Many tropical orchids grow as epiphytes with their long, thick roots far from the plant on branches or trees. The roots cannot spread as freely in a container. Below, discover how to hang orchids without soil and add a touch of elegance to your home!
Orchids are known for their showy, drooping flowers, which are often propped up for better visibility. Suspended orchids look the same from a height as they do in nature - the flowers don't even need to be stacked. As a vertical accent and space saver, hanging orchids are a great addition to any home. If you are looking for a beautiful houseplant to decorate your patio or even just a wall in your home, consider a hanging orchid.
Why should you tie orchid species to other materials?
Healthy orchids require frequent repotting due to their rapid growth and robust root systems. If you hang your orchids instead of potting them, they can survive on a flat surface for years. The rhizome of a sympodial orchid can expand and spread, so the plant is not restricted by its container.
Although this is exciting news for orchid lovers: If the rhizome grows over the edge of the pot, the plant needs to be repotted. The situation is different with orchids that are planted.
These types of orchids are the most suitable
- Angraecum
- Brassavola
- Tolumnia
- Vanda
- Phalaenopsis
- Epidendrum
- Cattleya
- Dendrobium
- Oncidium
Hanging materials
When choosing a bracket to attach it to, choose a sturdy material and a size that will accommodate your plant's development for at least a few years. When choosing an orchid holder, keep in mind that different materials are different in their ability to hold organic matter. Porosity, moisture retention, availability and price vary from material to material.
- The most popular material is cork because it has a neutral pH, is abundant, inexpensive, and readily available. It also has high elasticity and durability.
- While plastic and other non-organic materials can be used, they do not have the same organic benefits or ability to retain moisture.
- Almost any type of orchid looks beautiful with a Xaxim plate because it is naturally beautiful and elegant.
- Many gardeners use driftwood because it looks beautiful. Repeated soaking can remove excess salt, which could harm the orchid if you pick it yourself.
- Terracotta is an interesting option: it is cheap, easily available and permeable.
Tipp:Stay away from walnut and treated wood.
To anchor the orchid to the mounting frame and to give its roots a home, you need an organic substance. Choose one:
- Osmunda fibers
- Sphagnum-Moos
- The coconut phase
You will also need pliers, needle-nose scissors, and wire or fishing line to attach the plant to the frame. You have two options for attaching the item: either you drill a hole in it and make a hook, or you simply lay it flat.
Also interesting:Orchid leaves droop: why do they become limp and what can you do about it?
Hanging orchids – instructions
To attach and hang orchids, follow these simple instructions.
- Decide on a surface you want to mount it on.
- To make the roots more supple, first immerse the orchid in the soil for about 20 minutes.
- Coconut fiber or sphagnum moss should be soaked in water. The moss and fibers need about twenty minutes to moisten. Gently wring out the moss or fibers to remove excess water.
- Before moving your orchid from the pot into a holder, wrap the root ball with sphagnum moss to protect the roots from the abrupt change in air circulation.
- Attach the plant to the plate: Use non-biodegradable twine, floral wire or fishing line to secure the moss-wrapped orchid to the stand. Attach as much wire as necessary to hold your plant on the holder. Once your orchid's roots have grown into the support, which should take about a few weeks, you can remove the string or wire.
- Be careful to avoid new growth, roots, or sensitive areas by wrapping the wire tightly around the moss and roots several times.
- Secure the base with wire. You can then hang the plant like this.
Positioning hanging plants
It is best to place the orchid in a well-lit area protected from direct sunlight. A sheer curtain can be hung to keep light away from the orchid. Another option is to use artificial light in addition to natural light if the problem is the opposite. The ambient temperature should not fall below 15 degrees.
Note the following:First place the orchid in a slightly shady place - when the roots have grown, move it to a brighter place.
Keep the orchid in a place where it can be easily watered regularly, as orchids require this care. To water a hanging orchid indoors, all you need to do is spray it with lukewarm water.
Choosing a suitable hanging container is an important step if you want to hang the plant in a pot without soil. There is oneVariety of containers, including glass jars, wire baskets and hanging baskets. The orchid's roots need a lot of space to spread.
Attach orchids to the wall without a pot
Leave the plant hanging only with moss and wire
Create beautiful shelf for orchid species
Use old coconut as an orchid pot
Also read:Sugar water for orchids: No more limp leaves - enjoy the lush blooms!
Cover image: Birick/Shutterstock
