– by Geoff Haywood –
Beautiful, exotic, arrogant, glamorous, outrageous, even sinister – words that have all described orchids over the years. Once plants that were fought over – stolen, hidden – even killed for, they are no longer the whims of the rich or the prizes of daring collectors who risked life and limb in the Amazon and African jungles during the Victorian era.
Today orchids have become ‘tamed’ and many are house plants. You don’t need to be rich to own one, and they constitute possibly the fastest growing plant market in the western world, having long since conquered the eastern world.
Many myths about orchids still abound however: hard to grow, finicky, needing a greenhouse.
Well not so! In fact several orchid species and hybrids could be described as easy house plants, providing a little common sense is applied.
Given that there are over 26,000 species of orchid worldwide – living on every continent except Antarctica – and now thousands of man-made hybrids , you have a great deal of choice. Canada and BC in particular has many native species growing right here in our backyards and certainly as beautiful and exotic houseplants they are often breath taking.
The Victoria Orchid Society has encouraged the growing and understanding of orchids amongst enthusiasts since around 1971 and will be presenting its annual show and plant sales this year on Saturday March 14 and Sunday March 15 at Our Lady of Fatima Hall, 4635 Elk Lake Road, in Royal Oak.
Come join us and experience the wonder of orchids and collect some culture tips on growing the orchids of your choice. Discover the relative ease of growing some species. Contrary to popular misconceptions, very few orchids require full sun – most prefer dappled or semi-shade conditions which makes them excellent house plants. Check out your local paper for dollar-off coupons nearer the time.
Give them a try and their showy and often fragrant splendour will make you a believer!
