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.

Tom Keepin, 2003.