Orchids Growing On Trees Commensalism – Replicate This Natural Wonder
Have you ever marveled at the sight of a vibrant orchid perched high on a tropical branch? It’s a breathtaking scene that many gardeners dream of recreating in their own backyards.
Understanding orchids growing on trees commensalism is the first step toward mastering this beautiful, natural method of cultivation. I promise that once you grasp how this relationship works, you can transform your garden into a lush, epiphytic paradise.
In this guide, we will explore the science of this unique partnership and provide you with a step-by-step plan to mount your own orchids safely and successfully. Don’t worry—these flowers are perfect for beginners once you know their secrets!
What's On the Page
- 1 The Science Behind orchids growing on trees commensalism
- 2 The Benefits of This Natural Partnership
- 3 Choosing the Best Trees for Your Orchids
- 4 Step-by-Step Guide to Mounting Your Orchids
- 5 Essential Care for Mounted Orchids
- 6 Troubleshooting Common Issues
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions About orchids growing on trees commensalism
- 8 Conclusion
The Science Behind orchids growing on trees commensalism
To succeed as an orchid grower, you first need to understand the biological “deal” happening between the plant and the tree. In the world of ecology, commensalism describes a relationship where one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.
When we look at orchids growing on trees commensalism, the orchid is the clear winner. It gains a high-altitude home away from ground-dwelling herbivores and gets better access to sunlight filtering through the canopy.
The tree, acting as the host, provides a sturdy physical structure but does not lose any nutrients or water to the orchid. Unlike mistletoe, which is parasitic, orchids have no “straws” to suck the life out of their hosts.
What is an Epiphyte?
Most orchids are epiphytes, a term derived from Greek meaning “upon plants.” These plants have evolved to live without soil, clinging instead to bark and branches.
They possess specialized roots covered in a white, spongy material called velamen. This layer acts like a sponge, quickly soaking up morning dew and rain before it evaporates.
By living on trees, orchids avoid the “wet feet” syndrome that often kills potted orchids. Their roots stay aerated and dry out quickly, which is exactly what they crave.
The Benefits of This Natural Partnership
In the wild, this relationship is a classic example of a biological interaction where one organism benefits while the other remains unaffected. This specific instance of orchids growing on trees commensalism allows the orchid to reach sunlight without harming the host tree.
For the gardener, replicating this setup offers several practical advantages. First, it saves valuable shelf and floor space in your greenhouse or patio.
Second, it significantly reduces the risk of root rot, the number one killer of indoor orchids. Air circulation around the roots is maximized when the plant is elevated.
Third, it creates a stunning, three-dimensional aesthetic. Your garden will feel more like a living ecosystem than a collection of pots on a table.
Natural Pest Control
When orchids live on trees, they are less accessible to common soil-borne pests like fungus gnats and certain types of snails. The height provides a natural barrier.
Furthermore, the airflow around the mounted orchid prevents the stagnant, humid conditions that many harmful fungi love. It is a win-win for the plant’s health.
Choosing the Best Trees for Your Orchids
Not every tree is a suitable host for an orchid. When observing orchids growing on trees commensalism in a forest, you’ll notice the orchid isn’t “eating” the tree; it’s simply using it as a sturdy platform.
The best host trees have rough, stable bark. This texture gives the orchid roots something to grip onto as they grow and wrap around the branch.
Avoid trees that shed their bark frequently, like some species of Eucalyptus or Crepe Myrtle. If the bark falls off, your orchid falls with it!
Top Recommended Host Trees
- Oak Trees: These have fantastic, craggy bark that orchids absolutely love.
- Citrus Trees: Lemon and orange trees provide great shade and a sturdy structure.
- Palm Trees: The fibrous trunks of many palms are perfect for root attachment.
- Cedar or Cypress: These are rot-resistant and provide a long-lasting home.
Trees to Avoid
Stay away from trees with very smooth bark or those that produce allelopathic chemicals (chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants). Walnut trees are a primary example of hosts to avoid.
Also, consider the light. A tree with an extremely dense canopy might leave your orchid in too much darkness. Look for “dappled sunlight” scenarios.
Step-by-Step Guide to Mounting Your Orchids
Replicating orchids growing on trees commensalism in your garden requires choosing the right tree bark texture to ensure the roots can grip effectively. Once you have your tree, follow these steps.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
You will need a healthy orchid (Phalaenopsis or Cattleya are great starters), some high-quality sphagnum moss, and a binding material. I recommend using cotton thread, fishing line, or even strips of old pantyhose.
