the green scene
BY RUTH FURMAN
O
rchid. The word evokes mystery, sumptuous beauty, and the
exotic. The orchid has captivated mankind throughout his-
tory. With over 30,000 species found worldwide, botanists consider
it to be the most highly evolved plant group. Most grow only in
tropical regions, but there are 150 species native to North America.
There are two general categories of orchids: the terrestrials and
the epiphytes. The terrestrials grow in cooler, temperate zones, living
on the ground like our native lady slipper, the Cypripedium. It is
quite a beauty but, like orchids around the world, is threatened
from loss of habitat and removal. The second type found in tropical
and sub-tropical regions grows high up on trees or rocky outcrops
and is called an epiphyte. It is the orchids from the warmer climates that provide ethereal splendor to our houseplant collections.
���Flowers last two to three months, and, if it is
well grown, it can bloom for most of the year.���
The diversity of orchids may make choosing any particular one
for the indoor garden quite daunting, but there are tried-and-true
hybrids available that are well-suited to the typical home environment. The easiest to grow is the moth orchid, Phalaenopsis, which
requires average home temperatures and moderate light. An east
facing window is ideal but a south or west facing window works
with shading. The flat-faced flowers are about two inches across in
DAVID WETHERBEE
a range of colors, and the numerous blooms are held aloft along
The Romance of Orchids
arching stalks. Flowers last two to three months, and, if it is well
grown, it can bloom for most of the year.
Another good starter orchid with a low light requirement is the
tropical lady slipper orchid, Paphiopedilum, with shorter flower
spikes. The flower itself has a distinctively pouched lip which makes
it look like a slipper, hence its name. As a terrestrial type, it needs
constantly moist soil and will also reward with long-lasting flowering.
If you want a bit of fragrance then look for a Cattleya or the corsage orchid; it is popular with florists but is also a good houseplant.
This epiphyte has beautiful, waxy flowers four to six inches across
with the bonus of a lovely fragrance. As they are quite large plants
6 ��� north bridge magazine
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SPRING/SUMMER 2013