...like how one would grow up in a tree?

Wow! What an interesting thought. I've not done it, but... Going to honestly think about giving it a try! Several people on the Orchid forum, that live much further south of me, do, in fact grow in the landscape, in trees.
I would have to consider doing it on more of the houseplant level. Something that would come in/be protected through the winter.

Tiffany for the idea/inspiration!

I have some Dracaenas that have trunk-space, and palms, but not sure they are big enough, or how or where on the trunks to do it. Hoping somebody who had this idea a long time ago & did it might pop by with some pics.

I wonder whatever happened with this one? Found an old discussion somewhere from 9 yrs ago.
http://www.phalaenopsis.net/ph...

Mmmm, interesting!

I also have a Corn plant that has started looking like it needs some attention...Maybe a re potting, and a friend!

I have a vanilla orchid mounted to the trunk of a ficus tree , but it is still in a small pot . the tree helps support the vine.

I imagine with the right conditions it would work since many orchids are epiphytes and grow high up on tree branches and in the crotches of trees. It might depend on the type of orchid though and the plant it's being attached to, how much light the orchid requires, etc. and the important factor of good air circulation.

I'll be watching y'all experiment.

Cinda, if/when you'd like to share a pic of that, I think everyone would enjoy seeing it very much!

I got a small cutting of Vanilla Orchid (Vanilla planifolia) in a trade years ago but it didn't survive. I saw a large one at an orchid show once, gorgeous blooms and they smell so good!

Interesting idea for sure.

gardengus said:I have a vanilla orchid mounted to the trunk of a ficus tree , but it is still in a small pot . the tree helps support the vine.

That is the plant I was thinking would make a great trunk mount. Because the leaves are so pretty I would not mind it hanging around when it is not in bloom. Well that is if I ever got a bloom. I seem to kill every orchid I buy.

Great idea Tiffany.

I finally have an orchid growing some long, dramatic roots. Now I wonder how in the world to get them to grab another particular plant? Did any attempts occur in the past few yrs?

I have mounted orchids, bromeliads, and anthuriums onto trees and totems. The Vandas I have that grab onto things usually grab on to something that has coco coir or moss are root into them. You can mount them to the trunks of trees, but it needs to be a rough woody trunk. Growing mounted vs basket or potted requires a lot higher humidity all the time. This Vanda was mounted to a tree at the beach at a house we saw when we were walking by.

Thank you, Gina! That's pretty!