Description
A practical alternative to tree fern orchid mounts
These 3D-printed orchid mounting plates provide a simple, adaptable surface for displaying suitable epiphytic orchids vertically. They are designed for growers who like the look and airflow of a mounted orchid but want an alternative to traditional tree fern plaques, cork slabs or wooden mounting boards. Each board is 10cm x10cm square as standard, however feel free to reach out for other dimensions as these are made to order.
Each plate has a generous pattern of openings. These give aerial roots space to pass through as the plant grows and provide convenient fixing points for cable ties, line or other plant-safe fastenings. The same openings can be used to suspend the plate, join several plates into a vertical chain or arrange multiple mounts in parallel.
Each pack contains five orchid mounting plates for £10.
Why use a perforated orchid mounting plate?
Many epiphytic orchids naturally grow attached to trees rather than rooted in dense soil. A mounted setup can keep the root system visible, provide generous airflow and create a natural-looking vertical display. The open plate gives the orchid room to establish without surrounding the roots with a solid, moisture-holding block.
- Root-friendly openings: aerial roots can be guided through or allowed to grow across the holes.
- Flexible fixing points: secure the plant without being limited to one or two pre-set attachment points.
- Vertical display: hang a plate in a vivarium, greenhouse, orchid cabinet or other suitable growing area.
- Modular layout: use one plate, link several vertically or string them alongside one another.
- Tree fern alternative: useful for growers looking beyond traditional tree fern mounting material.
- Five-pack value: create several individual mounts or build one larger modular display.
Ways to use the plates
The plates can be used individually for compact orchids, joined edge to edge to increase the available mounting area, or connected into hanging rows. Cable ties or suitable line can pass through the holes, making it easy to experiment with the spacing and orientation before committing to a permanent display.
They can also be used as a framework for a small amount of sphagnum moss or another orchid-appropriate mounting material when the species and growing conditions require additional moisture around the roots. The plate itself is a support rather than a substitute for species-appropriate care.
How to mount an orchid
- Choose an orchid that is suitable for mounted culture and inspect its roots before starting.
- Position the plant so that new growth has space to develop and water cannot remain trapped in the crown.
- If appropriate for the species, place a modest amount of damp sphagnum beneath or around the root zone.
- Use soft plant ties, line or carefully positioned cable ties to hold the orchid securely. Avoid crushing stems or roots.
- Use the remaining holes to hang the plate or connect it to additional plates.
- Check the fixings regularly and loosen, reposition or remove them as the orchid establishes.
Important care note
Mounted orchids usually dry more quickly than orchids kept in pots. How often they need water depends on the species, temperature, humidity, airflow and whether moss is used. Monitor the roots and mount rather than relying on a fixed timetable. This product is a mounting support and cannot make an unsuitable orchid or environment appropriate for mounted growing.
What you will receive
- Five black 3D-printed orchid mounting plates
- Price: £10 per pack
Orchid, moss, ties, line and hanging hardware are not included. As these items are 3D printed, minor surface and layer variations are a normal part of the manufacturing process.
Frequently asked questions
What are these orchid mounts called?
The clearest terms are orchid mounting plates, orchid mounting boards, orchid plaques or epiphyte mounts. These plates are also intended for people searching for an alternative to tree fern orchid mounts.
Can roots grow through the holes?
Yes. The openings allow suitable aerial roots to pass through or grow across the plate, although the direction of new root growth will always be determined by the plant and its environment.
Can I join several plates together?
Yes. The holes can be used to connect plates vertically or arrange them in parallel using suitable cable ties or line.
Do I need to add moss?
Not in every case. Whether to add sphagnum or another mounting material depends on the orchid species and the humidity, airflow and watering routine in your growing area.
Are these suitable for every orchid?
No single mount suits every orchid. Check the needs and growth habit of your plant before moving it from a pot or another established mount.
Are the orchid and cable ties included?
No. The product contains five mounting plates only.
