Potting & Mounting Orchids

Orchids are captivating plants with diverse growth habits and stunning flowers that make them favourites among plant enthusiasts. While these exotic plants may seem intimidating, potting and mounting orchids can be straightforward with the right approach and materials. This article provides an introduction to potting and mounting techniques to help your orchids thrive in a home environment.

Mounting Orchids

Mounting orchids can be a beautiful way to display them while allowing them to grow in a more natural setup, mimicking how they attach themselves to trees in their native habitats. Here are some materials you can use to mount orchids, each offering its own advantages and aesthetic:

1. Cork Bark

• Pros: Cork is lightweight, rot-resistant, and has a rough texture that provides a good grip for orchid roots. It also retains some moisture, which helps orchids that need a humid environment.
• Cons: It can be more expensive than other materials and may be hard to find in large pieces.
• Best for: Many epiphytic orchids like Phalaenopsis, Dendrobiums, and Oncidiums.

2. Tree Fern Fiber

• Pros: This natural material is moisture-retentive, which benefits orchids that like a bit of dampness. It's also lightweight and easy for roots to penetrate.
• Cons: Harvesting of tree fern fiber is not always sustainable, and it can be challenging to find large pieces.
• Best for: Smaller orchids that like consistent moisture, such as Masdevallias and some miniature species.

3. Wood Slabs or Branches

• Types of wood: Oak, cedar, or other hardwoods are preferred, as they resist rot.
• Pros: Natural-looking and provides a solid base for orchids to attach to. Wood also holds moisture better than some other mounts.
• Cons: Some woods may rot quickly if exposed to high humidity for extended periods.
• Best for: Epiphytic orchids like Cattleyas and Vandas.

4. Driftwood

• Pros: Driftwood has a unique shape and aesthetic, with natural curves that add visual interest to the orchid display. It's also durable and rot-resistant.
• Cons: Can be harder to work with if the wood is very dense, and driftwood may have salt residue, which needs to be removed before use.
• Best for: Hardy epiphytes, like Vandas and some types of Dendrobiums.

5. Tree Bark

• Pros: Various types of tree bark (such as pine, oak, or even grapevine) provide a natural surface for orchids to cling to. They often have a rough texture, which helps roots attach firmly.
• Cons: Some bark, like pine, can decompose relatively quickly.
• Best for: Many species of orchids, including Bulbophyllums and some smaller Phalaenopsis varieties.

6. Clay or Ceramic Tiles

• Pros: These are durable, water-resistant, and can help regulate temperature around the roots. Clay is porous and can hold some moisture for the roots.
• Cons: Heavier than wood and might not provide as strong an anchor for roots.
• Best for: Orchids that tolerate drier conditions, like some Cattleyas and Encyclias.

7. Coconut Husk or Coconut Fiber Boards

• Pros: Coconut fiber is eco-friendly and retains moisture well. It also has a good texture for root attachment.
• Cons: May break down over time and needs to be replaced more frequently than harder materials.
• Best for: Orchids that prefer a humid environment, like Bulbophyllums and Masdevallias.

8. Metal Wire or Metal Mesh (Rust-Resistant)

• Pros: Durable and allows air to circulate freely around the orchid roots, mimicking their natural environment.
• Cons: Orchids need to be padded with moss or another medium, as metal can become very hot or cold. Avoid metals that can rust.
• Best for: Any orchid species, as long as care is taken to manage temperature and humidity.

9. Pine Cones

• Pros: An inexpensive and interesting mounting option, especially for miniature orchids. Pine cones offer lots of surface area for roots to attach.
• Cons: Smaller surface area than other mounts, limiting space for root growth.
• Best for: Miniature or tiny orchids that don't need a lot of space, like small Pleurothallids.

10. Rock or Lava Stone

• Pros: Offers a unique and natural-looking display, especially for orchids that grow on cliffs in nature. Lava stone is porous and retains some moisture.
• Cons: Heavy and challenging to hang. Rocks don't absorb much water, so they require frequent misting.
• Best for: Orchids that enjoy quick-drying roots, such as some Dendrobiums and Laelias.

Mounting Tips

• Preparation: Ensure the surface is clean and, if necessary, soak the mount in water to remove any salt or contaminants.
• Attachment: Secure the orchid with wire, twine, or zip ties. Moss, like sphagnum moss, can be added around the roots to help retain moisture.
• Maintenance: Orchids mounted on non-water-retentive materials may need more frequent watering.

Potting Orchids

 1. Recommended Potting Media Components

a. Bark

• Medium to Large Fir Bark: Fir bark is a common and effective choice, as it provides good aeration and drains well. Medium-grade bark works best for most Brassias, but if your environment is more humid, larger pieces can increase airflow further.
• Orchid Bark Mixes: Ready-made orchid mixes often include fir bark as the base and can be a convenient choice.

b. Sphagnum Moss

• Sphagnum moss retains moisture, which is beneficial if you live in a drier climate or if your Brassia orchids need a bit more humidity. However, use sparingly as it can hold water, and too much moss can make the medium overly moist.

c. Charcoal

• Charcoal helps keep the potting medium fresh by absorbing toxins and odors, providing a cleaner environment for the orchid roots.

d. Perlite or Pumice

• Adding perlite or pumice increases drainage and prevents the potting mix from becoming too compacted. Both materials create additional air pockets in the medium, encouraging healthy root growth.

e. Tree Fern Fiber or Coconut Husk Chips (Optional)

• These materials hold moisture longer than bark but still allow for aeration, making them suitable for drier climates. Coconut husk chips break down more slowly than bark, which can be beneficial for reducing the frequency of repotting.

When you talk with more experienced orchid growers, you will learn of thier varying experiences, and some of the other potting material they use in their mixes depending on the type of orchid they are repotting.

2. Example Potting Mixes

Basic Mix (Ideal for Moderate to High Humidity)

• 70% medium-grade fir bark
• 10% sphagnum moss (or skip if humidity is high)
• 10% charcoal
• 10% perlite

Dry-Climate Mix (Ideal for Low Humidity)

• 50% fir bark
• 20% coconut husk chips
• 15% sphagnum moss
• 10% charcoal
• 5% perlite or pumice

3. Pot and Repotting Tips for Brassia Orchids

Choose a Pot with Good Drainage

• Plastic pots with multiple drainage holes work well, as do slatted baskets if you’re in a very humid environment. Clay pots are another option that can help dry out the media faster, but they’re heavier and may be harder to move.

Repot Every 2–3 Years

• Orchids benefit from fresh potting media every two to three years as bark and other organic components break down over time. Repot when the potting medium decomposes or if the plant has outgrown its pot, ideally right after the blooming season.

Using the right potting mix and refreshing it regularly will support healthy root growth and help your orchids thrive for years to come!

Have a great week growing,

Peter Johnson

Orchids In Print

All products and photography are taken and created by us in our own facility.

Information and images sourced from writers experience, experience of other growers, and external resources.