Orchids
Confessions of an Orchid Killa
Orchids, nonpareil .. my Achilles heel, I feel
I just can’t seal the deal, and that’s for real
Love ‘em to death … drives me totally crazy
They’re all six feet under, pushing up daisies
Eye ‘em at Farmer’s Market … smitten, I’d buy
Bring ‘em home only to watch ‘em wither'n die
Too dark, too much sunlight .. try as I might
Nutrients, soil, water .. can’t get it right!
No more orchids for me, I goes with the rose
Those I suppose I knows just how it grows
Orchids (family Orchidaceae, order Asparagales) are a horticultural wonder that blends mystique, beauty, and diversity in a way few other plants do.
Fun fact: Orchids get their name from the Greek word for testicle, 'orchis'.
Orchids are exotic and symbolise love, luxury, strength, refinement, and rare beauty in various Asian cultures
Orchids often have intricate, symmetrical blooms with a distinctive lip (labellum) that sets them apart from typical flowers, and come in an expansive range of colours from soft pastels to bold purples and spotted or striped petals. With over 25,000 - 35,000 species and more than 100,000 hybrids, orchids come in a vast variety of shapes, sizes, and habitats, from the tropics to alpine regions, captivating both casual admirers and passionate collectors who spend a fortune without batting an eyelid!
The popular Phalaenopsis orchid is one of the easiest varieties of orchids to grow as a houseplant. This orchid will typically bloom once a year but keep its blooms for several weeks or even months, enhancing its ornamental value.
Most Orchids are epiphytes fond of tight quarters. Keeping them in their grow compact pots ensures roots remain constrained, and remember to provide adequate drainage and air circulation.
Intriguing Biology of Orchids
- Complex Pollination: Many orchids rely on very specific pollinators (like a single species of bee or moth), which makes them fascinating to botanists and ecologists.
- Symbiosis with Fungi: Orchid seeds can’t germinate without a fungal partner, adding mystery and complexity to their growth.
Comments
Bring em home to watch em die. (A dear friend on WhatsApp)
My mother grew orchids very successfully. The trick is to root it in a transparent pot so that the toots get sunlight ( if they are indoor plants ).
Outdoors the roots should be wrapped in coconut husk with on a tree or in a pot. Over watering kills it. Danrobium orchids are the hardiest to grow. (A comment from the Facebook group Memories of Poona)