Dan's Papers - August 31, 2007 - The Orchid Obsession

From one of the world's most popular flavors (vanilla, anyone?) to the focus of a best-selling book's gardener's obsession (see Susan Orlean), orchids have the ability to entrance. Orchids are indisputably one of the world's most exotic and exquisite plants. Fortunately, the beauty of these plants has been recognized in the mainstream - this popularity coupled with the range of the global market has allowed for a variety of orchids to be widely available at gardening centers.

Orchids grow on every continent besides Antarctica. Additionally, with over 25,000 different species, orchids are one of the largest flowering plant families. So why the mystique? Perhaps it is the unique look of the orchid - long stems, shooting base leaves and a sprinkling of just one, two or three buds. The dramatically vibrant deep or bright petal color becomes a delicate, yet shocking focal point. Maybe the flower shape itself, with fragile arms outstretched and writhing or funny shapes resembling bumblebees or our own faces and reproductive organs. Or perhaps the orchid's very nature attracts us. With their ability to use fungi for nutrients and a special relationship with pollinators (some species will even entrap their insect or bird helpers to get their reproduction going), they are considered one of the most evolutionary advanced plant species. Why not try growing an orchid in your home and catch an obsession so powerful that it sent Victorian travels on desperate trans-Atlantic voyages?

Although one could try growing orchids from seed, this is certainly not the beginner's route. The seed is nearly a dust particle and lacks the nutrients common in most flower seeds. Extremely sterile conditions are necessary to ensure growth. If the seed does take, it will require at least three years from this point until the first buds appear. So, the best place to start your collection is your local gardening center. The most successful home varieties to start with are phalaenopsis and lady's slipper, but speak to a representative in the center about whichever plant strikes your interest to see if it's suitable for your needs.

Orchids, like nearly all flowering plants, need much attention paid to their lighting needs. Indoor flowers require a lot of light so be sure to place your new plant by a south-facing window where it will receive indirect light all day long. Leaves of most species should be encouraged to darken with plum tones in spots or along the total stem as this light level promotes flowering. However, if leaves begin to yellow or suddenly develop brown or orange splotches, the light is too intense. Quickly remove the plant from this area or you may irrevocably damage it. If the leaves become a darker, emerald green, the plant is likely receiving insufficient light. Fortunately, most plants will not die in this situation, but flowering will not occur until more light is offered. If it seems your lighting situation is not ideal, you can opt for a fluorescent light, which should be placed six inches above the plant and turned on for at least twelve hours each day.

Like most plants, orchids crave a good water balance. Do not allow your plant to sit in water, but do not let the soil dry out completely before watering again. Getting to know your orchids watering needs is a process. Needs vary based on environment, pot size and species. Because orchids do better with too little water as opposed to too much, try watering just before the soil feels dry to the touch. Also, look for any crinkling in the leaves, as this can signify a thirsty plant. Orchids like a bit of dampness in the air, so if your orchid needs a boost try creating a humidity tray. Place a tray or saucer with water and pretty pebbles aside your orchid or even below the container (just ensure that the plant is not sitting in water!). The result will be evaporation that will help that plant thrive. Occasionally mist the plant with distilled water too.

Try displaying your new orchid in a decorative basket. First, add some gravel into the basket's base. Line this with moss. With the orchid still in its container, slip it into the basket. Push three or four thin gardening canes into the moss around the basket's edges. Finally, tie a neutral color string in natural materials between each cane. Your orchid will now have a pretty and sturdy home, great for displaying its own enchanting look.