It’s been a year since my son Tristan and I acquired our collection of orchids. As you may recall, the orchids were in sad shape when they arrived. (You can read about it here.) We had a lot to learn about orchid resuscitation, let alone basic orchid care. It was a large undertaking considering we started off with zero knowledge and close to two hundred plants to care for.
At first, I wondered why put in all the effort, given how ubiquitous orchids have become in big box and chain grocery stores? However, most of the orchids you find for sale today are the Phalaenopsis species, also referred to as the moth orchid. The orchids we acquired are a different, a less common species called Odontoglossum or Oncidium. They are unrivaled in the beauty and diversity of their blooms.
Odontoglossum species originate from the cloud forests of South America and thrive in cool and humid growing conditions. They are fussy about their environment making them difficult, but not impossible to grow.
It seemed a daunting task to bring the plants back to life. For awhile I toyed with giving up. But pouring over orchid books and internet resources, I discovered that many of these orchids have over a hundred years of hybridization in their breeding. Our plants are a living history lesson in orchid cultivation. It seemed a shame after all the years of selection and toil growing, to let them die out. We pressed forward.
I’m happy to report we were able to save the majority of the plants. As you’ll see below, the fruits of our labors are slowly coming to light. The orchids have started blooming and their beauty doesn’t disappoint.
Mysterious plant, orchids. One has to be in a full relationship with them to appreciate the nurturing.
They are an amazing plant!! They are atypical of most flowering plants. Their blossoms can last for months.
Oh how beautiful!!! What gorgeous landing pads for insects!!! Makes me believe in fairies again… Thank you. I didn’t know a thing about orchids until now. I see that you have an enclosure and a fan. Will you bring them inside for the winter? What a stunning centerpiece for the dinner table. What about pollination and propagation?
They are actually in a greenhouse, but can live outdoors in the summer. Their life cycle is quite complex. Your right about the insect landing pad. It turns out, most specie orchids have a specific insect they try to attract. Hybridizers use a tooth pick. It takes nearly a year for the seed to develop. Once the pod releases the minuscule seed, they need a specific fungi to grow.
That’s so amazing. All of it.
Those are so pretty. I usually have an orchid plant or two in my condo. Like you, I see orchids as a metaphor for patience and discipline.
Barb, thanks for taking the time to comment. I agree, maybe orchids are the perfect plant the aspiring writer!