How to Grow Orchids on Mounds

Raised mounds are very effective for growing orchids. The raised mounds provide the well-draining soil that orchids need to stay healthy. Orchids have a reputation for being difficult to grow because they have such specific humidity, light and moisture requirements. Of the thousands of orchid species that exist, many are native to warm tropical and subtropical regions, but some hardy orchids may be grown outside on mounds. Plant only terrestrial orchids in outdoor mounds; these are the only types of orchids that grow in soil.

Shovel
Bucket
Sand

Instructions

- 1
  Find a site in the yard where orchid plants will receive partial sunlight. Too much light will cause orchid leaves to turn whitish or bleached in appearance.
- 2
  Dig up 3 to 4 inches of soil from the area, approximately 6 inches in diameter, with a shovel. Place the soil in a bucket as you dig.
- 3
  Add 3 cups of sand to make the soil more free-draining for the orchid plant.
- 4
  Backfill the hole you dug with the soil and sand mixture, pouring enough material to raise the mound 3 to 4 inches above the soil line.
- 5
  Plant a terrestrial orchid that is suitable for outdoor growing in the middle of the mound. The Chinese ground orchid (Bletilla striata), also known as the hardy orchid, is very easy to grow and well suited to outdoor growth. Orchids are propagated by seed and cuttings.
- 6
  Pour the remainder of the sand and soil mixture on top of the hole to create a raised mound that rises 6 to 8 inches above the soil line, covering the seed or surrounding the cutting you just planted. If you need additional soil to get the height you want, dig it up from elsewhere in the garden.
- 7
  Pack down the mound with your hands and form it into a solid, rounded shape.
- 8
  Water the mound to moisten it. Add another 1 to 2 inches of soil as needed after the soil settles.

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