DIY Epiphytes Hanging Planter Box

You may well be asking - what is an epiphyte?
An epiphyte is:
a plant which grows harmlessly on another (usually a tree).
It derives moisture from the air, rain, and the debris that collects around it. They do not grow in soil.
The epiphyte family of plants includes many species of orchids, bromeliads, tillandsias, mosses and ferns.

To make a DIY epiphytes hanging planter box you will need:

a wooden box - an old drawer or a box made from pallet wood.

I used an old wooden drawer with the handle removed.

 First step:  dry brush the box with white paint for a wonderful shabby look..

 Once paint is dry add a plastic liner.
Staple in place and trim.
Add a wire hanger to the top.

Then a very thick layer of coconut fibre. 

Arabella decided she must help! 

By investigating what she thinks is her new cat bed!

Sorry sweetness but that box is not for you!

  Place a layer of moist sphagnum moss over the coconut fibre.

Staple a covering of wire meshon the front, to contain the fibre and moss. 

 Use wire cutters to make slits where you want your plants.
At the top I wired in place some spanish moss.
The second plant is Tillandsia aeranthos.

The plant on the wood is Dendrobium Tamara.
The yellow flowering orchid is Oncidium flexuosum.

The DIY Epiphytes Hanging Planter Box is on a covered deck with filtered sunlight with my other orchids in the collection, 

so Just a light misting is all the watering that will be needed.

You can use any epiphyte plant to create your own hanger.

I didn't put this one in the 'Epiphytes Hanging Planter Box', 

but I thought I would show you as it is a beautiful orchid.

 Wall or post mounted pot hangers are called 'Leyland Latches'.
Brilliant idea, really affordable, and perfect for a mini orchid collection!

Just in case you are wondering, this beauty is called:
Miltonia moreliana.

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