Mississippi, in spite of its southern latitude and temperate climate, does not always escape the ravages of winter. The cold, damp, and infrequent snows are usually short-lived, but, invariably, there are a few bleak days in winter. Mississippi garden enthusiasts, confined to home and hearth, may feel thwarted and impatient for spring, but a colorful orchid, blooming in a sunny window, can help alleviate the winter doldrums.
There are orchids native to North America, but orchids cultivated as houseplants usually originated as exotic flowers of the tropics from far away places. The orchid family Orchidaceae is the largest in the plant kingdom, and there are some 30,000 known species around the world. But the orchid gracing your windowsill is probably a hybrid species created by breeders.
There are two types of orchids: terrestrial orchids and epiphytes. Terrestrial orchids grow on land, while epiphytes are orchids that grow in trees. Epiphytes anchor their roots in trees and garner nutrients from the air. The roots are exposed to the air to give them more opportunities to absorb nutrients and water. The majority of commercially grown orchids are epiphytes.
Orchids were once expensive and privy only to wealthy, eccentric collectors, but these days, orchids are affordable and available wherever houseplants are sold. Since they are relatively low maintenance, one does not have to be an expert or a member of an orchid society to care for these plants. Many orchids will bloom for months and, if pruned, will sometimes bloom again. If placed in the proper location, and with a little luck, an orchid could possibly bloom from Thanksgiving until Mother’s Day. Now that is a bargain!
Orchids are really not that temperamental. No plant is entirely carefree, but with just a little attention an orchid can bring warmth and cheer, especially when the temperature plummets outside.
Once rare and expensive, many orchids are now affordable and commonplace, but there is nothing commonplace about these plants. An orchid is a flower of the tropics—a flower of incomparable beauty.
BASIC ORCHID CARE
• Most orchids require bright, but not direct, sunlight.
• A daytime temperature between 65 and 75 degrees is ideal.
• Orchids like humidity.
• The needs of every orchid are a little different and will require a few adjustments
• Water once or twice weekly, but make sure the plant drains well. Never leave an orchid sitting in water. The surest way to kill an orchid is to overwater.
• Fertilize “weakly, weekly.” There are commercial fertilizers created just for orchids, and there are organic fertilizers, such as fish emulsion, which seem to work well.
