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Orchid Blogs

Orchidelirium: An Obsession with Orchids

7/9/2020

 
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“When a man falls in love with orchids, he’ll do anything to possess the one he wants. It’s like chasing a green-eyed woman or taking cocaine…it’s a sort of madness.” - Susan Orlean, The Orchid Thief
To the uninitiated, orchidelirium may sound like a fabricated term or a playful exaggeration—but it’s very real. For centuries, orchids have inspired fanatical fascination across all walks of life, including the scientific community.

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Origin Story
Legend has it that orchids arrived in London around 1818 when William John Swainson used them as packing material while shipping a collection of tropical plants from South America. One of these orchids bloomed on arrival, and the rest is history!

While the facts of that story are debatable, there’s no doubt that the 19th century was the height of orchidelirium. The hysteria surrounding these beautiful plants pushed auction prices into the thousands, and specialized orchid hunters—more adventurers than botanists—were employed to track down the more exotic varieties of the already elusive bloom. Despite great risk, these hunters would venture into the perilous wilderness—and face-off with cutthroat competitors—to procure the rare and sought-after orchid for which wealthy Victorians were willing to pay a king’s ransom.

Science Lends a Hand
Without the helping hand of science, the orchid may have remained a rarity, attainable only by those of great wealth and influence. For example, you could wait as much as a decade for the plants to grow large enough for separation, and the process of division could cost thousands.

Nowadays, advances in reproduction, propagation and cloning have made orchids easily attainable by all walks of life. According to Smithsonian orchid specialist Tom Mirenda, today’s consumers get “the cream of the crop” thanks to the cloning of plants selected specifically for their shape and color. And experimentation continues to push the envelope—rumor has it that one breeder is attempting to integrate the genes of a glow-in-the-dark squid!

But it’s not all fun and games; the scientific community continues to make progress, even today. New breeding methods are being discovered, and DNA research is helping scientists understand how the various orchid species (over 25,000!) react to plant life in the wild. These discoveries will help ensure the survival of the orchid—and orchidelirium—for generations to come.

Happy blooming!

The Meaning & Symbolism of the Orchid

1/21/2020

 
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Orchids are ancient flowers that have been enjoyed by many civilizations throughout history. Their significance has varied from culture to culture. Despite regional differences, their meaning and symbolism have always reflected their natural elegance and exoticism. 

PictureLC. Purple Cascade 'Fragrance Beauty'
Ancient Greece and China: A Symbol of Vitality and Fertility
In both Ancient Greece and China, the orchid was seen as a symbol of vitality and fertility. The Chinese would give it as a gift that suggested many children, which was viewed as a blessing in ancient times. The Chinese also saw the orchid as a sign of innocence and refinement, although these were less prevalent than fertility.

The Greeks had a slightly more elaborate belief in connecting an orchid to fertility. They believed that if an unborn child’s father ate large (young) orchid tubers, then the child would be a boy. Alternatively, if the mother of the unborn child ate little tubers, the child was expected to be a girl.

PictureNeofinetia falcata, Photo Credit: AOS
Medieval Japan: A Trophy of Warriors
In Pre-Industrial Japan, Samurai would search for a specific type of orchid: Neofinetia falcata. Native to Japan, this vanda is rare -- especially in the wild. Prized for its foliage and fragrance, this orchid was more sought-after than most by Japan’s royalty. To please the nobles whom they served, Samurais would go on grand journeys in search of a Neofinetia falcata. If a Samurai found one and successfully brought it back, it’d be presented as a trophy of the warrior’s quest, a sign of his bravery.

Victorian England: A Sign of Luxury and Wealth
Orchids didn’t reach England until the Victorian era, and even then they were rare. They weren’t native to England, and transporting them across oceans was tenuous. Their delicacy made them uncommon, which only heightened interest in them.

They quickly became the flower of choice among gentry, not just because they were beautiful but also because they showed off one’s wealth. To own an Orchid in Victorian England was to indulge in luxury, something commoners could little afford to do.

