The vertical houseplant trend is going strong. More plants on planks are showing up in garden centers and on social media. Vining plants are meant to climb. They grow strong aerial roots and attach to trees in the wild so they can get more sunlight. The plant’s leaves get bigger and its aerial roots grow like little monkey hands when it’s grown on a wooden plank. I assumed cultivating a plant on a plank was complicated, but found out it is easy. You can rig a simple vertical support set-up in just minutes with a few household items. My manjula pothos was the perfect candidate for a wooden plank. It hadn’t grown in months, but when I added a few chopsticks for support it perked up. Chopsticks only go so far. Here’s how to grow your plant on a wooden plank.
Plants that grow on wood, also known as epiphytes, are a fascinating group of plants that prefer to grow attached to trees or other plants rather than in soil Displaying these unique plants by mounting them to wood helps simulate their natural growth environment while providing an attractive décor element for your home
Epiphytes are plants that grow by attaching to another plant or object, rather than rooting in soil They get their moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, and debris around them. Many epiphytes originate from tropical rainforests, where the hot, humid climate is ideal for their growth
Some of the most popular epiphytic houseplants include:
- Orchids
- Air plants (Tillandsia species)
- Staghorn ferns
- Certain bromeliads
- Hoyas
- Some ferns
By mounting these plants to wood we can replicate the way they grow in nature. This unique display method allows us to appreciate their beautiful forms up close.
Benefits of Mounted Epiphytic Plants
Displaying epiphytes on wood comes with many advantages:
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Provides a natural-looking backdrop that complements the plant’s growth habits.
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Allows you to grow plants that normally require trees or other supports.
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Gives you a unique way to incorporate greenery into your living space.
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Elevates plants to eye-level so you can appreciate their beauty.
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Creates a visually striking focal point in any room.
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Makes watering and caring for the plants easier since they are removable.
Overall, mounted epiphytic plants give you a novel way to enjoy the beauty of exotic tropical plants even if you don’t live in the tropics!
How to Mount Plants on Wood
Creating your own mounted wood display for epiphytic plants is simple. Here are the basic steps:
Gather Supplies
You’ll need:
- An epiphytic plant like an orchid, air plant, or fern
- A piece of wood like driftwood, cork, or a wooden slab
- Moss (live or preserved sheet moss)
- Bonsai soil mix
- Fishing line or filament
- Optional: Wire, nails, hammer
Prepare the Mounting Base
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Select a suitable piece of wood that has some nooks, cracks, or natural shaping for the plant to fit into.
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Drill a hole if you wish to insert wire for hanging the mount.
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Drive nails partway into the wood (if using a flat slab) to wrap fishing line around later.
Mount the Plant
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Loosen any old potting mix from the plant’s roots.
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Place roots atop bonsai soil in a chosen spot on the wood.
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Pack more soil around the base to stabilize it.
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Tuck sheet moss around the soil to conceal it.
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Wrap fishing line crisscrossed over the moss and nails to secure everything.
Display Your Mounted Plant
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Hang the mounted piece on a wall or display it on a shelf.
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Place in bright, indirect light and water thoroughly when dry.
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To water, soak the entire mount for 20-30 minutes, then allow to drain and dry.
With a simple wood mount, you can display epiphytic plants in a beautiful, natural-looking way!
Ideal Plants for Mounting on Wood
Many epiphytic plants adapt well to being mounted on wood. Here are some top choices:
Orchids
Orchids feature showy, exotic blooms that look fantastic on wood displays. Popular varieties like Phalaenopsis, Dendrobiums, and Oncidiums grow well mounted. Ensure proper humidity and air circulation for your orchid mount.
Air Plants
Air plants like Tillandsia have interesting shapes and textures that stand out on wood. Their minimal soil needs make them ideal for mounting. Soak mounted air plants by submerging weekly and allow to dry before re-hanging.
Staghorn Ferns
Staghorn ferns have arching, antler-like fronds with fuzzy new growth that resembles a stag’s horns. Their large size makes a dramatic statement on wood. Mount on a vertical slab and hang in indirect sunlight.
Bromeliads
Many bromeliads suit mounted displays, like Cryptanthus species. Their striking foliage in shades of pink, purple, gray, and green look striking against wood. Water by filling their central cups.
Hoyas
Trailing Hoya vines can be trained to wrap around or suspend from wood. Let them cling naturally with their aerial roots or train onto mounts. Keep Hoya wood mounts evenly moist but not wet.
Tropical Ferns
Ferns like rabbit’s foot fern or birds nest fern have creeping rhizomes perfect for attaching to wood. Mist the delicate fronds daily and ensure the roots stay moist but not saturated.
With some creativity, you can mount all kinds of epiphytic plants on wood to create living works of art! Try experimenting with different pieces of wood and plant combinations.
Design Inspiration for Mounted Plant Displays
Mounted epiphytes present endless possibilities to incorporate living greenery in your home. Here are some creative ways to use mounted plants as décor:
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Hang air plants or small ferns in a wooden picture frame for a living painting.
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Display a mounted staghorn fern on an entryway wall as an exotic focal point.
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Arrange assorted mounted air plants on a tabletop or bookshelf for eclectic styling.
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Mount an orchid or bromeliad on a curved piece of driftwood to simulate a tree branch.
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Use mounted plants to add a natural element above kitchen cabinets or shelving.
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Place mounted epiphytes on the mantel or higher shelves to bring your eye upward.
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Cluster 3-5 coordinating mounted plants on a blank wall to create a tropical accent.
Mixing mounted plants with other décor like artwork, ceramic vessels, or rattan baskets creates a layered, organic look. The options are endless!
Buy or DIY Your Mounted Plant Displays
For instant gratification, purchase mounted epiphytic plants ready-to-display at plant nurseries or specialty retailers. There you’ll find mounted plants artfully arranged on wood backings for you to take home and hang up.
Or for a fun weekend project, try making your own mounted plant displays! As described above, the process is straightforward using simple materials and basic techniques. Crafting your own mount allows you full creative control.
No matter which method you choose, displaying epiphytes on wood adds natural beauty to your living space in a novel, eye-catching way. With proper care, mounted plants can remain healthy and thrive for years. Embrace this trend to enjoy lush greenery and the wonders of epiphytic plants right in your own home!
Step 2 – Secure The Board
It is okay to place the board directly in the soil. My particular board was a bit short and I wanted every inch available for the pothos. Strong packing tape held the board to the back of the plastic nursery pot. It was an easy and cheap fix. This short-cut works well for small plants, but a bigger plant will need a stronger anchor. Then you can either drop the big board into the ground or lean it against a wall (but don’t move the plant).
Step 1 – Organize The Stems
Vines should rest on or near the wooden plank. Loosen the soil and line the stems as close to one end of the pot as possible. This way your vines won’t have to stretch across the pot to find their support system. Make sure the end of the node faces the board. This way, you won’t have to twist the stems to get the roots to stick to the board.
Easy! How To Grow Large Plants & Huge Leaves on Wood Boards NOT Moss Poles – No Watering & Pests!
FAQ
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