Article and photo by Monika Smith
As 2023 is now safely in the rear-view mirror, and its truly winter, what greenery do you have in your house? Is the Christmas amaryllis (Hippeastrum cultivars) done? Paperwhites (Narcissus papyraceus) or other bulbs you’ve grown in a clear vase wilting? Is that red poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) losing its leaves and bracts?
One plant that, with a bit of care, has delightful and long-lasting blooms is the Orchid!
Big box stores love to have them, as the blooms are pretty and last a long time. There is quite the colour and pattern selection available now. The best-known orchids are the ‘moth orchid’, (Phalenopsis cultivars) or Phals, which are epiphytes (on trees, up there) and grow without soil or potting media. The coarse bits of bark and rocks found in pots is important, but not quite the way you think. They derive their nutrients and other vitals from the air, water, dust, and debris around them. They were among the first tropical orchids in Victorian collections and are still a favoured plant in the house. One is not enough for some and can become addicting, with people growing hundreds of plants of various species in greenhouses.
There are people who are orchid shy, but they aren’t hard to care for and will bloom again, with a bit of encouragement. They bloom in their full glory for several weeks. At home, the flowers may last two to three months. What’s not to like? A little water, some humidity, a few hours of filtered sun, normal house temperatures, but away from vents, and you’re on your way. Read the label! There are plenty of internet sites to give you precise information. If you’ve got a Phal that’s not happy, send them my way.
Do you know that there are native orchids growing in Alberta? You might have seen the yellow lady slipper (Cypripedium calceolus), a gorgeous perennial! They are showy! As they are terrestrial plants, look down. As with any flowering plant you might find beside trails and walks, don’t pick, don’t dig them up. Leave them for others to see and enjoy. I’ve found my special places to see them.
It was a shock to find that there are companies that now grow lady slipper orchids! Usually cultivars with interesting colours. That I will investigate, as having orchids grow in your yard: how special is that? I have a grove, a meadow, now an area to grow yellow slipper orchids. Or any of the many varieties of native lady slippers we have!
If you’re interested in showing your garden to a friendly pack of plant lovers, who want to learn, exchange knowledge, tell us about successes and get some shoulders to sob on with failure, contact me!
Book recommendation: Orchid Basics by Brian Rittershausen. One of many you can get at the library!
Until next time,
Monika’s Grove
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