Have you ever tried planting an orchid, or any flower for that matter, only to watch it slowly wilt away despite your best efforts? You buy a beautiful pot, water it regularly, place it somewhere with plenty of light, and still it refuses to thrive. Well, as I recently discovered, watering a plant and giving it a bit of sunshine is only a small part of what it takes to keep orchids alive and healthy.
Last week, Kate Van Deventer from the Zimbabwe Orchid Society delivered a fascinating presentation titled Orchid Secrets at Dodhill Harare. If you own an orchid or have ever been tempted to buy one, the talk would make you realise just how much there is to learn. Every detail matters, from the type of pot you choose and the growing medium you use, to where the plant is positioned, how often it is watered, and even the time of year.
One thing that surprised me was just how diverse orchids are. Apparently, they are one of the largest families of flowering plants on Earth. Yet most of us probably only know a handful of popular varieties. My personal favourite is the Phalaenopsis orchid, more commonly known as the Moon Orchid. With its elegant white petals, often accented by magenta spots.
Their flat shape, made up of three sepals, two petals and a prominent central lip, gives them a graceful appearance that has made them one of the world's most loved orchids.
That being said, my admiration for orchids is currently limited to artificial ones because I have never quite been brave enough to experience the heartbreak of carefully nurturing a real orchid, only to watch it decline because I got something wrong!
If you want to learn more, the Zimbabwe Orchid Society is always welcoming new members. Membership costs just US$15 per year and provides access to a community of fellow orchid enthusiasts. To join, you can contact +263 71 260 1107/zimorchidsociety@gmail.com. And while you're looking for ways to add a little more beauty to your garden, be on the lookout for the Garden Club sessions by Laura's Botanical Treasures. You might just find your new favourite plant waiting for you there.