Orchid and Bromeliad Stumps and "Logs"

 

At places in the atrium we have brought in old stumps from our yard or created artificial "logs" made of PVC pipe and rolled cork bark.  We encourage orchids, bromeliads, philodendrons and other plants to grow on these stumps and "logs" to simulate the way these epiphytes are found growing in any rainforest.  In the summer of 2003 I bought almost every bromeliad (hybrid) our local Wal-Mart put on the shelves in the garden center.  I have always been attracted to the colors and shapes of these interesting plants.  The bromeliads easily attach quickly with the aid of a dab of Liquid Nails glue and the waxy "blooms" are both interesting and long lasting.  After a couple of years the plants produced  inflorescences from the new "pups" which grow quickly around the base of the spent bromeliads.  The inflorescence usually last 3 to 4 months.  None of the newer plants bloomed the next spring and summer after they were originally attaached but after 2 years the new plants were fully in bloom.   It's a good thing.  I was prepared to go to Wal-Mart and buy more bromeliads come Spring!