Gluing Orchids

[Uechi]

I have seen several references that talk about using glue to mount orchids on wood or stone. Outside of the mention of clear silicone cement the only other reference said not to use resin based cements. Does any member have experience using glues, how did they work and what would you recommend?

[cb977]

I've never seen anything about this subject!

I know you can glue Bromeliads but I wouldn't do it with my chids!

[CoolPhrog]

Why use glue when God made zip-ties!

[Uechi]

The problem with zip ties, nylon stockings, fishing line staples etc is appearance. At least for the short term the mounting doesn't look very good. Once the orchid takes hold you can remove the ties. The idea behind the glue was to secure the plant without being noticeable and gradually disappear thru thru weather to leave a firmly secured orchid with good roots. I too am concerned about damaging the orchid that's why I'm asking about glues. Thanks for the responses.

[priz_m]

I wouldn't dare glue an orchid to... anything, I would think the chemicals in the glue would be fatal to it once it was absorbed by the roots.

How about clear fishing line? or that string elastic for beading projects? I bet that wouldn't hurt the eye (or the orchid) as much.

[RoyalOrchids]

I was going to suggest fishing line too. I like to use a staple gun. The staples are usually invisible if you staple over some sphag.

I'd try glue, why not? I'd probably go with Elmer's brand. It dries clear and kids eat that stuff all the time. I'd just stay away from hot glue. Anybody have any real experience trying it?

[Ross]

The reason hot glue is used for air plants (tillandsia, etc.) is because the roots serve only to anchor the plant. They don't function to absorb nutrients. Now with orchids, that's different. To glue roots of orchids is asking for trouble (in my opinion.) Glueing orchid roots will at least stop the absorption process, and may even kill off the roots. No biggie, with air plants, but is a "biggie" with orchids.

[kavanaru]

Ross, the recommendation I have read of for gluing orchids, is just to glue the Rhyzome (only some points) in order to hold the plant on the mount, but leaving the roots free to grow and develope as they do, when the plants is just tied up... However, I don't think I would do it

[brooke]

There was a thread on another forum where several people used either a hot glue gun or silicone glue but made sure they were attaching the plant on the rhizome or dead rootless pbulb.

Using glue to mount one of those long rhizomed bulbos might be my next project.

Brooke

[susiep]

I have attached orchids to trees before using Liquid Nails. It comes in tubes like caulk and is used for putting down tile (I think). It works great and doesn't adversely affect the plant at all. Just don't get the glue on the roots. I glued some catts on the trunks of Queen Palms and they look nice.

I used the natural bumps on the trunk to rest the rhizome or old pseudobulb on. I move it around until I find a position where the roots fan out in a natural direction. Then, I put a glob of the glue on the trunk where I have determined it will sit naturally. Place the plant on the glue and cover it with a little moss. Then I wrap it with that green plastic ribbon they sell at home depot in the orchid section. I like it better than fishing line because it doesn't cut in. I leave that on for a couple weeks or until it has gotten enough root tips growing to look stable. The tape is actually just to hold the moss in place. You can take it away as soon as it doesn't need the moss any more.

Here are some pics of one in my front yard. I always put them on the north side of the tree for extra shade. In the corner of the last pic you can see a little bit of the glue still. The rest of the glue has been covered by roots or bulbs. This was probably attached about 1.5-2 years ago. It was a half dead orphan so I figured what the heck? One last chance and it really took off. I have no idea what the flowers look like. Hopefully it will bloom this winter!