A “plank plant” offers a visually engaging and distinctive method for displaying certain types of plants. This unique approach transforms greenery into living art, providing an aesthetic appeal that can enhance any room. The vertical presentation allows these plants to become a focal point, adding natural beauty to your home decor.
What is a Plank Plant?
A plank plant refers to a plant, typically an epiphyte, that is cultivated or mounted directly onto a piece of wood or a board, rather than being grown in traditional soil within a pot. This method mimics the natural growth habit of epiphytic plants, which grow on other plants or surfaces in their native environments without being parasitic. They absorb moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, and accumulated debris. Mounting these plants provides improved air circulation around their roots.
Selecting the Right Plants and Materials
Certain plant types thrive when mounted, including Staghorn Ferns (Platycerium species), Tillandsias (air plants), various epiphytic orchids, and Rhipsalis species. These plants are suitable because their natural growth habits involve attaching to surfaces, and many possess specialized root structures or drought tolerance that allows them to flourish without traditional potting media.
For the plank itself, untreated, rot-resistant woods like cedar, cypress, teak, redwood, or driftwood are good choices. The size of the plank should be appropriate for the plant, allowing room for future growth. Essential mounting supplies include sphagnum moss, which helps retain moisture around the plant’s roots, and fishing line or floral wire for securely attaching the plant to the plank. Mounting hardware, such as screws or hooks, will be necessary for hanging your finished plant display.
Step-by-Step Mounting Process
Carefully remove any old soil from your chosen plant’s roots, and trim any excessively long or damaged roots if necessary. Prepare your plank by cleaning it thoroughly and attaching any desired hanging hardware, such as a picture frame hanger or a wire loop, to the top back.
Next, position the plant on the plank, considering its natural growth habit and how large it might become. Place a layer of moistened sphagnum moss around the plant’s root ball to provide moisture retention. Then, firmly but gently secure the plant and moss to the plank using fishing line or floral wire. Wrap the line or wire around the plant and the plank multiple times, ensuring it is tight enough to hold the plant in place without causing damage. Trim any excess line or wire after securing.
Care and Maintenance for Mounted Plants
Watering typically involves soaking the entire plank and plant in room-temperature water for 15-30 minutes until the moss is saturated, then allowing it to drip dry before re-hanging. This soaking frequency can range from every few days to once or twice a week, depending on environmental conditions like temperature and humidity.
Most mounted plants thrive in bright, indirect light, though light needs can vary by species. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves and dry out the mount too quickly. Fertilize during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half or quarter strength, adding it to the soaking water. Maintaining adequate humidity, ideally between 50% to 60% for many tropical epiphytes, is beneficial and can be achieved through misting or placing pebble trays nearby.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your plant’s leaves appear crispy or dry, it may be drying out too quickly. Remedy this by increasing watering frequency or providing higher humidity through misting or humidifiers. Conversely, mushy parts or a foul odor can indicate rot, usually caused by overwatering or insufficient air circulation. Address rot by allowing the mount to dry completely between waterings and ensuring the plant is in a well-ventilated area.
Lack of growth or overall poor health can stem from insufficient light, nutrients, or humidity. Assess the plant’s environment and adjust light levels to bright, indirect conditions, ensure proper fertilization, and maintain suitable humidity. Pests like spider mites or aphids can also affect mounted plants; organic treatment methods, such as wiping leaves or using insecticidal soap, can help manage these infestations.