Can Dendrobiums be grown mounted on a tree in S Florida?

[Bill.Antalek]

A friend went to a home store and was told she could tie Dendrobiums on a palm tree and grow them here in S Florida. Is this true? The stalks seem to grow too long to do that.
She has them with a ball of potting material around them, and it has only been a couple days, but they may not be doing that well. I would love to do this too if it's possible.

[epiphyte]

Yes, it's possible. The trick is attaching the orchid securely enough so that the new roots do not break off if the orchid jiggles in a breeze or when watered. Top heavy orchids are sometimes challenging because gravity can topple them over if they are not securely fastened to the tree. Sometimes I mount them upside down and they don't seem to mind.

Here in Southern California, generally the best time to mount orchids to a tree is in springtime when new roots are just beginning to emerge. Sometimes I mount them in winter but it just increases the chances that the fishing line will loosen before new roots emerge. In South Florida, you have more leeway when to mount the orchid to the palm...but probably not right before or during hurricane season.

Here are some photos of orchids on trees and the flickr group for landscaping with orchids. For some additional mounting tips take a look at this orchids in the garden page.

[Kathy-WPalmBeach]

If you are in S FL, call RF Orchids and ask for a garden tour. You will see many orchids mounted and growing on trees. It is a beautiful site and the garden is breathtaking.