Category: Tropicals

How to Mount an Orchid

Lately, I’ve been seeing mounted Staghorn Ferns trending a bit. Staghorn Ferns aren’t always easy to find, but Orchids can be mounted too. And since it’s something I’ve wanted to try for a long time, I’m going to show you how to mount an Orchid.

Last year, my oldest started building a shed. When he was digging the post holes, he pulled out some really cool looking bits of tree root. I decided to use one of them to mount my orchid.

I mounted an orchid on one of them. Many orchids are epiphytes, meaning they would normally grow on trees.

Materials to mount an orchid:

  • Orchid – most grocery store orchids are phalaenopsis which are perfect for this. If you purchase a different type just make sure it’s one that likes growing in trees.
  • Bark. You can purchase cork bark in pet stores where it’s used by reptile enthusiasts, or you can purchase from Amazon using my affiliate link here.
  • Sphagnum moss
  • Thread or clear fishing line.

I started by cleaning all the existing growing media from the orchids roots. And then I forgot to take any more pictures until after I finished.

Thankfully I made a video of the process. I sincerely apologize – I had no idea I breathe that loud!

I am so happy with how my mounted orchid looks! It isn’t quite as cool as a mounted Staghorn fern, but it’s still pretty neat looking!

Have you ever grown mounted orchids?

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Kimberley Queen Fern

Kimberley Queen or Australian Sword Fern – Nephrolepis obliterata

If you haven’t guessed by its alternate name, Kimberley Queen originated in Australia. Indoors this tropical fern likes bright indirect light, and is less sensitive to low humidity than the usual Boston Fern.

Why You Want A Kimberley Queen Fern

For shade gardeners, outdoors is where the magic happens. Kimberley Queen’s upright fronds are showy enough to live in a planter by themselves or as part of a group. In combination planters, the green fronds make a pretty backdrop for begonias or other shade loving plants.

Kimberley Queen is sturdy enough to withstand heat and some wind. Maintain it by trimming away scraggly or brown fronds at the base of the plant. With an upright habit this fern is best viewed at eye level or from above so if you are using it in a hanging basket, make sure it’s a low hanging one.

Propagating Kimberley Queen

To propagate Kimberley Queen divide it exactly as you would for your Hostas. For the fern at the top of this post, I removed the pot and used a saw to cut the root mass into quarters. A sharp knife would have worked, but I wasn’t about to dull my kitchen knives cutting through dirt.

I’ll have to trim away damaged fronds for the first bit but it was still an easy and economical way to get four ferns for the price of one.

Speaking of price – Kimberley Ferns are still newer to garden centers than Boston ferns and usually only available in larger sizes, so expect to pay more. You should still be able to find one in your local garden center.

I plan to enjoy mine on my deck under the maple tree for the summer then move at least one inside for the winter.

Additional Resources:

Casa Flora – Australian Sword Fern

Costa Farms – Kimberley Queen Fern

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