Cotton thread is great because it eventually rots away once the orchid has attached itself naturally. Fishing line is more permanent and nearly invisible.
Step 2: Prepare the Orchid
Gently remove the orchid from its current pot. Shake off any old bark or moss and trim away any dead, mushy, or shriveled roots with sterilized scissors.
If the roots are very stiff, soak them in lukewarm water for ten minutes. This makes them flexible and less likely to snap during the mounting process.
Step 3: Position the Plant
Place a small pad of damp sphagnum moss against the tree trunk. Set the orchid on top of the moss, ensuring the “lead” (the part where new growth happens) is facing upward or outward.
Try to nestle the roots into the crevices of the bark. This gives the plant a head start in the attachment process.
Step 4: Secure the Orchid
Wrap your binding material around the orchid and the tree firmly but not so tight that it cuts into the plant’s tissue. You want the orchid to be immobile.
If the orchid wiggles, the new root tips will rub against the bark and die. Stability is the secret to successful mounting!
Essential Care for Mounted Orchids
Once your orchid is on the tree, its care requirements change. It no longer has a pot to hold moisture, so you must become the “rainmaker.”
Watering Requirements
In most climates, a mounted orchid needs to be misted or hosed down daily. During hot summer months, you might even need to water it twice a day.
The goal is to saturate the roots until they turn from a silvery-grey to a bright green. This indicates they have absorbed all the water they can hold.
Fertilizing Your Epiphytes
Since there is no soil to provide nutrients, you must feed your orchids. Use a balanced orchid fertilizer diluted to one-quarter strength.
Spray the leaves and roots with this solution once a week. I like to follow the “weakly, weekly” rule to avoid salt buildup on the bark.
Light and Airflow
Monitor the leaves of your orchid. If they turn dark green, the plant needs more light. If they turn yellow or develop bleached spots, they are getting too much sun.
The beauty of the tree mount is the natural airflow. This prevents many diseases, but you must ensure the tree isn’t in a completely stagnant corner of the yard.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best intentions, challenges can arise. Being an observant gardener is the best way to catch problems before they become fatal.
Orchid Won’t Attach
If six months have passed and the roots aren’t gripping the bark, the plant might be too loose. Check your ties and make sure the plant is rock solid against the tree.
Alternatively, the bark might be too smooth or oily. In this case, you might need to move the orchid to a different host or a piece of cork bark first.
Dehydration Signs
If the leaves look wrinkled or “leathery,” the orchid is thirsty. Increase your watering frequency. You can also wrap a bit more moss around the roots to help retain moisture.
Pro-tip: On particularly dry days, give the entire tree trunk a good soak. This increases the local humidity around your orchid.
Pests and Critters
Scale and mealybugs can still find your orchids. If you see white, cottony spots or hard brown bumps, treat the plant with neem oil or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Keep an eye out for squirrels or large birds that might try to pull the moss off for nests. If this happens, you may need to use a bit of chicken wire to protect the base.
Frequently Asked Questions About orchids growing on trees commensalism
Does the orchid eventually kill the tree?
No, absolutely not. Because of the nature of orchids growing on trees commensalism, the orchid only uses the tree for support. It does not take water or nutrients from the tree’s internal systems.
Can I grow orchids on trees in cold climates?
This is tricky. Most orchids are tropical and will die if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C). If you live in a cold climate, it is better to mount orchids on removable pieces of bark that you can hang on the tree in summer and bring inside for winter.
Which orchid is the easiest to start with for mounting?
The Cattleya orchid is legendary for mounting because it has tough, resilient roots and loves the drying cycles that occur on a tree. Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchids) are also good but require more frequent watering.
How long does it take for the roots to attach?
Usually, you will see new root growth within a few weeks during the growing season. Full attachment where the plant can support itself without ties typically takes 6 to 12 months.
Do I need to remove the fishing line later?
You can, but you don’t have to. If the fishing line is tight and starts to “choke” the growing rhizome, you should carefully snip it away once the roots are firmly glued to the bark.
Conclusion
Embracing the concept of orchids growing on trees commensalism is one of the most rewarding journeys a gardener can take. It brings you closer to the way nature intended these magnificent flowers to live.
By choosing the right host, securing your plant firmly, and providing consistent moisture, you can create a vertical garden that stops neighbors in their tracks. It’s a low-impact, high-reward way to garden that respects the biology of both the tree and the flower.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different locations and species. Every tree in your garden is a potential skyscraper for an orchid. Go forth and grow!
