Orchids are the ultimate fantasy plant.
Top orchid grower Tinus Oberholzer explains that orchids are:
* The biggest plant family on earth with more than 25 000 species and in excess of 120 000 registered hybrids in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours.
* Found all over the world except Antarctica. There are 460 species found within SA. Probably the best known is the disa orchid, from the Western Cape, or the leopard orchid of the lowveld. Most SA orchid species are terrestrials and many occur in the Gauteng area. Many have small flowers not easily seen by the untrained eye.
* Not parasites. Although the majority are found growing on trees in nature, they are not parasites. Orchids that prefer to grow on trees are called epiphytes. Their roots do not grow into the trees. They just use the trees and shrubs to lift them higher so they can get more light, air movement, or both.
* The best-selling pot plants in Europe, the US and Far East. Taiwanese and Japanese sell millions of orchids during the Chinese New Year, and in the US sales of moth orchids (Phalaenopsis sp) have overtaken sales of poinsettias and chrysanthemums. Sales have also grown exponentially in SA.
* Perfect décor items in the home. Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis) are known for their long-lasting flowers (although some orchid species bloom for only a few hours).
* Not carnivorous. Although many orchids attract insects, none is carnivorous. Lady slippers are believed to be carnivorous as their “pouch” resembles the pitcher of carnivorous tropical pitcher plants.
* Rare and vulnerable. Many orchid species can no longer be found in nature and others are on the brink of extinction. Luckily, thanks to orchid growers, they will not necessarily be lost completely.
* Not expensive or elitist. As the growing requirements are now better understood, they have become more affordable. Propagation methods have also improved and cloning of orchids has made the price of orchids comparable to a bunch of flowers.
* Plants with specialised roots. Most orchids have a tissue called velamen surrounding their roots. This is spongy and helps the orchid to absorb nutrients efficiently. This is the part of the root that clings to the tree or to rocks.
* Plants with diverse growth habits. Orchids are known for their pseudobulbs, which act as storage organs for moisture and carbohydrates. Some have developed fleshy roots and have no pseudobulbs, while others have no bulb or leaves and photosynthesise through their roots. Some orchids produce new shoots each year, which grow into the pseudobulb. Certain types produce a new shoot each year which dies back in the off-season.
* The national flower of Guatemala (Lycaste skinneri), Brazil (Cattleya labiata), Indonesia (Phalaenopsis amabilis), Panama (Peristeria alata), Venezuela (Cattleya mossiae), Belize (Prosthechea cochleata), Costa Rica (Guarianthe skinneri) and Colombia (Cattleya trianei). Singapore’s national flower is an orchid hybrid, “Vanda Miss Joaquim”.
Orchid societies across the country are affiliated with the South African Orchid Council. - Saturday Star