Everyone probably knows the orchid in a pretty planter or hanging from the ceiling. But how about displaying your piece of jewelry in a slightly different way for a change? Did you know that you can untie the orchid? Here it does not grow in the orchid substrate and pot as usual, but on another material such as wood or stone. We would like to introduce this idea to you in more detail and take a look at which materials and orchids are suitable for this purpose. We will then provide instructions so that you can try the whole thing out and tie up orchids.
Tying up orchids – for what purpose?
What may seem rather unnatural to you at first is actually quite normal for many types of orchids - although we plant them in substrate, that is not at all typical for these plants. In their homeland they grow on branches and provide themselves with moisture and nutrients there. However, in our latitudes the humidity is far too low for them, which is why we use substrate to be able to store moisture for longer without risking the roots rotting.
And this is exactly the point you should consider before you decide to mount your orchid. You need to be able to provide them with enough moisture. A greenhouse with a humid and warm climate is particularly advantageous for this. But a winter garden is also suitable if you have the orchid near oneSet up a humidifier. Otherwise, your plant probably won't last long. You could also spray the aerial roots frequently, but that might be very time consuming.
What you need for this idea
Which orchids to mount?
This means you can bind orchid species that do not grow in soil in their natural environment to other materials. But what species are they? Great news is that the most common and probably most popular type, Phalaenopsis orchids, are ideal for tying. But you can also choose Epidendrum or Cattleya for this purpose. Other options include:
- Angraecum
- Brassavola
- Tolumnia
- Vanda
Which material is suitable?
Another question that needs to be answered is which material can actually be used. A large stone, for example, is a good idea because its rough surface gives the roots wonderful support. Wood is particularly popular, and more specifically a branch or a root. However, if you want to hang orchids on a branch, you should also choose the right type of tree, because not every one is suitable.
Tying up orchids – which oneHolz?
Overall, you need wood that doesn't rot quickly. If you would like to mount orchids on wood, the following types are suitable:
- oak
- cherry
- Cap
- Teak
- Wachholder
- Citrus
Avoid treated, painted or preserved wood.
Use clay tubes
OneAlternative to woodare also clay tubes. These are offered specifically for this purpose. If you would like to mount orchids on clay tubes, you should keep in mind that they have both advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is that these tubes are not completely permeable to water. Because the water is stored, the plant receives a good supply of water on a regular basis.
The disadvantage, however, is that when the water evaporates, so-called evaporative cooling occurs, which some types of orchids do not experience at all. However, you can counteract this by laying out peat moss as a base. Moss forms naturally on the surface of the tube over time.
Also interesting:Orchids on a tree trunk: How to prepare and arrange the wood!
Tying up orchids – instructions
So that you can tie up your orchids correctly, we would now like to explain to you what exactly you need and how to process everything together. You should get these things:
- Ast
- Nylon stocking in skin color or transparent yarn
- Wire for hanging, preferably rustproof
- Darning thread (preferably brown or other natural color)
- Spaghnum Moos
1 – Submerge the orchid and its original pot in water to allow the roots to soak up. The purpose of this is to make the roots more elastic. Afterwards you can better remove them from the pot and substrate.
2 – Cut strips two to three centimeters wide from the stocking.
3 – Moisten the moss well with water and spread it on the branch. To prevent it from slipping, tie it in several places with the twine. Ultimately, the area should be large enough to accommodate all of the orchid's roots.
4 – Now attach the plant. If no one can help you by holding the plant in place, you can use other supportive devices. Use the nylon strips to tie the plant and its roots tightly.Important: The roots of the orchid break quite quickly. Therefore, do not apply pressure or pull the strips too tightly.
5 – Tie wire around the ends of the branch. In this way you canThen hang the plant up. However, this step is optional because the branch can also stand if you have fixed everything in a stable position.
Also read:Hanging orchids without soil: Helpful tips on how to create an oasis!
