Articles, Blossoms, Cattleya, Cymbidiums, Dendrobium, Oncidium, Orchids, Phalaenopsis

Abundance helped orchids blossom into popular hobby and big industry

Cattleya orchids, often used in corsages and known as “Queen of the Orchids,” produce large, fragrant flowers that last and stay fresh for several weeks. Pictured is the ‘Bow Bells’ variety. (Barb Sands)

Exotic looks, species variety inspire passion for the plants that make great gifts and a great pastime

BY BARB SANDS

(This article first appeared in the San Diego Union-Tribune April 9, 2022)

Orchids are truly the masterpieces of the floral kingdom and the largest flowering plant family on Earth. They are unusual, fascinating and strikingly beautiful as a single flower, stem or in a supersize bouquet.

They symbolize beauty, thoughtfulness, charm, refinement and love; there are so many ways to celebrate with orchids. Did you also know that orchids top irises and lilies in their line of evolution?

Orchids grow wild all over the Earth, except in deserts or regions of constant snow. You don’t need to undertake an expedition to the tropics, like explorers did in the 1700s and early 1800s, to search for orchids. In the past, orchids were mainly cultivated by trained growers and owned by people who could afford a greenhouse.

Luckily, today, everyone can afford and enjoy an orchid. As a hobby, orchid growing is addictive; you’ll soon want more information, more varieties, and you’ll want to experiment in owning a variety of colors, and even some with fragrance. Due to the easy availability of orchids, this has now become an exciting hobby for many — and a multibillion-dollar industry worldwide.

Today, there are more than 20,000 orchid species (varieties). They range from small to large, unusually showy to delicate, boldly colorful to more subtle, and simply shaped to more complex, with some even resembling birds.

Cattleya (the corsage orchid) last and stay fresh for several weeks.

The moth orchid, Phalaenopsis, can last from two to five months! Curiously, there are some varieties whose flowers will open and close in one to two days; however, the majority will last for weeks or months. Some, like Cymbidiums and Epidendrums, particularly here in San Diego County, do well outdoors in our mild climate. Others, such as the moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) and even the Venus slipper orchid (Paphiopedilum) can be grown and enjoyed in our homes.

Tips for buying your first orchid as a gift or for yourself:

Moth orchid: Phalaenopsis

Phalaenopsis (Carol Morgan)

 

This is the most popular orchid in the United States and is also considered the best beginner orchid by growers. The flowers are primarily white and resemble moths in flight. Blooms last for a very long time. Cut only to the next “node” for another bloom. Although many people discard the plants after they bloom, if you place them on an east-facing window with bright yet indirect light, they will reward you by reblooming.

 

Spray orchid: Dendrobium

Dendrobium (Jodi Bay)

 

 

Very popular in the United States, Dendrobium spp. come in many colors and range from tiny to very large flowers. They need bright light to thrive and prefer higher temperatures, around 70 to 80 degrees. Water weakly — and weekly.

 

Butterfly orchid: Oncidium

Oncidium (Barb Sands)

 

 

 

Ever-so-exotic-looking with long sprays of flowers in yellow and brown, Oncidium are often quite fragrant. They prefer high humidity, and a west, southwest or southeast-facing window is best.

 

Boat orchid: Cymbidiums

Cymbidiums are easy to grow outdoors in San Diego County. The species shown is Cymbidium Jocosity.(Barb Sands)

 

 

Cymbidiums are easy to grow outdoors in San Diego and along the coast in California.

Most Cymbidiums begin blooming in January and require a well-draining potting mix of orchid bark. They like to be crowded in pots and are easy to split and share.

 

Orchids are grown and cared for like orchids — not like cactus, African violets or any other plant. Their care is dependent on their specific growing requirements, such as light, watering, fertilization and temperature. Problems with orchids result from an imbalance of these factors and may lead to various diseases, including black rot, which is rotting roots.

Orchids have become a floral trend for weddings, as they are elegant and can be monochromatic, as well as combined into a variety of color schemes.

The country’s first floral delivery service (FTD) matches meanings to each orchid color. A yellow-colored orchid, for example, conveys friendship and a new beginning. Pink orchids symbolize joy, grace and femininity. White orchids convey innocence, elegance and pureness. Orange-colored orchids symbolize boldness, pride and enthusiasm. Lastly, a purple-colored orchid symbolizes admiration, royalty or a sign of respect.

From contemporary to rustic containers, you can arrange orchids in recycled bowls, Mason jars, fish bowls, or whatever glass or vase you have available at home.

Orchid displays can be found in many public gardens throughout the United States, including the San Diego Zoo. The Los Angeles Times rated The Santa Barbara International Orchid Show (which will be in person next year, 2023) together with the U.K.’s famed Chelsea Flower Show as the most prestigious international flower shows for orchids. Jeff Leatham, floral designer to the stars, will showcase his bold, visually sensational kaleidoscope of colors this year at The Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden. These are wonderful opportunities to experience a variety of orchids and even take one or two home with you.

Closer to home, the San Diego Botanic Garden will host the “World of Orchids” from May 7 to June 12.

Orchids are magical, and you’ll quickly find you’re under their spell.

Sands, a Master Gardener of San Diego County since 2014, began her orchid hobby with one Cymbidium orchid. Her hobby has grown to more than 100 potted orchids in gorgeous colors, some fragrant, some showy and some miniature in size.

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