Some of the most beautiful orchids float decoratively on a branch in living rooms and winter gardens. This guide explains how you can easily tie orchids to a tree trunk and care for them properly. You can find out here whether Phalaenopsis are suitable for tying.
How can I tie Phalaenopsis orchids to a tree trunk?
To tie Phalaenopsis orchids onto a tree trunk, you will need a dried tree trunk, skin-colored nylon stocking, stainless steel wire, brown darning twine, sphagnum moss, scissors and spray bottle. Attach the moss to the trunk, place the orchid on it and secure it with nylon stocking strips.
Can you tie Phalaenopsis orchids to a tree trunk?
Phalaenopsis orchids can be tied very well to a tree trunk. This type of orchid is one of the epiphytes, known in technical jargon as epiphytes. Like all epiphytic orchids, a Phalaenopsis forms aerial roots. This specific growth habit makes it possible to attach a butterfly orchid to a solid surface, such as a branch or tree trunk.
What is needed to tie orchids to a tree trunk?
household materialsandsimple preparation work are required to properly tie epiphytic orchids onto a tree trunk. For the material list, please note:
- Dried tree trunk or branch of a durable type of wood, such as oak, cherry or teak.
- Skin-colored nylon stockings.
- Stainless steel wire.
- Brown darning thread.
- Sphagnum moss.
- Scissors
- Spray bottle with filtered rainwater.
Preparatory work
- Place the root ball with the culture pot in a lime-free water bath until no more air bubbles appear.
- Unpot the orchid.
- Rush or shake off the substrate completely.
- Cut nylon stockings into 3 cm wide strips
How do I tie orchids to a tree trunk?
It is best to tie orchids on a beneficial, softSphagnum support on a tree trunk or branch. How to do it right:
- Tie the sphagnum moss with the twine and spray with water.
- Place the prepared orchid on the moss.
- Ask a helping hand to hold the orchid in the desired position.
- Tie the water-soaked, flexible aerial roots with nylon stocking strips.
- Wrap stainless steel wire around the ends of a branch or tree trunk.
- Hang up the orchid within easy reach for later care.
How do I properly care for orchids on a tree trunk?
Ahigh humidity is the most important criterion if you want to properly care for orchids on a tree trunk. Humid rooms are therefore highly recommended as a location, such as bathrooms, greenhouses or winter gardens. The optimal water and nutrient supply simulates tropical rainforest conditions. Spray leaves and aerial roots daily with soft, room temperature water. Add a liquid orchid fertilizer to the spray water every two to three weeks. Repotting and cutting are not part of the regular care required for tied orchids.
Tip
Orchid basic knowledge briefly explained: terrestrial versus epiphytic
A look at the profile reveals whether a type of orchid is suitable for tying or not. The growth habit provides the crucial clue. If the orchid thrives terrestrially, the plant relies on substrate for he althy growth. In contrast, an epiphytic orchid grows as a substrate-free epiphyte that clings to branches with its aerial roots.