How to Plant Orchid in Tree
Planting orchids in trees adds a touch of elegance and natural beauty to your garden. These wonderful plants are epiphytic, meaning that they grow on other plants such as trees without harming them. With proper care, your orchids can thrive and bloom on their host tree. Here is a guide on how to plant orchid in a tree and keep them healthy.
Choose the Right Host Tree
When selecting a tree to plant your orchid, choose a healthy one that can support the weight of the plant. Ideally, the tree should be tall enough to provide adequate ventilation and sunlight to your orchid. Also, avoid trees with rough bark as they can damage your orchid. Smooth barked trees such as palm trees, paperbark, and gum trees are the best for planting orchids.
Prepare Your Orchid
Before planting your orchid, it's essential to prepare it for the new environment. Remove any dead or damaged roots and cut off the spikes and dead flowers. This will encourage healthy growth and blooming. Make sure you have the right orchid mix, use sphagnum moss or coconut husk as it helps retain moisture and regulate temperature.
Attach Your Orchid to the Tree
You will need to tie your orchid onto the tree using fishing line or twine. Wrap the line around the base of the plant and tie it to a branch or the trunk of the tree. Make sure you tie it tightly enough to keep the orchid in place, but not too tight that it damages the plant.
Maintain the Orchid in Tree
Orchids require regular watering, and you must water them regularly to keep them healthy. Check the moisture levels twice every week and water if the soil feels dry below one inch. It is important to avoid overwatering as this will damage the roots. Similarly, avoid fertilizing the orchid for the first few months and only use a balanced fertilizer once every two weeks. Maintain adequate light and humidity for your orchids to thrive, and regularly check for pests and diseases.
Conclusion
Planting orchids in trees is an easy way to create a stunning garden. With a little care and attention, your orchids will thrive and bloom for years to come. Start by choosing the right host tree, preparing your orchid, attaching it to the tree, and then maintaining it properly. Enjoy the natural beauty of your garden with orchids in tree.