Getting Determined to Grow Orchids

Seven years ago, I was convinced every orchid I bought was going to die, I hovered over them each day watching them for signs of trouble. No one wants to lose an orchid. As time went on and I repotted store bought orchids, I learned that the wet moss that helps them safe for travel, doesn’t help them live for long. So, I learned about the media.

Orchids are a mood lifter. Many are fragrant and all are beautiful. They fill your house with beauty and peace. How can you not love them?

When they bloom, they are an addiction that many people share with me. We buy more, we surround ourselves with orchids, and we love them each individually. We put them in beautiful pots and we talk about them, much to our families’ agitation. I have learned my love of orchids is not to be shared with family as they zone-out with any answer I give them. If they say, “What have you been up to Colleen?” And I start an answer with, “Oh, taking care of the orchids and …”, they are gone, emotionally, their eyes glaze over and they move on to someone interesting.

My decision to grow only Cymbidium, Cattleya, and Coelogyne came because I love the huge blooms on the Rlc’s and Cattleya’s. I love the Cymbidiums because they are tricky and temperamental and they grow beautiful blooms out the sides of their pots, filled with many blooms on each stem. The Coelogyne orchids are hard to find, have lovely fragrances, small blooms everywhere and they bloom twice or more times per year. These three are my favorites and I learn something new every day. My small little business grows and buys beautiful orchids and considers them friends. You too, will know this love when you buy a few.

So, find your favorites, fill your room, or house, or greenhouse and make your peaceful place. In the winter I play classical music, they like that. In the summer, I shower them with cool water, but not much so I don’t water them, just cool them down. Where I live they come into the house in fall around the end of September. They stay indoors until spring is warm enough and that is often May. I see every little thing about each of them and watch over them like they are children or puppies. I think my dogs may be jealous.

Each orchid has taught me something new. I love the mornings when I go out with my coffee to see them. There is a new bloom, a leaf that has yellowed and fallen off, there is this healthy feeling of being grounded, like having your bare feet in the grass. They all seem to look at me and be pleased their caregiver is there to help them feel good. Maybe that is just me, but if you are the same, write to me and tell me about your orchid collection. I’d love to hear from you.