Orchids that grow naturally on trees are known as epiphytes. They are not, as people sometimes assume, parasitic. A host tree provides structural support, but suffers no damage from them. Epiphytic orchids prefer a position protected from the hot midday sun but exposed to direct early morning and late afternoon sunlight. In the Southern Hemisphere the best positions have a northeast aspect. In the Northern Hemisphere the best aspect is southeast.

 When the summer sun is directly overhead, the host tree's leaves will shade the orchid. The winter sun, with its weaker light intensity and lower angle, may shine more directly on the plant to its benefit ...