How to Grow Orchids on Cork

Growing orchids on cork mimics the way they naturally attach themselves to trees in the wild.

Orchids are natural epiphytes, meaning they attach themselves to other plants such as trees to grow. Orchids never grow in soil, but they thrive when given an appropriate growing environment. Although cork is an unusual mounting surface, it is a healthy set-up that mimics orchids' natural environment. Mounting them on cork also exposes the roots to air, letting them breathe as they would in nature. It's also an elegant way to display orchids, especially when hung vertically on a wall.

Instructions

1. Remove a potted orchid from its pot, leaving the roots intact. Weave moistened moss through the roots. A ball of moss about one-quarter the size of the orchid's old pot should suffice, according to author William Cullina. The moss makes the orchid easier to mount and provides extra moisture, which a previously potted orchid prefers.

2. Set the orchid flat on the cork and wrap fishing line around the roots and cork to attach them together. Make it snug enough to hold the orchid in place but not so tight that it cuts into the roots. Leave the green parts of the plant free.

3. Place the orchid in a south-facing window that receives plenty of indirect sunshine. Protect it from sunburn with a sheer curtain at midday.

4. Provide at least 40 percent humidity by turning on a humidifier or placing the orchid in a bathroom window that receives plenty of steam. While all orchids need lots of humidity, orchids planted on cork need an especially humid environment, according to David P. Bank's book, "Orchid Grower's Companion: Cultivation, Propagation, and Varieties."

5. Set the cork in a bowl of water and let it soak for several minutes, two to three times a week. Mounted orchids need more watering than other orchids, but the moss helps them retain moisture. Drain it before returning it to its display spot.

6. Add fertilizer to the bowl once a week when watering. A fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, such as 10-10-10 or 12-12-12, is ideal for orchids, as long as you dilute it to one-half or one-quarter strength in the water.

Tips & Warnings

• Mist your orchid between waterings to increase moisture and humidity levels.

References

• "Orchid Grower's Companion: Cultivation, Propagation, and Varieties"; David P. Banks; 2004
• University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service: Growing Orchids in the Home
• "Understanding Orchids: The Uncomplicated Guide to Growing the World's Most Exotic Plants"; William Cullina; 2004
• Marble Branch Farms: Why We love Mounted Orchids and Why You Will Too!