Orchids: A Quick Introduction
We 21st century dwellers are fortunate to have so many plants available to us, for decorating our homes and freshening up our work places. Further, we never tire of them, regardless of how familiar they become; in fact, we seek out more of them, and want to add new ones to our home and work places.
Flowers, of course, have a huge appeal to a large number of people, whether cut, potted, or growing in the garden. Lots and lots of folks are undeniably drawn to the aristocratic orchid, among all the flowers in the world.
Orchids have long been known as “conquerers of the light.”. They amaze us when we first encounter them, and they continue thereafter to draw us to them in admiration. Nature has been extra kind to the orchids. Their flowers are admired for being both bright and elegant. The orchid’s odor is a sweet one, but it is never cloying. Their texture is then, which misleads many into assuming they are delicate. Yet they can last longer after being cut than many another ornamental bloom. Really, the only thing they “lack” from the standpoint of aesthetics is thick foliage. But this is not a serious deficiency: one can always fill the space around them with fern leaves for an attractive arrangement.
It was long believed that these marvelous flowers were exceptionally delicate and difficult to grow. This was erroneous. Surprisingly, perhaps, orchids are actually rather simple to cultivate, and quite a few hobbyists have been known to produce some startling plants. The “trick,” if you want to call it that, is to seek out accurate and complete information on orchid growing before acquiring your first plant. To assure success, you must educate yourself first; skip this preparation and you may be dooming yourself to failure.
Let’s take one common myth held by people who’ve never investigated what it takes to grow orchids: Orchids require high heat above all else. This is not true! Yes, nearly all the orchids that are commonly cultivated are native to the tropics. But many of them originate at relatively high altitudes on the sides of South American mountains. It would therefore, in most cases, be unwise to subject the typical orchid to high temperatures.
Whether or not you think of yourself as a skilled gardner, you can grow these wonderful flowers. Imagine surprising a friend or loved one with an orchid you grew yourself. Envision yourself growing breathtaking orchids so nearly perfect that they win prizes. Picture yourself going so far with your orchid growing hobby that it becomes a business, perhaps one big enough to provide you with a living. All of these things are possible to you.
One of the best and most complete guides to modern orchid growing is undoubtedly Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, available online. You can buy tons of books about orchids but Howard’s guide is a complete course — highly recommended for beginners and experienced growers alike. You might also want to visit the Orchid Secrets web site, which has a growing database of articles on all aspects of orchids.
Here’s to a great orchid experience!
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