AboutWayne King Expertise Any question about orchid culture. I have thirty+ yrs of growing experience,president 2x of our local Orchid Growers Guild,held a position in most all other offices associated with the Guild at one time or another. Head of Orchid judging team for local club meetings and some shows. Member of two Orchid Socities and local Rep.for Mid America Orchid Congress for several yrs.I have in my collection about 800 Orchid plants of all types.
Experience
Past/Present clients Previously an expert on expertcentral.com.
Question Dear Orchid Expert: I want to arrange some of my orchids on moss mounted in the niches of dead wood branches. Are there incompatibilities between orchids and any tree woods? As I am in AZ, mesquite and pine branches are readily available. If orchids do not grow well on these I can seek out alternatives when I go for a trip up north to Flagstaff. Let me know what types of wood are most compatible with orchids or if any type may be used. Thank You, Theresa
Answer Theresa, thank you for the interesting question. I would focus on wood that has a rough bark since orchid roots like to grow into crevices and highly textured areas. I have seen orchids do well on oak and fruit tree branches. I would avoid any wood that has a lot of sap or resin coming to the surface. To establish the orchids, you will need to keep the mounting material moist-- especially during the period of new root growth. The moss will help with this (as will coconut fiber), but once the root has grown into and beyond the starter material, it would be helpful to have a wood whose bark retains rather than repels water.
