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Orchids: A Quick Introduction
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Nowadays, we have a wonderful choice of plants available to us, whether for decorating our homes or brightening up our offices. Further, we never get tired of them; in fact, we seek more of them, wanting to add new ones to our home and work places.
Flowers especially have a powerful effect on most human beings. The aristocratic orchid in particular exerts a powerful attraction on many flower lovers.
Orchids have been termed “conquerers of the light.”. They amaze us when we first encounter them, and they continue thereafter to draw us to them in admiration. Nature in its liberality has been especially kind to the orchids. Their flowers are colorful; showy yet elegant at the same time. Orchids smell sweet, but they don’t cloy with their odor as so many flowers do. They have a thin texture, making them appear frail and delicate, yet they can last longer in a vase than many ornamental flowers. From a flower aficiando’s point of view, the only thing keeping them from perfection is their lack of much foliage. But really, this is no big deal–the common aestehtic solution is to surround them with ferns to create an attractive arrangement.
It was long believed that these marvelous flowers were exceptionally delicate and difficult to grow. This was mistaken. Surprisingly, perhaps, orchids are actually rather simple to cultivate, and quite a few hobbyists have been known to produce some startling plants. The key is to study up first, using a good modern guide to the art and science of orchids and orchid growing. You need to educate yourself thoroughly first if you want to be successful; otherwise failure is the more likely result.
It is a common myth–yet a myth nonetheless–that orchids require high heat to thrive. But it’s not true! Yes, orchids developed in the earth’s tropic regions. However, many orchids–in their native habitats–grow on mountainsides, high up in the cool, crisp Andean air. It would therefore, in most cases, be unwise to subject the typical orchid to high temperatures.
It doesn’t matter how much of a green thumb you think you have (nor not!), the truth is you can grow these beautiful flowers. Think of how much pleasure it would bring to surprise a friend or family member with your own home-grown orchid. Envision yourself, growing and exhibitng orchids good enough to earn prizes. Picture yourself going so far with your orchid growing hobby that it becomes a business, perhaps one big enough to provide you with a living. All of these things are possible to you.
One of the best and most complete guides to modern orchid growing is undoubtedly Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, available online. Now, there’s tons of information out there about orchids. But Howard’s is the most complete all-in-one reference that I’ve ever seen. You might also want to visit the Orchid Secrets web site, which has a growing database of articles on all aspects of orchids.
So, then, here’s to a great orchid adventure!
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