Bromeliads Rotting Palm Trunks

[Looking Glass]

Now that I have your attention…

Does anybody worry about this, or is it just me?  I’ve got lots of little broms and medium broms that would be perfectly happy strapped to a bare trunk or shoved in a boot, but I’m a little nervous about starting some rot and infection in the trunk of a palm tree.  They say you can just shove some moss on there and strap away, but I find myself a little uncomfortable with this.  

Can I just Jonny Appleseed these guys on various palm trunks with no worries?  Or has anyone ever had problems with rot or infection doing this?  

I stuck these in the boots of a roebellenii, but that about as brave as I’ve gotten so far.   

 

[Billy]

My uncle and I have decorated some of our Howeas like that just by wedging them into the boots and it hasn't been an issue at all. I've also used moss and decorative wire to strap them to the ringed trunk of foxtails and kings just to have some color at eye level. Some I have brought down since and placed in other spots and others have been strapped up there for years going through the "dead mother-pup" cycle. No issues at all. 

[aztropic]

I don't think there would be any issue. The fibers and boots are already wetted every time it rains.

 

aztropic

Mesa,Arizona

[Kim]

This occurs naturally in my garden and I mostly like the results. However one more prolific species has been growing in gobs on some very slender Pinanga leading me to remove a number of the younger epiphytes due to concerns about the weight of the water-filled bromeliads. I sense that would not be a problem for you.   I’ve also removed a bunch from my Cyrtostachys because I didn’t care for the look. Just be aware, once they are mature they are tough to pry off, so be sure you want them where you put them. No rotting issues. I am a believer in ornamenting palm trunks. Have fun with it. 

[Looking Glass]

I see pics like these (stolen off the internet) and it seems to work out ok, must be.  But I still worry a little.  
 

Some, like fireballs and Neoregelia pauciflora seem especially suited for this.   

[iDesign]

I personally love the look (shocking, I know). 🙄

I'd start with any palms that are already ugly though, like this lovely submission posted earlier by @Merlyn (which i digitally adorned via Photoshop)...

BEFORE:

AFTER:

As for health of the tree trunk, I have a friend who has decorated her Phoenix roebelenii trunks for many years now, and it looks fabulous. I would personally be more hesitant to decorate an already attractive trunk though. I wouldn't for example add them to my Teddy or Clinostigma palms for example. That's just me though... In the tropics epiphytes grow on everything and always look fabulous!

[happypalms]

I wouldn’t think it would affect the trunk just look the platycerium genus they cover palm trees in the rainforest and there a lot thicker and denser than bromeliads so start decorating those palms it’s prime garden real estate up for grabs 

[happypalms]

6 hours ago, iDesign said:

I personally love the look (shocking, I know). 🙄

I'd start with any palms that are already ugly though, like this lovely submission posted earlier by @Merlyn (which i digitally adorned via Photoshop)...

BEFORE:

AFTER:

As for health of the tree trunk, I have a friend who has decorated her Phoenix roebelenii trunks for many years now, and it looks fabulous. I would personally be more hesitant to decorate an already attractive trunk though. I wouldn't for example add them to my Teddy or Clinostigma palms for example. That's just me though... In the tropics epiphytes grow on everything and always look fabulous!

Hi Tracy I just love your creativity you’re mind must be one big garden in a good way you have a true eye for flare 

[flplantguy]

I would avoid any pre-existing damage to the trunk and use an area that won't hold water if you have doubts.  Also keeping organic matter from building up would help prevent any saprophyte activity, but like everyone here I wouldn't hesitate to mount epiphytes on mine.  I have anxiety and am an overthinker, but this is one I never worried much about.