Mounting phals on tree limbs?

[Carolsorchids]

Living in Southwest Georgia under the canopy of pecan groves with their graceful arching branches covered in plush green moss and ferns, it is hard not to envision orchids. I dream of them clinging happily to the velvety green moss alongside the delicate fronds of the ferns, yet, there are none. This is my dilemma. I don't know if pecan is suitable for orchids. Has anyone ever used a fresh fallen, moss covered pecan limb as a mount? There is an almost unlimited supply of them this time of year. I have no experience with mounting orchids, and welcome your input.
Many Thanks,
Carol

[Gage]

There are some trees that are toxic for mounting orchids, such as walnut. But I haven't heard anything bad about pecan. You can always try it with a cheap or "despensable" (forgive me) Phal. And you might want to use a knot or some other old growth, rather than a young branch with bark that might rot too quickly.

Are you talking about using fallen branches for mounting, or mounting directly to the tree? I think the winter in Georgia would kill a Phalaenopsis.

[Carolsorchids]

The branches are 8" or larger circumference. Orchids would be gorgeous mounted to the tree itself, but I am sure they would not survive the winter. The branches(which are more like logs) are covered with moss and ferns, seems like epiphyte heaven to me. I guess we will soon find out. If it works, there will be no shortage of mounts. Thank you for your assistance, and wish me luck!

Carol

[Gage]

Ah, I see you're wanting to mount to branches that already have things growing on them. Sounds beautiful! Maybe just treat it with an insecticide first? Anyhow, good luck and post pictures!

[Carolsorchids]

My staghorn fern is mounted on one of the larger pieces, and is very happy. Not sure if that means anything as far as orchids go, time will tell. Will post photos soon. Thanks again !

Carol

[ZWUM]

I'm sure mounting on an already moss covered branch would be a beautiful, but like suggested before a good drench of fungicide and insecticide would be a good idea.

Moss makes a great home for insects, like snails, that would enjoy munching on your plants. Even if the bugs in the moss choose not to eat the plant mounted to the branch you wouldn't want to introduce any of them to your grow space.

I've had good results with locust bark, sassafras bark, and arborvitae branches. The arborvitae branches work very well, after 30-45 mins in the kiln to kill any unwanted pests. It doesn't break down quickly and is very resistant to molds/fungus that appear quickly on other woods.

Here's a shot of Soph. acuensis that I mounted to a small twig of arborvitae about a year and a half ago.


A Bulbophyllo Imports

[bronco]

Hi Carol
I mounted 2 Phals on a limb on my Dogwood tree about 5 weeks ago and they are doing great.
Also just mounted one on my cypress fence slat.
here are a few pics

[Carolsorchids]

Hi Bronco,
I'm jealous! I would love to mount my orchids on trees! Not sure they would survive the winter here. I mounted one of my phals last week on a pecan limb, and found several new roots this morning! Phal's happy , Moss's happy, Carol's happy! I hope she will be as happy as your chids! Will post photos soon! Thanks again for sharing your pics! Stay safe, and know our thoughts are with everyone in the path of Isaac.

[bronco]

Hi Carol,
I am fairly new to raising orchids. I wasn't sure if the Phals would take to the tree or not. If you think about it,orchids aren't grown in pots with nature.
They naturally grow in trees and on rocks in the forest.
I think they look neat growing in trees. The one I mounted to the fence slat seems to be doing good also.
If we get a few cold days in Clearwater,I will just throw a blanket over them to keep them warm.
Thank you for your thoughts about Isaac. The people of New Orleans should be in all our thoughts and prayers for the next 24 hours.
Good luck with your endevors in mounting your orchids in trees
Bronco

[johnblagg]

hickory and walnut produce a natural herbicide in leaves and roots ... hickory especially and hickory trees close enough to pear trees can actually kill them pecan I dont think has nearly as much as the other two but is in the same family