Orchid Art.Pdf

Orchids as an Artform by Keith Roberto Enter the timeless beauty of the Orchid, with which our courtship has endured through many a century. Their 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 Ewas 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 sur- rounding 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 mat- ter 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 Pha- laenopsis 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 and I’d personally like to thank FlowersByBrian.com for supplying the wonderful arrangements of cut flowers for this article. Natural Beauty Phalaenopsis, the “moth” orchid is a florifer- Native to Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras, Oncidium Psychopsis is wide spread from Odontoglossum is a high-altitude orchid ous plant which produces many branching Laelia anceps is one of the most common, yet Trinidad to Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador from the New World Tropics. Known for its flower spikes. For this reason, it is one of the most strikingly colored and fragrant orchids. and Panama. Its spectacular flower is the rea- striking sprays of long lasting flowers, from most used species in creative displays and Its flowers can be up to 4 inches across. son it is called “The Butterfly Orchid” in that 5 to 20 on each spike. The older this plant it bears a striking resemblance with a large gets, the more beautiful and long lasting its hybridizing. Phalaenopsis is probably the brightly colored body, very long antennas, flowers.. easiest of all orchids to grow making it an and wings barred with yellow and rust brown excellent choice for growers just starting out. that range in size from 5” to 6”. The foliage of these species is very different from others in that the leaves resemble a donkey’s ears. They are very stiff, rough in texture, and dull red or grayish green in color. Vanda, the original Indian name for orchids, Paphiopedilums is known as the lady’s slipper Cattleya, to many this flower conjures up The Tiger orchid is known for its magnificent grows in the regions ranging from India to and are the Old World relatives of North steaming jungles, tropical downpours and floral displays of 60 to 100 flowers per spike Phillipines and consists of about 60 species. American lady’s-slipper orchids. Paphiope- English hothouses where only the wealthy and is the world’s largest orchid, although it This plant produces abundant flowers that dilums provide some of the orchid kingdom’s can afford to grow them. The original spe- blooms just once every two to four years. Its grow laterally upright from the base of two longest-lasting and most exotic blooms lasting cies came from tropical lowlands but many flowers can be up to six inches across and leaved shoots. Vanda is an excellent Orchid up to 10 weeks or more. also come from the cooler slopes of the are usually yellow or cream-colored with for the beginner to grow. chocolate-brown or dark red spots. Andes mountains, even semi-desert areas of Central America..

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