This week I did something I knew I would regret. I fell for an orchid.
Ant Man’s favorite expression,”Ever desiring, ever desirous” sounds a little redundant, but he claims it’s from the Tao Te Ching. ( he uses it on me whenever I shop online). Pressed for clarification he said, “It’s the obsessive, unquenchable nature of desire: the more you have, the more you want. The notion you’ll be happy when you finally get what you want is now known to be untrue. You can just read any novel, but there’s science behind it.”
Let me first say I garden avidly, but I’ve resisted orchids on the principle that I won’t grow anything that needs more attention than I do. So after dropping off two paintings at the Myriad Botanical Garden’s fundraiser auction, I spent a couple of hours in the tropical conservatory glasshouse at my easel, right next to this blooming jezebel. I drew the shining clumps of strappy leaves and the cascade of lurid purple flowers, and I clearly heard their siren song. Have you ever noticed that when you draw, you go into a more open, vulnerable state of mind? The more I drew this orchid, the more I wanted it. Ever desiring, ever desirous. Or so it’s said.
When I got home, I looked up Vanda orchids: highly prized, showy, expensive. Not for beginners. Phalaenopsis orchids looked promising, though, and I even found a Martha Stewart video on making orchid wall-hanging gardens. Downside: daily watering. I browsed the pages of orchid devotees and their tiers of humidity trays, misters, grow lights, whole rooms of floral life support. Being the obsessive type, I know I could go there, too. But I have my principles. I won’t grow anything needier than me. So, for now, I’ll stick with irises. They’re showy, too.
Although Homeland has some reasonably priced phalaenopsis this week…
Happy Friday.
Drawing The Motmot 
Just wondered if you knew that Radiant Orchid is the Pantone color for 2014? Nice coincidence if you didn’t.http://static.vizworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Pantone_color-349×240.jpg Check it out. Love your blog.
Beth, didn’t know that. Pantone’s color of the year? Good choice!
Go with the relatively simple Cymbidium. Yes, it is possible to kill them, but you really need to be dedicated to forgetfulness! (I can’t grow them here as they hate the tropics!)
They’re beautiful, too. I’ll give them a look. They might not like our climate, either. Thanks for the suggestion, dinahmow. I’ll check the rule book…
Don’t give up on the beauty of orchids as a houseplant. I’ve been growing Phalaenopsis orchids for over 25 years with nothing more than bright window light and a tray of stones underneath them for a little extra humidity and they flourish! Most of the time I forget all about them and still they bloom gorgeously. Treat yourself. You won’t regret it!
It’s funny how plants grab a place in a person’s heart. Personally, I’d go for the bromeliad that’s just next to that orchid. Much easier to keep alive, and so beautiful.
You just might be ready for a puppy though! Lol
Sent from my phone
>
I used to be terrified of orchids, and I run a nursery! I was given one a few years ago, and I embarrassed to say I neglected it woefully. It bloomed, and has bloomed every year since. I have started growing smaller ones now, in moderation. I think you need to buy one suited to your area. They do cope with being ignored amazingly well. And as for the vanda, I bought one, put it in a tree outside (we live in tropical Qld), and it has flowered every year as well. Think I am just lucky.
And I love the drawing. Your work is fantastic.
Thanks to all for the nudge on orchids. Tropicals do well here outdoors in summer with adequate water, too- haven’t tried bromeliads, but that is indeed a splashy specimen in the picture. I’ll have to get the name of it- so tempting.
But not quite ready for a puppy, Marci, although please give yours a hug from me…