How to Grow Orchids Without a Medium

Trim off any long, dried roots on the orchid with garden shears. Leave 3 or 4 inches of roots on the plant. Rinse the roots in plain water to remove any medium from a former potting and to make them less brittle and more flexible.

Wrap a length of monofilament, or fishing line, around a cork plank and knot it a couple of times. Place the orchid against the plank, orienting the orchid in the direction it naturally grows. For example, some orchids grow with the leaves upward and some grow with the leaves cascading downward. Wrap the monofilament around the orchid and plank four or five times near the base of the plant. Wrap it tightly but not enough to cut into the plant. Make four or five knots to hold the orchid firmly in place.

Hang the plank in an area suited for the type of orchid. Some orchids require shade and others can handle full sun. Provide protection from temperatures that are too cold. Depending on your climate, this may mean growing them in a greenhouse or bringing them inside during the winter.

Mist the orchid every day with a spray bottle and plain water. Mix orchid food in the water about once a month for nutrients. Follow the directions on the orchid food package for mixing and application instructions.