growing chids on trees - Orchid Board

PMMI · #1 01-27-2009, 09:49 PM

I live near Lisbon at less than 1 km from the sea coast. The climate here is mild comparable to zones 10b or even 11 in the US.
I'd love to try to grow some orchids on trees but don't know the best species i should select and have doubts about the procedure (how to do it).
The trees I have available are open canopy type, like some palm trees, fruit trees and a magnolias.
Can anybody help me on this?

lobsterman · #2 01-27-2009, 09:57 PM

No expert, LMMI, but judging from your comparable zones (I'm in South Florida 10a-b) I would recommend dendrobiums. I've seen a lot of people around here with them strapped to trees with women's nylon stockings and nothing else. I would assume they need a lot of initial attention until well established. Most I've seen aren't the prettiest of plants, but produce fine quality blooms. Good Luck!!

lobsterman · #3 01-27-2009, 09:58 PM

Sorry, P.....MMI!

PMMI · #4 01-27-2009, 10:48 PM

Thanks lobsterman. That helped

Amanvari · #5 01-28-2009, 02:17 AM

Here is South Africa in a similar climate zone I have had great success with Ansellia sp. on trees. Of course Oncidium spacelatum (needs a lot sun light) is also a winner.

thakshila smith · #6 01-28-2009, 05:51 AM

We tie them on the trunk of trees .And attach coconut husks to the roots system with ropes. This provide ample moisture to the plant.
oncidumes and pigeon orchids grow well .And even phals can be grown . You can try even vandas and scorpio .
Do you get snow ? Freezing cold ? You can tie orchids on a tall wooden pole and bring it inside at winter.

Jkelee · #7 01-28-2009, 07:03 AM

Hello PMMI, I have mounted 'everything' on trees, as a test. And everything did great! Nobody complained

Good luck!

PMMI · #8 01-28-2009, 08:12 AM

Thanks guys. This is really great.

thakshila smith, no I don't have snow or freezing at my site but temperatures get as low as 2ºC in some winters with pouring rain and some times some wind. The average however is around 4ºC to 5ºC lowest in winter. In summer we get 28 to 30ºC full sun and low moisture in the air.

Jkelee, I envy you with all those beautiful chids. I'm a beginner with 16 Phals, 8 Paphs,6 Cats a couple of Zygopetalum and Oncidium in the house and 2 Sobralia and 12 Cymbidium outside in the garden.
I just came across some articles here in the OB of guys planting them on trees with success. I've looked into the matter just to find out that my environment is not so different from those successful chids growers on trees. Becasue I'd love to do it over here, but really don't know much how to proceed, I'm tapping on your knowledge to get is done.

Thanks, I'm deeply recognized for yourhelp.

Paulo

Ray · #9 01-28-2009, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jkelee

Hello PMMI, I have mounted 'everything' on trees, as a test. And everything did great! Nobody complained

Good luck!

How have they fared with the recent cold?

PMMI · #10 01-28-2009, 10:07 AM

I think your question was addressed to Jkelee, but in my case, even with the cold of this winter I let 2 Sobralias stay out in pots and they did pretty well. No apparent damage, light green leaves and new growth. At my site winter is more rigorous in January and February with an average temp of 5ºc to 6ºc with occasional spells of 1ºc or 2ºc during 2 ou 3 days. Rain yes I have a lot from December into April and wind from North some times pretty strong 30km/h maximum. I'm sure there must be some chids that could be happy in this environment, the trouble is that I don't which to select. I'm counting on you guys to help me out.

Thanks and best regards

Paulo