Orchids

 

 

Orchids are amazing plants. In fact, they make up the largest family of plants on the planet. A few years ago I began to develop an interest in orchids. Then I was fortunate enough to meet a fellow named Dave who works at the Lowe’s garden center at the waterfront. He also told me about The Western Pennsylvania Orchid Society of which he is a part. Every year the WPOS hosts an orchid show at the Phipp’s Garden Center. March 15th and 16th are the dates of the show, so it is only a few weeks away. The admission is free, although they do take donations. The displays of orchids are breathtaking, but if you want to make a purchase from one of the many vendors you need to get there early because the stock is sold out quickly.

Currently I have five orchids. Three are of the genus phalaenopsis and two are paphiopedilum. The white orchid in bloom is a phalaenopsis commonly known as a moth orchid. These are commonly found in garden centers and even grocery stores. The orchid in bud is the one which I am most excited about. It is a paphiopedilum, commonly referred to as a lady’s slipper. The species is delenatii, which is indigenous to northern Vietnam. Whereas the phalaenopsis, which is epiphytic, grows high in the tree tops of the rain forest, the paphiopedilum is terrestial which means it most commonly grows on the forest floor.