What is your objective for growing orchids?

[cb977]

Originally Posted by Ray

My goal has been to develop a collection sufficiently large and diverse to always have some thing in bloom that I can bring into the house for display.

But wait! That vanda won't conveniently hang in the kitchen window, so I'll have to get something to substitute for it.

But wait! That pleurothallis is so small that it doesn't "hit you" when you walk into the room. I'll need to get something to supplement that.

But wait! That one is so odd, my wife will ask "why would anyone want to grow one of those?" I guess I'll have to find something else to bring in.

But wait.....

[Dorothy]

My objective, at this time, is to enjoy them visually and if possible, olfactorily. If they could sing, I'd enjoy them auditorially, too.

[dennis]

i think Charles E. Bracker from Perdue University sums it up the best on this subject. here is the following article which i can relate to most of these as to which must be the reason i saved this article

EDITORIAL--WHY OH WHY ?

I’LL GIVE 10 11 REASONS WHY

Two months ago while I was lying flat on my back with nothing to do but think, I started wondering about things. One of the most fascinating and tantalizing of my thoughts was: “I wonder why there is so much interest, even passion, for orchids?” “Why do people involve themselves with orchids to the extent and with the intensity that they do?” Suddenly, some reasons started rolling out of my brain. I know others have proposed their own lists, but this list is mine:

1) Beauty/Elegance: We are aesthetic beings, since the beginning of recorded history and before. There is ample evidence that humans have a craving to satisfy the need for pleasing the senses, especially the visual senses. The history of art is ample evidence of that. There is no denying that orchids, as a whole, are beautiful and elegant when they are in bloom. Their colors, shapes, sizes, and features deliver to us an overall beauty.

2) Diversity: There is no question that among the families of flowering plants, orchids are the most diverse. That diversity is expressed in their sizes, shapes, colors, color patterns, growth requirements, aromas, complexity, and others. And, with so many species and hybrids to choose from, there is no end to the new and different orchids available to any collector, photographer, painter, or spectator. If you think diversity is not important, can you imagine inviting your dinner party guests to the greenhouse to view a Poinsettia collection? Ho hum. When you have seen one, you have seen them all. Diversity is the spice of life, and orchids show that at all levels.

3) Challenge: Nobody will doubt that orchids are a challenge to keep alive, care for, and of course bring to flower. We tend to get bored when everything in our lives comes too easily. Orchids require a level of understanding and effort so the caretaker can keep them in good health and vigor. There is a pot of gold (flowers) at the end of that rainbow. Along with that challenge, they help teach us a level of patience we might not otherwise learn. Growing orchids is not quite the same as growing radishes in an early summer garden.


4) Biological Interest/Intrigue: Orchids are very complex plants which have evolved some very complicated and interesting mechanisms for reproduction over the eons. For those who have interest in biology/botany there is so much to learn that is fascinating and intellectually rewarding. When we gain understanding from the writings and talks of others we enrich ourselves and expand our own curiosity to learn even more. There is something rewarding about gaining an understanding about the structure, function, development, and inheritance of parts of a plant with such an interesting and complex biology as an orchid. (More biology will be trickling into this newsletter in coming months.) Also, knowledge for its own sake has a value in expanding our thought processes and leading to formulation of questions and creative thinking. The old adage “Use it or lose it” applies to the brain as well as muscles.

[dennis]

the rest of the article

5) Social/Educational: Orchids are one of the few plants that have spawned societies at the international, national, regional, and local levels devoted just to one family of plants. The other one I can think of is roses. Associations of people drawn together by similar interests provide the means to help each other, sponsor educational activities, and conduct the activities that the L.O.S. and others do routinely. That comradeship is itself an attraction for many people who wish to associate with others, make friends, and share social, business, and intellectual interests.

6) Competition: The competitive spirit that drives many people can be found in numerous outlets in our society -- from sports to the arts, state fairs, business, and of course orchids. Choosing and cultivating quality orchids and entering them in orchid shows can provide a sense of achievement and reward, as well as enjoying a wonderful house plant in bloom.

7) Home Decoration: As much as I love growing orchids in my basement facility, when showy orchids that tolerate room conditions come into bloom I love to bring two or three of them into the living room to add color and cheer to the room décor, and to give me something to admire. With some orchids, whose inflorescence lasts 3 weeks to 4 months or more, that longevity alone makes them a bargain after a few seasons. Cut flowers purchased from a florist or a supermarket last only several days, and they still cost the major part of a $10 bill.

8) Sense of Achievement: While this reason may partly encompass a couple of others, it isa strong reason in its own right. I know from my personal experience there is a strong sense of pride and achievement when walking through one’s orchid collection, whether it is a full greenhouse or a dozen well kept healthy plants. One knows that by learning, experience, and persistence the result is success. It is a good feeling which yields a degree of personal pride.

9) Reactions by Others: Let’s face it, we all like a pat on the back once in a while. When you have done a good job and have attractive orchids to show visitors, and they compliment the plants and your efforts for growing them, it feels good inside. That is a reward in itself.

10) The “Royal” Factor: Since the earliest written history of orchids, they have been regarded as the aristocrats of the flower world -- the royalty. These are not mere peasants that we are spending our money on, investing time, effort, and care. There is something within us that makes us silently realize, with a touch of pride, that we are not raising dandelions, marigolds, or even roses. We are growing the flower that stands proudly at the top of the pyramid, looking down on all others like the royalty it has been regarded as throughout its history. We secretly like to associate ourselves with such high class status. It is said that we are judged by the friends we keep. Well, we are judged by the flowers we grow too. It somehow makes US a little bit special as well.

So, there they are. Bracker’s ten reasons why people like to grow orchids and why they are so attracted to them. But wait! There may be one more too. So I will add an eleventh point.

11) $$$$$: It is a good way to spend money.

May all of your orchids be prize winners, and may they not drain your bank account.

[dennis]

Originally Posted by Dorothy

My objective, at this time, is to enjoy them visually and if possible, olfactorily. If they could sing, I'd enjoy them auditorially, too.

the beauty of these visually is amazing. if you have a really bad head cold then there is no smell to behold. when i am home on the weekend we have internet radio on from when we get up in the am till around 8 pm so even tho they can not sing there is alot of good music in the air when tending to them

[Dorothy]

What Dennis said!

[gtelivwa]

I started with my first orchid when I was about 15. It was given to me by my grandparents who were HUGE orchid growers! When my grandpa passed away, I continued “playing” with the plants because it was a great way to “remember” him. Now, 30 years later, I still frequently think of my grandparents as I play with my small orchid collection.

I also enjoy the challenge of figuring out how to successfully grow orchids that are considered hard to grow. If I overhear someone say, “that won’t grow here is southwest Florida” I’ll immediately set out to prove them wrong (or at least try).

[Dorothy]

Gtelivwa ... you go girl!

[Ross]

Back to the original question... I have always grown plants since in my teens (too many years ago to count - and I'm not taking comments from Dorothy ) I started growing orchids 'cause I could. But lately my passion is related to my photography. It's easy to add to a library when one owns the subjects.

[Dorothy]

Ross - Take that >>>