 |
 |
Many orchids are epiphytic, meaning that they grow in the air - in the crooks of trees up in the canopy above the forest floor. Pollinators become trained to look up for the beautiful exotic flowers. When Marguerite Webb taught us a simple technique for mounting miniature orchids so that they could be hung from the wall, a plant rack, or even a shower rod, we knew we were finally seeing them as they were meant to be seen.
Depending on the varieties of orchid, they can either be mounted on pieces of natural cork or tree fern bark. Care is relatively simple but varies from species to species in terms of watering and fertilizing needs. With hundreds of miniature varieties whose flower spikes are less than six inches tall, finding room for dozens of them is possible even for the most space-challenged orchid lover.
Grow mounted orchids indoors in cooler climates although they can go outside when danger of frost is passed (temperatures should be above 48° F at night). Choose a protected area such as a porch or in the shade of a tree where squirrels won't be likely to pilfer your precious little plants. A 10 to 15 degree drop from daytime to nighttime temperatures triggers blooms.
Miniature Orchids for mounting on cork:
Aerangis biloba
Angraecum didieri
Dendrobium bellatulum
Dendrobium toressae
Sophronitis cernua
Miniature Orchids for mounting on tree fern:
Barbosella cogniauxia
Cirrhopetalum tingabarinum
Isabelia pulchella
Epidendrum porpax
Scaphosepalum rapax
Materials:
Sphagnum moss
Six inch long pieces of natural cork (for orchids that prefer to dry out between waterings) or tree fern (for orchids that want to retain moisture), available through garden centers and orchid specialists
Monofilament fishing line
16 gauge wire
Wire cutters
Scissors
Labels (optional)
Directions:
1. Pad orchid's pseudobulbs with a small amount of sphagnum moss.
2. Place padded orchid against one side of mount (cork or tree fern, depending on the variety of orchid). Gently wrap an 18 inch piece of fishing line several times around orchid and moss, then wrap remaining line around mount. Tie to secure orchid to mount. Trim excess fishing line with scissors.
3. Cut piece of 16 gauge wire and bend into an S-hook for hanging orchid. Attach to back side of mount by pushing one end of S-hook into the mount.
4. Attach a label (optional).
5. Orchid should begin forming new roots in a few weeks and eventually will attach itself to mount. At that point, fishing line can be cut away.
Special Thanks:
Marguerite Webb
J&L Orchids
20 Sherwood Road
Easton, CT 06612
phone 203- 261-3772