PictureOnc. Sweet Sugar 'Lemon Drop' HCC/AOS
Today: A Palette of Colors and Meanings
Today, orchids are available in more colors than ever before, and color is the primary determiner of an orchid’s meaning:
  • pink suggests innocence, grace, joy, happiness and femininity
  • purple brings to mind respect, royalty, dignity and admiration
  • white is evocative of innocence, beauty and elegance
  • red shows a romantic desire and passion, as well as courage and strength
  • yellow is for friendship, new beginnings and joy
  • orange implies boldness, pride and enthusiasm
  • green brings to mind nature, health, live and longevity

The orchid has a deep, rich history of meanings and symbols, but its message has never been as versatile as it is today. With so many colors to choose from, not to mention various varieties of orchids, you can find one that perfectly expresses your sentiments, whatever they may be.

For more about orchids and orchid care, visit EasyOrchidGrowing.com. Happy Blooming!

Bringing Home a Healthy Orchid

10/10/2019

 
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As orchids have increased in popularity, so too has their availability at traditional nurseries, home improvement stores and grocery stores. So with more choices available, how do you know that you are selecting a healthy plant? 

Whether you are just looking for an arrangement that will last longer than traditional cut flowers, or you plan to nurture the plant for years of enjoyment, it’s important to take a few extra minutes to pick the right plant.

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What to Look For When Selecting Your Orchid

Buds and Flowers
  • Select an orchid with plenty of buds along the stem to extend the blooming period of your plant
  • Avoid bruised or droopy flowers as this indicates that the flowers are near the end of their life cycle
  • Check buds to ensure they are not shriveled to avoid bud drop

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Roots
  • Look for healthy, plump roots that begin at the base of the plant that are green and/or white in color; Stay clear of plants with dry, shriveled roots.
  • Unlike many other houseplants, it is ok to see roots extending outside of the pot
  • Smell the roots and base of the plant and don’t purchase if you smell a foul odor

Foliage
  • Pick plants with lush, deep green foliage; Avoid limp or leathery feeling leaves as this indicates the plant has been deprived of water and will likely lose its flowers quickly
  • Watch for freckling or spots on the leaves as this may be a sign of a fungus or bacteria
  • Inspect the underside of leaves to check for signs of insects
Pots and Potting mix
  • Select plants that are secure in their pots; Loose plants indicate that the plant may have been dropped during shipment
  • Avoid plants in potting mix that is gray and breaking down
  • If buying an orchid planted in a glass / ceramic container without drain holes, move the orchid to a pot with many drain holes when it needs repotting.
  • Pick plants that are clearly labeled with the orchid variety and care instructions.

Basic Orchid Terminology

3/1/2019

 
As you begin or continue your journey to learn more about orchids, we've pulled together a listing of basic terminology that you may encounter while researching these beautiful plants. We hope you find this list to be useful.
 
Aerial Roots:
Roots that are above the soil’s surface – usually grown for plant support.
 
Anther:       
The pollen producing part of a flower.
 
Apical Meristem:    
Found at the tip of the shoot and the root of the orchid. By continually dividing its cells, it causes the plant to grow longer.
 
Back Bulb:    
A pseudobulb of an orchid that remains on the plant after the terminal growth has been removed as a division.
 
Baggy Baby: 
Also known as “blooming-sized orchid” or “packaged orchids” a Baggy Baby, grown and sold by Better-Gro, delivers the thrill of watching an exotic plant through all stages of its development.
 
Bifoliate:      
A plant having two leaves on a pseudobulb.
 
Column:      
The reproductive area of the orchid flower.
 
Disease:      
Any deviation from the normal growth structure or quality of a plant that is a continuous condition producing visible symptoms, thus affecting the quality or value of the plant.
 
Division:      
A form of plant propagation in which new plants are separated from the parent plant.
 
Environment:         
The surroundings or conditions in which a plant lives or operates.
 
Epiphyte:     
A plant that grows harmoniously upon another plant and derives its moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, and debris accumulating around it.
 
Fertilizer:     
Also known as plant food. A natural or synthetic material which includes nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compounds that, when given to a plant, increases its capacity to support growth.
 
Genus:        
A group of related plants consisting of two or more species possessing certain common characteristics distinct from any other group.
 
Host:          
A plant that provides some or all the nutrients for a particular pest or fungus.
 
Intermediate Orchid:        
A plant that falls in the middle on a growing range – meaning it is not a cool grower (grows in colder environments) or a warm grower (grows in warmer environments), but rather it can be grown in most growing environments.
 
