment. Soak it in lukewarm, filtered (lime-free) water for a few minutes so the roots are fully hydrated and flexible.
Next, grab an old pair of nylon stockings and cut them into thin strips—these are perfect for securing the plant because they’re soft and stretchy. Pick a sturdy, wide branch on your bonsai that can support the weight. Place a little bit of damp Sphagnum moss on the spot you’ve chosen, then gently set the orchid roots right on top of it.
Wrap the nylon strips around the roots and the branch. You want it to be snug enough that the plant won’t wiggle, but be careful not to crush the roots! Once everything feels secure, give the roots one last misting with lukewarm, soft water.
Orchids as Companion Plants
Mounting isn’t the only way to pair these two! If you have miniature orchid varieties, they look stunning as “underplantings” at the base of your bonsai. Just make sure the orchid still gets plenty of light and isn’t completely shaded by the bonsai’s canopy.
Caring for Your Mounted Orchid
Since there’s no potting soil to hold onto moisture, your mounted orchid will need a little extra attention. You’ll want to mist the roots daily with lukewarm, soft water. If you have a bright, warm bathroom with plenty of humidity, that’s often the “sweet spot” where your bonsai and orchid duo will be happiest!