HYPNOTIC EXOTICS
ONCE SYMBOLS OF WEALTH, ORCHIDS ARE A JOY FOR ALL
ORCHIDS have been revered from the moment the human race set eyes on them. In past times, they were precious, rare and hugely expensive to own so they were exclusive to the rich.
They were symbols of exuberance, wealth and were very showy. Records and stories about orchids date back to the Ancient Greeks. Historically, they were said to embody love, virility and beauty.
Today, orchids are easily accessible with many varieties available at garden centres and supermarkets as well as specialist orchid nurseries. They are now grown to demand in assembly lines in extensive greenhouses with digitally controlled environments.
Knowledge and scientific progress has made this once highly sought after flower gem almost ubiquitous.
The elegance of the orchid is enhanced by the fact they grow on trees or on rocks, seemingly just resting delicately without the need for mucky soil.
Their roots have adapted to absorbing water and vital nutrients from water vapour so the plant just requires a perch to be held aloft at the most beneficial height. Their growing habitat varies from hot and tropical to well below zero temperatures at night; as a plant group their adaptation has been extremely successful. Cattleyas are some of the most flamboyant orchids that grace our plant nurseries today. Sumptuous petals in gorgeous colours, often with frills and fragrance earn their name as “queen of the orchids”.
Their blooms represent the archetypal chocolate box image of an orchid and they are the classic
corsage flower for special occasions such as proms. They are named after British horticulturist William Cattley who first grew them here from unpromising cuttings sent from Brazil. Cattleya orchids grow naturally across the central American rainforest through to Brazil and the Andean region. It must be wonderful to see them in their native habitat – just imagine these exotic flowers clinging on to lush tropical trees.
Their origins give us clues as to how to look after them in our homes. They like to be warm and bright but out of direct sunlight. Temperatures shouldn’t go below 10-15 degrees at night and some humidity can be created by occasional misting. Alternatively standing the pot in a tray of watered pebbles will keep moisture in its environment.
Keep away from direct sources of heat as well as this will be very dehydrating to the plant. Their care is similar to other orchids – they like to be planted tightly in orchid bark in seethrough pots and you will see the roots escaping the pot, mimicking the way they cling to trees in the forests.
Water in summer – the bark is free draining so you can drench the pot, but you should allow the top half of the bark to dry out before rewatering.
Reduce the watering schedule in winter – you are better to under water in winter.
Feed with orchid fertiliser during the summer – around once a month should be sufficient. And keep an eye out for any indoor pests such as mealy bug or scale as these can be removed or washed off before they get out of control. Each stem will provide a couple of flowers and these stems can be cut back after flowering.