How to Create a Potted Curly-Willow Orchid Tree Arrangement

Orchid flower stems grow and are shown off to best effect when staked or supported in an upright position. In lieu of green nursery dowels or bamboo stakes, stems of curly willow can be substituted, for a more polished and elegant effect. The stature and dramatic shape of curly willow is effective in this role. Orchid stems can be fastened to the curly willow or simply wound through the twigs for a natural-looking support.

2 or 3 curly willow branches
Secateurs
Potted orchid plant
Plant ties, raffia or orchid clips
Decorative container

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the bottom of your curly willow stems to a length that complements the decorative pot and orchid plant they are destined for. Trim the bottom of the willow stems or stems with sharp secateurs to establish a height that will create a dramatic backdrop for the orchid flowers without overwhelming the orchid. Allow the tips of the curly willow to extend no more than 6 inches above the tip of the orchid flower spike.
- 2
  Anchor the curly willow stems into the back of each orchid plant pot behind the main orchid stem. Push the willow stem down into the planting medium until it hits the bottom of the pot. Try to avoid gouging the orchid roots when anchoring the willow.
- 3
  Weave the orchid stems into the curly willow lightly to secure the flower stem in an upright and slightly arching natural-looking position. In lieu of weaving the stems together, use short raffia ties, plastic orchid clips or green twist ties to connect the stems at two to three points, loosely and unobtrusively.
- 4
  Place the orchid plant with its willow supports into its decorative container, and it is ready for display.

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