+ Spanish
To mount your orchid in a log, piece of tree, cork bark or a tree:
a) Place the orchid on a ball of sphagnum moss by itself, or use less moss and place it over a piece of log or cork bark, or inside half of a dried coconut (so it wont retain water); spread the roots in all directions.
b) Place the orchid in the tree in a way that the center (crown) points to the ground, as they grow in nature. If you place them upright, the rainwater will be stored by the joints and crown and the plant will rot.
c) Tie up the orchid with the moss or the previous setting (a) to wherever you want with horticultural tie, fishing line or stainless steel plastic covered wire (don’t use natural fibers, they will rot with time). Don’t tie them up too tight because you can damage the plant, even cut it. You can use foam pieces to protect the plant at the points where most of it’s weight is being carried to prevent that the wire or fishing line cuts through the plant.
d) Apply insecticides systemic or barriers to prevent crawlers and other pests from reaching your orchid. For bigger pests, such as rodents or squirrels, sometimes our chili and soap spray helps, see Home Remedies. Any of these insecticides should be applied frequently, specially after waterings and rain.
You should keep in mind that mounted orchids require more frequent waterings because they’ll dry up faster since they are not potted in any media that helps them retain humidity. In high temperature and low humidity periods, you should place a bucket of water (with fert) beneath them somehow for the roots to soak in the solution for a couple of hours, or for as long as you consider according on your plants watering needs. Observe your plant and check if the water and nutrients it’s getting are enough looking at the color of it’s roots and the texture of the leaves, they should be sturdy.
This growing method is ideal for humid and warm weathers, where manual waterings can be spaced more days.
TIP: Cattleya and Vanda love being mounted outdoors!!