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re-potting orchids

Garden GuruGarden Guru Posts: 5
in Plants

hello, can anyone tell me if I can use a branch to hang moth orchids on without the use of a pot. I seem to think that I read an article some where, that said that you can place the moth orchid on a branch, and hang the roots over the branch, and put moss around the base of the orchid,  and then lightly spray the roots. did I read this or was I dreaming ?

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,138

    I've seen something similar at Cambridge University Botanic Gardens, but this was in one of the tropical houses where the warmth and humidity are so high they slap you in the face as you walk in - I don't know if it would work without those conditions.   Perhaps you could email them and enquire?

    image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • bekkie hughesbekkie hughes Posts: 5,294
    Ive seen that too so, no you werent dreaming! I would go with what Dove said about asking the experts, but i cant see if they grow in pots, why they wouldnt grow au naturel image

    Im sure i saw a programme where school children were growing them, they had them all hanging in a greenhouse, could be a matter of trial and error, i imagine they would need a lot of misting image
  • Garden GuruGarden Guru Posts: 5

    phew I am glad I was not dreaming. thanks for the info, I will try to contact Cambridge and ask them how they do it image

  • treehugger80treehugger80 Posts: 1,923

    I grow my moth orchids attached to big chunks of bark that fell off a rotting willow tree near my house, as long as you put a ball of moss under the root ball (spreading the roots out carefully, as they can snap easily) that way it holds a bit of moisture close to the roots and increases the humidity around the plant the moth orchid can get started on growing new roots to hold it on to the bark. you will need to attach it for the six months until the new roots can take the weight, I use fishing line as its strong, thin and clear. 

    keep it somewhere warm (18-25 degrees is great) and out of prolonged direct sunlight (as the leaves can scorch - especially in summer) and mist it twice a week and it'll grow great, mine even get a short summer holiday next to my waterfall once the night temps get to 13-15 degrees.

  • BiljeBilje Posts: 811
    What a good idea TH80, just yesterday I discovered the roots on one of my moth orchids had rotted, they were in orchid compost which I bought last year Year.I wasn't impressed with it as it wasn't coarse at all but it was all I could get. I repotted that orchid yesterday by having to bury it's aerial roots which isn't ideal. So thanks to you, I'm giving your idea a go. My other phalenopsis do really well so fingers crossed I can rescue this one.
  • bekkie hughesbekkie hughes Posts: 5,294
    In the absence of proper orchid compost (usually wgen ive knoced a pot over!) Ive used gravel, seems to do the trick image hope your plant survives
  • BiljeBilje Posts: 811
    Thanks Bekkie I'll try that. The only bought compost I've found that was of the right size was from a specialist grower at Harrogate Flower Show. I should have made a note of the nursery name. I use bark chip pings in the garden and often wonder if I could use them when they are weathered.
  • Garden GuruGarden Guru Posts: 5

    thanks treehugger80, I will give that ago and let you know how I get on,

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