Mopane Roots – Natural Mounts for Epiphytic Orchids
Sourced from the African mopane tree (Colophospermum mopane), mopane roots are one of the most sought-after natural mounting surfaces for epiphytic orchids. Their intricate, sculptural shapes mimic the branches and bark that orchids cling to in the wild, creating a growing environment that is both functional and visually striking.
Why mopane roots make exceptional orchid mounts
- Extreme durability – mopane is one of the hardest, densest woods in Africa and resists rot exceptionally well, even in humid orchid-growing conditions
- Excellent root attachment – the rough, fissured bark surface gives aerial roots a natural grip, encouraging fast and secure attachment without adhesives
- Ideal moisture dynamics – mopane wood absorbs a small amount of water and releases it slowly, providing a brief humid period around the roots after watering before drying out quickly — exactly what most epiphytes need
- Unique, natural aesthetics – every piece is one-of-a-kind, adding an organic, gallery-worthy display quality to your mounted orchid collection
- Long service life – unlike softwood mounts that decompose within a season or two, a mopane mount can last many years with proper care
Best orchids to mount on mopane
Mopane roots suit any epiphytic or lithophytic orchid that thrives with good air circulation and a dry-out period between waterings, including:
- Phalaenopsis (in warm, humid environments)
- Dendrobium and Bulbophyllum species
- Angraecoid orchids (Angraecum, Aerangis)
- Miniature and intermediate Cattleya alliance
Mounting tips
Attach your orchid to the mount using natural twine, fishing line or pantyhose strips, and position it so the roots can spread freely across the surface. Mist the mount daily in warm weather and allow it to dry fully between waterings. Soaking the mount briefly once or twice a week in summer encourages vigorous root growth.
