Wednesday Works: Mounting Epiphytic Plants Like a Pro

Why Mount an Epiphyte?

Because some plants were never meant to be grounded.

Mounting mimics how these beauties grow in the wild—grabbing onto bark, moss, and branches to access light and air. It also turns your plant into a conversation piece that blends design, nature, and a little bit of wild rebellion.

A mounted staghorn isn’t just a plant. It’s a vibe. It’s personality on the wall. It’s something that says, “I know how to DIY with style.”

And it’s not just about looks:

✅ Better airflow and drainage
✅ More natural root health
✅ Stunning display that’s space-saving and pet-friendly

Materials You’ll Need:

Let’s get you prepped before we start channeling your inner jungle stylist.

• A wooden board or plaque (cedar, pine, driftwood—whatever suits your vibe)

• An epiphytic plant (staghorn fern, orchid, hoya, rhipsalis—you choose)

• Long-fiber sphagnum moss (your plant’s cozy, mossy hug)

• Fishing line, wire, or jute twine (for securing your plant)

• Wall hook or hanging hardware

• Gloves (moss can get a little mucky)

• Spray bottle (for keeping it all nice and misty)

1. Soak the Moss

Hydrate your sphagnum moss in a bowl of water for about 15–20 minutes until it’s soft and pliable.

2. Prep Your Board

Attach your hanging hardware first. Trust us—you don’t want to flip a plant-filled board upside down later.

3. Form the Moss Nest

Take a generous handful of damp moss and press it into the center of your board, forming a circular bed about the size of your plant’s root ball.

4. Nestle the Plant

Gently remove excess soil from your plant’s roots (don’t go bare—just shake off the extras). Press it into the moss bed like it’s settling in for a nap.

5. Secure It All

Use your wire or twine to wrap around the root ball and board, crisscrossing to hold the plant snug without crushing it. Wrap a few times, tie securely, and snip the excess.

6. Finish with Flair

Tuck in some decorative moss, shells, or even a small nameplate. This is art, after all.

Final Touches

Care and Watering for Mounted Plants

Mounted epiphytes love humidity, mist, and bright indirect light—so treat them like rainforest royalty.

• Watering:
  When the moss feels dry (usually once or twice a week), soak the entire mount in water or give it a thorough misting until the moss is saturated.

• Airflow:
  Make sure the plant has room to breathe. Good air circulation prevents rot and keeps your wall art looking fresh.

• Light:
  Most epiphytes like medium to bright indirect light. Avoid harsh afternoon sun—unless you're an orchid with tropical ambition.

• Humidity:
  They thrive in 50–70% humidity. Bathrooms, kitchens, or a nearby humidifier work wonders.

Best For:

🌿 DIY lovers who want something beyond the usual pot
🌿 Apartment dwellers with limited space but unlimited creativity
🌿 Anyone with a blank wall and a green thumb

Show Off Your Living Art

Tag us @PlantMyPlants and use #WednesdayWorks to show off your mounted masterpieces!
Whether it’s a solo staghorn or a gallery wall of mounted orchids, we want to celebrate your green creativity.

Forward this to your crafty bestie or that friend who keeps saying, “I want more plants but I have no room.” You’re about to blow their minds.

Final Thought

Plants don’t have to stay grounded—and neither do you.
Mounting epiphytes is a reminder that growth doesn’t follow a straight line. It twists, stretches, loops upward, and sometimes finds strength in the most unexpected places. Just like these plants, you can thrive beyond the confines of what’s “normal”—rooted not in soil, but in creativity, adaptability, and your own unique style.

This process is more than just a craft—it’s an act of celebration. It’s about turning living things into art, inviting nature into your space in a way that feels personal, expressive, and alive.

So grab some moss. Find a board. And let your plants climb, stretch, and show off—just like you. Because growth isn’t always about reaching the ground. Sometimes, it’s about reaching for something greater.