From the heart of orchid
country, here in southwest Florida, orchids are everywhere. That's
not surprising as this is where they grow naturally. With human
help, though, orchids have breached the climate barrier and can
be found growing all over the US In fact, orchids are the third
most popular potted plant in the US behind poinsettias and chrysanthemums,
according to the American Orchid Society.
Availability has skyrocketed
and prices have plummeted. You can find them reasonably priced
in abundance in home and garden centers, in mail-order catalogs
and in e-nurseries on the Web. That's amazing for a rather esoteric
plant whose flower was, until recently, only known as a prom corsage.
How did we get from there to here?
The key to the transformation
of the orchid into a houseplant is a technology called tissue
culture. With just a few cells harvested from the roots and tips,
breeders can grow orchid tissue that they can then divide into
separate plants. The plants with the sturdiest roots and the longest
sprays of the most perfect blooms are then cloned, creating super
hybrids. Unlike their genetically-untampered-with relatives, these
hybrids require less fussing and are capable of lasting longer.
Nature also played
a role in the shift toward mass production of orchids when Hurricane
Andrew caused massive destruction over southern Florida in 1992.
The devastation created the perfect opportunity for the tropical
plant industry in Florida to modernize while it rebuilt.
Still, the current
American infatuation with the orchid seems more than just the
result of scientific advance and industry updating. Some compare
today's popularity of orchids to the tulip madness of the nineteenth
century. Two popular books provide abundant anecdotes about orchid
obsession. Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean (Ballantine Reader's
Circle/$14.00/1998) weaves a fictional account of orchid smugglers
in South Florida. Orchid Fever by Eric Hansen (Vintage
Books/2000/$13.00) is an investigative exposé of the orchid
trade and misguided international regulation. Both are very readable.
Orlean's book appeared
first, captivating and introducing readers to the steamy world
of orchids through John Laroche, whose plan is to clone the rare
ghost orchid Polyrrhiza lindenii, thereby making himself
and the Seminoles wealthy and saving the orchid from extinction.
Hansen's story—researched
over a period of several years—documents his encounters with
botanical gardens, scholars, scientists, ordinary enthusiasts
and even the ancient art of making orchid ice cream. He makes
a strong case against the 'plant police' whose job it is to stop
the traffic of endangered species but, by doing so, contributes
to their demise. Some of his essays originally appeared in the
Natural History magazine.
Orchid houseplants
bought at Home Depot are far from endangered, at least not in
the larger sense. Some may choose to enjoy the flower, perhaps
an Easter lily plant, for several weeks and then toss it in the
trash or, preferably, recycle it as compost. Others
may want to try nurturing it back into bloom. The chances of success
depend a great deal on what type of orchid was purchased, as some
adapt better than others to the home environment, and the care
provided.
For basic care information,
there's no shortage of how-to books, with the exception, as yet,
of an Orchids for Dummies. As the availability of orchids has
grown, so have the number of stunning, beautifully photographed
books for the home gardener. Classics have been revised and reissued.
New authors have their hand at introducing a whole new generation
of orchid lover to the basics of cultivation—now measurably
easier than it used to be, thanks to the hybrids—walking
that tricky tightrope of providing not too much or too little
information.
Highly recommended
by orchid-lovers is Ortho's All About Orchids by Elvin
McDonald (Meredith Books/1999/$11.95). Written by the dean of
garden writers, this time-tested book is the textbook for many
beginner orchid classes. All the requisite growing cultural advice
is given, but at a level of detail that might intimidate a beginner,
including myself. In very workmanlike style, the guide gives specifics
on 18 groups of orchids and the practical advice for getting them
to reflower.
Orchids Simplified
by Henry Jaworski (Houghton Mifflin/1997/$22) is remembered by
orchid aficionados as their 'grade school primer' in orchids.
The author succeeds in simplifying his growing methods and explains
them in an easy-to-understand, personal style. He is equally clear
when describing growing areas, supplies, potting, indoor and outdoor
growing methods and propagation techniques.
Orchids: Care and
Cultivation by Gerald Leroy-Terquem, Jean Parisot (Southwater
Publications/2001/$13.95). This book is impressive for its clear
illustrations and inviting style. The author organizes his advice
based on where you might be growing orchids, including on top
of a radiator. The last section describes 30 orchid genera, including
their history, physiology, and horticulture requirements.
Easy Orchids: Simple
Secrets for Glorious Gardens, Indoors and Out by Mimi
Luebbermann (Chronicle Books LLC/2002/$15.95). This odd-shaped
volume keeps things simple, supplying a good overview of the orchid
world. Luebbermann uses a personal tone to provide hands-on facts
for transforming various home environments—a windowsill,
patio, glassed-in porch, radiator, or small garden plot—into
orchid territory.
Following in the format
of 100 English Roses for the American Garden, Smith & Hawken
modeled 100 Orchids for the American Gardener by Elvin
McDonald (Workman Publishing/1998/$17.95). Here is both a how-to
book and, with its narrow, catalog format, a field guide. McDonald
describes potting mediums, water and air needs, light and lack
of light, how to create an orchid garden, and troubleshooting.
The book profiles 100 varieties but the selections have been criticized
for not being the easiest to find or grow.
A new and worthy entry
to the orchid bookshelf is Orchid Growing for Wimps: Techniques
for the "Wish I Could Do That" Gardener by Ellen Zackos (Sterling/2002/($17.95).
Author Zackos is reassuring as she gently steers the reader through
a clear and non-intimidating explanation of the orchid-growing
basics. Beginners will especially appreciate the profiles of 16
orchids that really are easy-to-find and easy-to-grow species.
The information will help them choose the right plants for their
growing conditions.
Resource: The American Orchid Society (www.orchidweb.org)
