Orchids are one of the most popular and beautiful plants. But did you know that orchids have a unique feature? Unlike any other plants, they can grow not only in a pot. Here are some tips on how to hang orchids indoors and outdoors.
Hanging orchids are a type of orchid that grows and hangs from a pot or basket, allowing their foliage and flowers to cascade down. They are a popular choice for indoor and outdoor decoration due to their unique appearance and ease of care.
There are many different types of orchids that can be grown as hanging plants, including:
- Phalaenopsis: Also known as moth orchids, Phalaenopsis orchids have broad, flat leaves and long, arching stems that produce large, showy flowers.
- Dendrobium: Dendrobium orchids are often grown as hanging plants due to their thin, elongated canes that produce delicate, colorful blooms.
- Vanda: Vanda orchids have long, thin leaves and produce large, vibrant flowers that can grow up to six inches in diameter. They are often grown in hanging baskets with little to no potting mix, allowing their roots to hang freely.
- Cattleya: Cattleya orchids have large, showy flowers that come in a variety of colors and patterns. They are often grown in hanging baskets with a well-draining potting mix.
- Oncidium: Oncidium orchids have long, thin stems that produce clusters of small, colorful flowers. They are a great choice for hanging baskets due to their cascading growth habit.
When growing hanging orchids, it’s important to choose the right potting mix, watering schedule, and fertilization routine to ensure that your plants thrive. Most hanging orchids prefer bright, indirect light and high humidity, so make sure to place them in a location with plenty of natural light and consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water nearby. With the proper care, your hanging orchids will produce beautiful blooms and foliage for years to come.
How to Hang Orchids: No More Pots
Hanging orchids are grown likewise under their natural growing conditions. Mainly, hanging orchids are mounted to the surface or grown in hanging baskets. If you live in the right place and climate, you can even grow hanging orchids on the trees!
In nature, most orchids are epiphytic plants. It means they need no ground to grow, as they can be attached to any other support instead. About 70% of wild orchids easily grow on other plants or rock formations.
But no way, epiphytic plants are parasitic! They never feed on the organic matter of the plant they grow on.
Instead, they get the nutrients and water they need from the rainwater, air, and other types of nearby sources.
So, you don’t need any pots with soil to grow orchids. Just provide the closest conditions to their natural habitat. And don’t be afraid if your orchid roots are exposed as they get used to this way of growing in nature.
Pros and Cons of Mounting Orchids
On the one hand, growing orchids out of the pots have many positive points. You can create a nature-like place for your orchids and take care of them more easily. Wall-mounted orchids can be a part of the unique design as well. Besides, it is a good way to save space as you don’t need to place the flower pots here and there.
On the other hand, there are some specifics of growing orchids on a mount. As tropical plants, orchids need a humid environment. Unlike the potted orchid, the mounted orchid roots dry very quickly. Mention this when you search for the best place for hanging orchids.
The best place for a mounted orchid must be okay with some extra humidity, as you are going to create their nature-like conditions.
Water and mist your orchid’s roots daily to avoid drought. Water orchids with distilled water every day. But make sure the aerial roots are dry enough before doing that. Warm water is good for your orchids, but excessive moisture can cause root rot and stem rot.
NB: Remember that not all orchids like much light to grow! Too bright light can harm your orchid, dry out the root system or burn the leaves. So, it is better to avoid direct sunlight. If the place is too dark, though, provide it with artificial light.
Top 9 the Most Beautiful Hanging Orchids
To make the best choice, look through this list of the most popular species of hanging orchids.
- Angraecum orchids
- Brassavola orchids
- Cattleya orchids
- Cymbidium orchids
- Dendrobium orchids
- Oncidium orchids
- Phalaenopsis orchids
- Tolumnia orchids
- Vanda orchids
Which Orchids Are the Best to Mount?
Some orchids from this list are easy to deal with, even if you are new to the world of orchids. Such species as Phalaenopsis or Brassavola are the perfect choices to start hanging orchids. They don’t have any specific preferences and adapt more easily than some other species.
Other orchids are quite tricky to grow. For example, there are lots of Oncidium species, and some of them are terrestrial orchids. So, you must know for sure which species you have to take proper orchid care of.
Whatever orchid you choose, keep in mind that you need a healthy plant in active growth with a strong root system.
These are the main points to start with hanging orchids.
How to Grow Orchids in Hanging Baskets?
