Palms and Orchids

[BPK Palm Addict]

I am thinking of growing some orchids on the trunks of a few of my larger palms. Is anyone doing that and do you have any advice. I would like to know where to start and how to handle watering. Please post pictures.

[Tropicgardener]

In my previous garden many of the palm trunks were covered with numerous different orchids. Vandaceous types were trained to climb up their trunks whilst others such as Cattleyas and Dendrobiums were simply tied on with old panty hose.

[stevethegator]

I've been growing a large dendrobium on the trunk of a Ptychosperma elegans for years now. The orchid roots have grown all the way down the trunk and into the ground!

It gets no special care, I just tied it on one day and left it. It's surrounded by some ioxora bushes so its not completely exposed

[olivier971]

An Angraecum sesquipedale in flowers on a Dypsis carlsmithii in habitat (Analalava reserve - Madagascar)

[BPK Palm Addict]

Steve, I think I going to look for a dendrobium and give it a try.

Oliver,

That is too cool. Thanks for the pic.

[mnorell]

There's a guy who has a booth at the BPK flea market with lots of orchids at reasonable prices. He can give you advice on what will do well on palms vs rough-barked trees etc. He may be there this morning.

[Moose]

Depending on sun exposure, Vandas & Cattleyas may be your best option. They like brighter conditions then most Dendrobiums. Stay away from Phalaenopsis as they prefer a much shadier environment. I am partial to the Vandaceous alliance as there are hybrids available that produce long lasting flowers and may bloom multiple times a year.

[Peter Pacific]

I have dendrobiums, phalaenopsis and these little tiny yellow and brown orchids that are endemic to the coast tied onto coconut palms. I just took this photo right outside my window, I didn't even have to get up from the computer!

Peter

[BPK Palm Addict]

Michael,

Thats a great idea. I think that guys name is Mel. He would be a great source for the best orchid for our area.

Moose,

Thanks for the input. I have several orchids in my outdoor shower but they only bloom once a year. Blooming more often is something that would be really desirable.

Peter,

Love that tropical view right from your keyboard. Thanks for the picture.

[Palmdude]

Here's some Vandas and a few other orchids I forget the name of

[Moose]

I have dendrobiums, phalaenopsis and these little tiny yellow and brown orchids that are endemic to the coast tied onto coconut palms. I just took this photo right outside my window, I didn't even have to get up from the computer!

Peter

Peter - I suspect that the orchid in your post is an Encyclia. Most can handle a fair amount of sun and thrive without much care once established. Usually they bloom once a year and have very pretty flowers. They are dainty in size. These would be best attached to a palm along a pathway at eye height so they can be observed while blooming.