Growing hanging orchids isn’t too difficult. And even if it was it would he worth it as they are just stunningly beautiful.
As they have a unique ability to grow without soil they are absolutely perfect for hanging baskets. Which is why they’re so popular for indoor and outdoor gardening. And also because of how easy they are to look after.
So if you want to learn how to grow hanging orchids this simple to follow guide will get you started.
Choosing the Right Orchid
Popular Hanging Orchid Varieties
To make sure you have the best chance of success with growing a hanging orchid you need to choose the right variety. Some of the most popular choices for hanging baskets:
- Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchids): Easy to care for and known for having blooms that last long.
- Cattleya: Have large and fragrant flowers.
- Dendrobium: Thin stems and groups of flowers make them a great choice for hanging.
- Vanda: Likes high humidity and grows very striking flowers.
- Brassia (Spider Orchids): As the name implies they have petals that are like spiders.
- Oncidium (Dancing Lady Orchids): Have very colorful and unique flowers.
The best varieties for hanging are probably Dendrobium, Oncidium and Phalaenopsis. This is because they are epiphytic, which means they grow on other plants rafter than in soil.
Vanda orchids are another good one as they have such strong and striking flowers. But do your research first and decide on what your conditions are and what you want your hanging arrangements to look like.
Setting Up Your Hanging Basket
Materials Needed
- Wire or wooden basket
- Orchid bark or another medium that is good for growing
- Sphagnum moss or Spanish moss
- A chain or strong hook for hanging
Containers
What you put your hanging orchid in is a big deal. Your basket needs to have good air circulation as it’s one of the main parts of growing healthy orchids.
Materials like wooden slats, net baskets or even specialized orchid mounts made from materials like cork or tree fern can are surprisingly good options. They copy the orchid’s natural growing conditions and support the roots as they grow.
Mounting Techniques
If you’re going to mount your hanging orchid then it’s best to wrap the orchid roots with sphagnum moss or coconut husk. Do that before you secure them to the mount and use fishing line or nylon cord.
This gives the roots support and will keep the moisture levels consistent.
Steps to Prepare the Basket
1. Line the Basket: Start by lining your basket with sphagnum or Spanish moss. As mentioned this will hopd on to moisture and be a stable base for your orchid.
2. Add Growing Medium: Fill the basket partially with orchid bark. Don’t use soil though the as it can suffocate the roots.
3. Place the Orchid: Carefully remove the orchid from its pot, loosen the tops and place it in the basket. Secure it by adding some more bark around the roots.
4. Top Layer: Cover the top with a thin layer of moss. This helps keep it the right humidity and also hide the pots.
5. Hang the Basket: Attach a chain or hook to the basket and hang it where it will get enough light.
Light Requirements
Getting the right lighting is another big factor when it comes to growing caring for your hanging orchid. Different varieties have different needs when it come to how much light:
- Phalaenopsis: Likes low to medium light; avoid direct sunlight.
- Cattleya and Vanda: Needs bright, indirect light.
- Dendrobium and Oncidium: Do best in medium to bright light.
Watering and Humidity
Orchids are sensitive when it comes to their water. Managing it properly will make or break whether your orchid grows successfully.
1. Watering Schedule: Water once a week for indoor orchids and up to twice a week for outdoor ones. Make sure you let the medium dry out between each watering as otherwise you run the risk or getting root rot.
2. Humidity:?Maintain humidity levels at between 50 to 70%. Use a humidifier or place the basket in a bathroom or kitchen window where the humidity is naturally higher.
Fertilizing Your Orchids
You should give your orchid a balanced fertilizer specifically for orchids once a month. This is a very simple schedule you can follow:
- Spring and Summer: Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks.
- Fall and Winter: Reduce the feeding to once a month.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pruning your orchid regularly will keep it in the best health and looking good.
Trim the dead or damaged roots and stems and remove any dead flowers as it encourage new growth.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves are often a sign of overwatering, not enough light or just that your orchid isn’t getting enough of the nutrients it needs.
Work out which it is through trial and error and then change how you’re looking after your orchid so that it focuses on the area that’s causing the problem.
Root Rot
Root rot is common in hanging orchids and usually down to overwatering. Drainage is often the issue but also be sure you’re letting the medium your orchid is planted in dry out fully between each watering.
Pests
Keep your eyes open for common pests like aphids, mealybugs and spider mites. If you find any infestation of pests then treat them as quickly as possible. Use the right insecticides or a natural remedy.
Extra Tips
Choosing the Right Location
When choosing where you’re going to put your hanging orchids there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Indoor Orchids: Put them near a bright window that has filtered light. South or east facing windows are perfect.
- Outdoor Orchids: Hang them in a spot with dappled sunlight as this copies how they would naturally grow.
Creating the Perfect Microclimate
Orchids do much better when they’re in a specific microclimate that is closer to their natural habitat. You can create one yourself:
1. Temperature: Keep the temperature between 60 to 80°F (15 to 27°C). Avoid putting your orchids near drafts or heat sources.
2. Humidity: Use a humidity tray or mist the orchids regularly. For indoor orchids a bathroom or kitchen with higher humidity is a great option too.
3. Air Circulation: Having proper flow of air will help to stop any fungal diseases. A small fan is a good way to get the air flowing.
Potting and Repotting
You will want to report your orchid every 1 to 2 years.
1. Select a New Pot: Use a pot that is a little larger than the current one and make sure it has good drainage.
2. Prepare the Potting Mix: Use a fresh orchid mix that is made uo of bark, perlite and sphagnum moss.
3. Repotting Process:
– Gently remove the orchid from its current pot and shake off whatever old medium it was in.
– Trim any dead or damaged roots.
– Put the orchid in the new pot and fill in with fresh mix making sure roots are properly supported.
Hanging Orchids Outdoors
Seasonal Care
Outdoor orchids need special care depending on the season:
- Spring and Summer: Orchids can stay outside as long as the temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). You can gradually acclimate them to the outdoor conditions so they don’t get to shocked and die when you do choose to love them there.
- Fall and Winter: Bring orchids indoors before the first frost. Put them in a bright, humid spot indoors.
Protecting from Pests
Outdoor orchids can attract pests. There are things you can do to protect them though:
1. Inspect Regularly: Check for signs of pests like as aphids, slugs and snails.
2. Use Natural Repellents: Neem oil and insecticidal soap work well and safe for orchids.
3. Physical Barriers: Fine mesh netting is a good way to protect your orchids from larger pests.
