ORCHIDS AS AN ARTFORM

ENTER THE TIMELESS BEAUTY OF THE ORCHID, with which our courtship has endured through many a century. These prized flowers have symbolized love, luxury, and aphrodisiacal qualities in various cultures throughout the world. Once viewed by the ancient Greeks as a symbol of virility, The Orchid was referred to by Confucius as the “plant of the King’s fragrance.”

With the myriad of colors, shapes, sizes and scents that nature folds into their delicate flowers, it’s no wonder they became so enchanting to those with the wealth and resources to have them hand-picked from forests once far removed from the footsteps of man. But as fate would have it, in 1818 the mystery surrounding these magical flowers unfolded when William Cattley accidentally stumbled on an unknown bulb he found hidden in a shipment of tropical plants from Brazil. Curious to see what it might be, Cattley carefully nurtured it to life in his private greenhouse where it put forth a most beautiful display of blooms which prompted him to call it the “queen of flowers.” This particular species of Orchids was later named the “Cattleya” by the renowned taxonomist Sir John Lindley. Shortly after Cattley’s discovery, a steamy romance erupted in the flower world which has continued to blossom ever since. Upon his discovery, tropical forests throughout the world were stripped bare of their most prized possessions, leaving many species on the endangered list and forever banned from further collection. Fortunately, however, for flower lovers, new methods of growing Orchids from seed and small slivers of leaf (tissue culture) have allowed us to enjoy their beauty in our homes and offices while giving nature the chance to heal.

Unlike the soil-bound flowers we’re most familiar with, Orchids are epiphytes which means they flourish above the soil line. Orchids are primarily found growing in the dead bark and moss that gathers on trees in the rainforests where they draw water from airborne humidity and nutrients from the decaying matter on which they set foot. Unbeknownst to most is also what makes collecting and breeding Orchids so seductive. Out of all the flora and fauna that inhabit our planet, it is believed that Orchids have developed the most selective reproductive processes of all. Their countless colors, shapes, sizes and scents are all specially designed to attract the exact insect that is physiologically capable of carrying out their procreative task. One notable species, the butterfly Orchid (Oncidium Papilio Psychopsis) is a near perfect impression of such an insect. In fact, some species of orchids can only be pollinated by night flying moths,

for which they lure with sweet-smelling nectar that during the day does not exist.

The market for Orchids has two faces, one for the general consumer and another for the connoisseur. The pretty shades of pink, white, yellow and greens of the mass marketed Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium and Cymbidiums can be found at most nurseries and florists. But haute couture collectors rarely turn to others for unique specimens aside from fellow orchid clubbers and hybrid breeders who’ve mastered the skills required to multiply rare heirlooms, and make spectacular cross-species breeds that spring forth flowers even Mother Nature may not have envisioned. It is estimated that there are over 50,000 species of Orchids in the wild and some 20,000 species fostered along by our own insatiable efforts to create that one of a kind flower, some of which can fetch up to $1,500 for a single living specimen. While some species of living orchids may be tricky to grow, beginners can have great success with both Vandas and Phalaenopsis which can be arranged into beautiful living displays that will complement any space within your home or office. Displays of cut orchids are another great way to add a touch of natural beauty although they generally will only last a few days to a week before wilting and having to be replaced. For more information on collecting and growing orchids, I have put together a wealth of knowledge and resources at www.futuregarden.com/orchids.