Hanging baskets is a good option for two reasons. Firstly, they look beautiful and stylish. Many people choose this variant for their home design. Secondly, it is much easier to control the place you hang the basket with orchids.
Choose the correct orchid hanging basket that is good for aeration and water drainage. Wooden baskets with slats are the most popular among plant lovers.
Fill the baskets with some substrate, like sphagnum moss or coco husk fiber plaques. This step can help you to retain water.
Hanging Orchids on a Mount
First of all, prepare the orchid mount. Cut the wood section of the desired size with an electric saw or hatchet. Then drill out a hole through the top part of the wood section. Thread a strong wire through the hole. Twist the wire ends together and make a hanging loop. Now, just cut off the excess length of the wire.
You can also use cork bar slabs or cypress bark slabs instead.
They are easier to cut and perforate, but they are also less waterproof. So, you will need to change them when it is necessary.
6 Quick Steps to Mount Your Orchid
- Soak your orchid for about 20 minutes until the roots become more supple.
- Clean out the orchid’s roots from the old potting mix. Just slightly toss the garbage out of the roots and then gently delete the remains. Now, remove the dead roots with the sanitized plant shears.
- Soak the base for the orchid roots in warm water. Use sphagnum moss or coconut fiber as the best base. Some orchid enthusiasts suggest using Spanish moss as well. It tends to fasten at the wooden surface, so you can get an extra fixation.
- Leave the moss or fiber to hydrate for about 20 minutes. Then gently squeeze it to remove extra water.
- Secure the moistened base. Take the fishing line or a floral wire and wrap it around the mount and the moss/fiber pad.
- Finally, it is time to attach your orchid to the mount. Place the roots around the wood base and cover it with some more moss or fiber. Adjust the placement of the base to the direction of the root growth.
- Use the fishing line to secure the orchid to the mount. Just wrap it evenly around the base with moss and the orchid. When using the fishing line, be careful as it can cut into the roots.
In a few weeks, the mounted orchids will be steadily attached.
What Benefits Does the Orchid Get from the Tree?
In the wild, many orchids grow on tree trunks or other objects. If your climate allows you to create a nature-intended environment for your orchids, it is the best idea to grow them outdoors on the tree bark in your garden.
An outdoor space is the most nature-like place to grow orchids. Remember that a tree trunk should be thick enough, so the orchid can’t do any discomfort to it. The tree must also provide good light conditions and air movement.
How to Grow Orchids on the Tree?
Attach your orchid to the south side of the tree’s trunk. A tree with smooth bark is the best for it. Secure the orchid with a nylon or cotton string. Check out these ties regularly and remove them when the roots are firmly attached to the tree. And, of course, don’t forget to water and fertilize the roots in time!
Final words
To hang or not to hang your orchids – that is your personal preference. But if you want to make a wild-like space for your orchids, hanging is the best variant with the high variety of trendy ideas.
To hang an orchid, you will need a hanging basket or pot with holes for drainage, a suitable potting mix, and a secure hook or hanger. Here are the steps to hang an orchid:
- Choose a well-draining potting mix specifically designed for orchids.
- Fill the hanging basket or pot about halfway with the potting mix.
- Gently remove the orchid from its current pot and carefully loosen any tangled roots.
- Place the orchid in the hanging basket or pot and add more potting mix around the roots, making sure not to bury the base of the plant.
- Water the orchid thoroughly, allowing any excess water to drain from the bottom of the pot.
- Hang the basket or pot from a secure hook or hanger in a location with bright, indirect light.
- Water the orchid regularly, but be careful not to let the potting mix dry out completely.
By following these steps, you can successfully hang an orchid and enjoy its cascading foliage and blooms.
How do you hang an orchid in a hanging basket?
Fill a hanging basket with a well-draining potting mix. Place the orchid in the basket, adjusting the roots and mix as needed, then water it well. Hang the basket in a bright, but shaded location with good air flow.
Do orchids like to hang upside down?
No, orchids do not naturally grow upside down and may not survive long in that position.
How often do you water hanging orchids?
It depends on several factors, such as temperature, humidity, light, and the size of the pot. As a general rule, water hanging orchids once a week, allowing the potting mix to dry out slightly between waterings. Check the roots regularly and water more frequently if they appear dry.
How do you water a hanging orchid?
Water a hanging orchid by thoroughly soaking the potting mix until water drains from the bottom of the basket. Do not let the orchid sit in water, as this can cause root rot. After watering, gently shake the basket to remove excess water and allow it to drain completely before hanging it back up.