Tiny little orchids found their way to us from South and Central America. As epiphytes, the orchids, which are a few centimeters in size, are ideal for cultivation on a bonsai. Read here which species are suitable and how to tie up the plants professionally.

Masdevallia species are suitable for placing on a bonsai

These species thrive on a bonsai

The following orchid species meet all the requirements to enter into a harmonious partnership with a bonsai. They thrive epiphytically, like to root in moss and keep their small growth height:

  • Masdevallia species
  • Pleurothallis species
  • Trichosalpinx orbicularis

The orchid species mentioned may serve as your inspiration, because they have numerous subspecies with other candidates for lifelike cultivation on a bonsai. For example, botanists assign more than 12 subgenera to the genus Masdevallia with countless species and varieties.

Preparatory work and list of materials

First immerse the pot with the root network in lukewarm, lime-free water until no more air bubbles rise. Then have these materials ready to hand:

  • Sphagnum or other moss
  • An old nylon stocking or special binding material from a specialist shop
  • A scissors
  • A spray bottle with soft water

Please cut the nylon stocking into small strips. Unpot the orchid to shake off the substrate or rinse with a gentle shower.

How to properly tie the orchid on a bonsai

Choose a stable branch on your bonsai as the location for the orchid, on which the flower stalks can grow unhindered. Place the moist moss there and place the orchid on top. With a good deal of tact, tie the plant with the nylon strips to the side of the leaf base. Cross the binding material at least once to give the orchid more stability. Finally, spray leaves and aerial roots with lime-free water.

Perfect for underplanting

If the filigree attachment of orchids to the branches of a bonsai is too tricky for you, use the tiny floral ones as decorative underplanting. Since the species recommended here also root diligently in loose substrate, this uncomplicated alternative is no less decorative.

tips

Tied to a bonsai, high humidity is essential to prevent the small orchids from drying out. Ideally, choose a bright, humid room as the location, such as the bathroom. In other living rooms, daily spraying with lime-free water is the most important measure in the care program.

Category:

Indoor plants