Keiki:          
Baby orchids that sprout from an orchid’s flower stems. Literally translated, “keiki” is Hawaiian for “the little one” -- and that’s just what keikis are. They’re little orchid plants.
 
Leaf:           
The part of an orchid where its primary function is photosynthesis.
 
Light:          
One of the key factors for growing a healthy plant. Plants use energy from light to convert carbon dioxide into food.
 
Lip:             
The lower petal of an orchid used by flowers to provide a landing platform for its pollinators.
 
Mericlone:     
An identical plant which was produced from tissue culture of the apical meristem.
 
Orchidelirium:        
Having an obsession with orchids – inspiring scientists, collectors, and hobbyists alike.
 
pH:             
A measure of the acidity in water. A measure of 6.5 pH is perfect for orchids.
 
Pseudobulb: 
The storage organ found on sympodial orchids.
 
Monopodial: 
Having one main stem which grows straight up.
 
Pest:           
Any organism that can cause disease or injury to a plant.
 
Rhyzome:    
An underground stem that connects two pseudobulbs.
 
Sympodial:   
Having lateral continued growth (more than one stem) coming from a pseudobulb.
 
Terrestrial:   
A plant that has roots that grow and receive nutrients from the soil.
 
Virus:          
Microscopic pathogen which can be spread by insects or unsanitized equipment.
 
For more information on orchid care, EasyOrchidGrowing.com Happy Blooming!

Share Your Love of Orchids with Someone Special this Mother's Day

5/2/2018

 
Whether you are looking to splurge on a big gift or opt for something simple, flowers are likely to be on your list this Mother’s Day, and you are not alone. It is predicted that nearly 70% of Americans will purchase flowers for their moms and grandmothers this May.

But before you head out to pick up an arrangement of cut flowers, consider the benefits of a live orchid. Known for their beauty and longevity, orchid blooms can last for weeks, and plants can live for years. They come in many varieties, sizes and fragrances and can be easily found at your local garden store or home improvement center.

​Express Your Feelings in Color
Giving an orchid is the easy part, but picking the right one or just one may prove difficult. To simplify your selection, we've included some tips to help you express your feelings in color.
Pink is traditionally given on Mother’s Day. It signifies thoughtfulness, unconditional love and innocence.
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Red expresses deep love, respect and courage.
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Yellow flowers represent happiness, joy and friendship.
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White signifies innocence, truth, perfection and purity.
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Purple represents royalty, grace, elegance and admiration.
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Orange blooms signify enthusiasm and excitement.
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​If you can’t decide what color best represents your mom, give her a rainbow of colors to express your love and gratitude.

From our Better-Gro family to yours, we wish everyone a Happy Mother’s Day. 

Celebrate National Orchid Day - April 16th

4/16/2018

 
If you are looking for an excuse to add another orchid to your collection, here it is. April 16th is observed annually as National Orchid Day. We’re sure you can come up with a variety of ways to celebrate your love of orchids, but here are a few additional ideas:
  • Share an orchid with a friend or co-worker.
  • Take time out of your busy day to show your orchids some TLC by repotting or fertilizing your plants.
  • Post your favorite orchid photo to the Better-Gro Facebook page.
  • Take a tour of your local botanical garden.
  • Check out the impressive and interesting orchid blossoms that we have pinned to the Better-Gro Pinterest Page.
  • Join your local orchid society.
  • Enroll in a local gardening class.
  • Share photos of your favorite blossoms on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #NationalOrchidDay.
  • Enjoy this short video of beautiful blossoms.
From Sadness Grows Something Beautiful
Surprisingly, it wasn’t until recently that there was a National Orchid Day. Mike and Faith Young were volunteers at an orchid reserve in Mexico and fell in love with the species. On April 16, 2014, they experienced a great tragedy losing their daughter during childbirth. The daughter was named Orchid Faith. A year later, the couple set forth to raise money to register April 16th with the Official National Day Registrar as National Orchid Day. They quickly exceeded their fund raising goal thanks to the generosity of friends and family. 

Today, we celebrate April 16th as National Orchid Day. To learn more, visit NationalOrchidDay.com.

Be inspired and share your love of orchids with friends and family. 


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