The Essence of Caring for an Orchid

The Essence of Caring for an Orchid

When one brings up the topic of caring for an orchid, typically the average person is referring to the cut flower. Perhaps the cut flower was on the corsage you received or the orchid you were given as a token of love and respect. The orchid is used in such a broad variety of ways as a cut flower.

However, any thorough discussion of caring for an orchid should look at it from a number of perspectives. From the origins of the plant, to its most likely death as a cut flower, there are many aspects to caring for an orchid. One should even recall that some of the most beautiful plants can still be found in the wild.

The Wild Orchids

This is the simplest story to tell. Caring for an orchid that is growing in the wild means do not pick it and if at all possible do not damage the ecological environment of the plant at all. You must be aware that in order to survive, wild orchids need their moths, bees and wasps and their soils to stay the way they are and only mutate as nature intends. Therefore, the art of caring for an orchid that is wild means, pictures only.

Captured and Cultivated Plants

Caring for those plants that have already been captured means making sure that they are watered appropriately and that the ambient temperature closely resembles that of their native environment. If they are a cultivated plant they may not actually need as much caring for as they may have already adapted to their environment. However, they are still plants and caring for an orchid still requires protecting it from the harsh edges of temperatures and winds.

Although orchids grow almost everywhere, they are known for seeking shelter and often are found in wooded areas throughout the world. It is these environments that are often simulated in orchid greenhouses that are found throughout the world. In fact, in the deep south of the United States, there is even a secret orchid greenhouse that exists.

Cut Plants

Although, perhaps one of the most fragile looking of flowers, a cut orchid can actually survive pretty well if you reduce the ambient temperature and keep it moist. In fact, most orchids last a little longer than the average cut flower. Once the plant begins to lose its beauty, you may want to consider drying the flower. This is the last step in caring for an orchid. Preserving its natural beauty for all to see and recalling the occasion that the beautiful flower represents.