Orchids, bromeliads and ferns are mounted. Why not begonias?
Materials needed:
Mounting board - of corkboard, cedar fencing planks, or wide wood pieces.
Typical size would be 6 inches wide and 12 inches long. (do not use treated wood for these chemicals harm plants).
Securing materials - fishing line, stripped pantyhose, or neutral colored nylon. (Twine rots too quickly).
Roofing nails or similar, with large head.
Sphagnum moss, moistened.
Begonia that hangs down, is rhizomatous or is self-branching.
Plants with small leaves work best; large leaves need large plaques.
Construction:
Place board on a flat surface. Drive four nails on the lower portion, two
on one side and two on the other to make a 4 1/2" square.
Place a 5th nail in the center but slightly lower than lower set of nails.
Place thin layer of moistened moss between nails.
Place plant in center of moss. Tie string to tie to one nail. Run back and
forth over plant 3-4 times. On final crossing tie string off to a nail and
make knot.
Place more moistened moss on plant roots. Cover completely.
Tie string to another nail and crisscross repeatedly using all nails to hold
moss in place. Plant should stay in place when turned over.
Fill pan with plain water (Optional: add 1/4 strength water soluble fertilizer).
Place board face down in water. Leave until bubbles stop.
Remove board bottom end first so leaves/stems won't be damaged.
Hang outdoors in shade during warm months. Protect from cold. Keep moist. Feed occasionally.
Mounted begonias add a nice touch to a garden and attract a lot of attention.
