Ways to Plant Orchids

Tree Hosts

• If you want to simulate life in the wild, growing orchids on trees is the smartest way to accomplish this. Simply position the lucky orchid on a tree trunk -- preferably protected from heavy wind and direct sunlight -- and wrap biodegradable cotton string around the roots and trunk to attach the orchid to the tree. Over the course of a year, the orchid will naturally merge with the tree as the cotton string deteriorates. If you use another type of string or wire, simply remove it after one or two years.

Mounting

• You don't have to plant a tree in your garden to let orchids grow naturally as epiphytes because a slab of tree bark, or cork, works just as well. Wrap cotton string around the orchid roots and cork to encourage the orchid to attach itself to the wood, just as you would if attaching the orchid to a tree trunk. The exciting prospect with cork is the chance to hang the orchid dramatically in the garden or house.

Potting Mixtures

• When it comes to indoor growing, orchids require potting mixtures that mimic their natural habitat. Fir tree bark is common, but alternatives -- including peat moss, tree fern, perlite and charcoal -- are also healthy. Tree bark may absorb a limited amount of water at first, but this encourages the formation of new roots.

Ground Growers

• Though tropical orchids dominate the indoor scene, terrestrial orchids -- also known as hardy orchids -- grow in regular soil. This makes them easy to plant in the garden. Transplant them into a large hole with soil mixed with perlite or sand. This increases soil drainage -- a key to the healthy growth of most hardy orchids. A few wetland species, such as rose pogonias, prefer soil that's always moist.