Her first topic was how the orchid got its name. Before we explain that, let's examine the Greek myth that explains the presence of orchids. The Greek myth tells the story of a young man, Orchis, the son of a nymph and a satyr who came upon a festival of Dionysus (Bacchus) in the forest. He drank too much, and attempted to rape a priestess of Dionysus. For his insult, he was torn apart by the Bacchanalians. His father prayed for him to be restored, but the gods instead changed him into a flower. Mary Ann did not share this story, but she did cite the word's etymology, coming from the Greek name for an organ of male anatomy that motivated Orchis' rash actions. The bulbous roots of the orchid bear resemblance to this organ, hence the word was used to indicate the class of plants whose flowers seem irresistibly seductive.
Before you get lost in the flower show, don't forget to check out the Recent and Upcoming Events paragraph at the bottom of this posting. We made an exploration into the natural world of birds and bones (making fossils at JCE). And we learned about the environment and ways to protect it in the District IV's first ESS Course, The Living Earth. On March 7th Master Gardeners Dianne Battle (GCoS member) and Mary Ann Bell (shown above) will be presenting a day of horticultural topics at the IFAS Spring Blitz. And come on down for our March 12th meeting featuring a presentation on succulents, and an evening presentation from our sister organization, the Bartram Scenic & Historic Highway, on Archeology Along the St. Johns River.
NOW...
Here's the pageant of beauties she brought. Most are are less fussy about horticultural requirements and can be grown by a novice in northeast Florida without a heated greenhouse. They do need to be taken indoors in cold weather, and given the proper care will tolerate the cool weather hiatus indoors.
Vanda. The photo doesn't do the justice to the stunning purple color of the flowers veins. These flowers can be hybridized to produce some really jaw-dropping colors and combinations of colors. They can take direct sunlight (although a little shade is appreciated) but need to be protected from cooler temperatures.
Another vanda displaying a classic orchid color. Vandas are cold-sensitive yes require high humidity, which means they do very well in northeast Florida outside. When they must be brought indoors, they will need a sunny southern window and lots of moisture in the air.
Cattleya. The distinctive trumpet-shaped "catt" is a favorite for corsages. It blooms in the spring, when proms, Easter parades, and Mother's Day roll around. The cut flower stays fresh for a long time and has a wonderful array of scents. They appreciate some temperature drop at night, but generally prefer the range found in an average household. Their bulbous "roots" are able to store water, so plant them in a bark-type medium. Water them weekly with a weak solution (1/4-strength) of fertilizer.
Rynchostylis Gigantea - alba (Vanda species). These plants flower in graceful sprays that have a wonderful spicy fragrance. This vanda is very particular about moisture and warmth, but it can take lower light than most vandas.
Miltonidium a Miltonidium is a cross between Miltonia and Oncidium .
Phalaenopsis. These are the easiest type to grow at home and the ones most frequently seen in supermarkets. Although they naturally come in many colors, growers often inject dyes into the plant of the white-flowered ones to give them striking colors. The color only lasts for one season; the next batch of blooms will be the flower's natural color (pure white). Their nickname is "moth orchid". Miniature varieties are even easier to care for - so Claire, take note because that's the type of orchid you won. They do need more moisture than other orchids, so a potting medium that retains water, like moss, will help them stay hydrated. Their blooms last a very long time. These plants do not do well in full sun; a filtered light source is best. Their roots grow quickly, so plan to repot yearly.
It seems that nobody is indifferent to orchids, and if you start raising them you become caught up in their spell. All their fussiness is amply rewarded by their blooms. And if your plant has babies (called keikis) you'll be a lifer.
If you want more information on growing orchids, see the American Orchid Society website. If you want to meet other enthusiasts, you can join Mary Ann's group, the St. Augustine Orchid Society (or just attend one of their monthly meetings). The free Annual Orchid Show sponsored by the Jacksonville Orchid Society during the last weekend in March is an event not to be missed. And if you want to keep in touch with the American Orchid Society, you can download a free copy of their Orchids magazine.
Last but not least, thanks to Carolyn for donating February's raffle prize!
Recent and Upcoming Events
Mary Ann (and Dianne Battle from the GCOS) will be presenting at the IFAS/UF Spring Blitz at the St. Johns County Extension Center on 3/7/15 (registration deadline is 2/27). Also see the Events page for coverage of the Blue Star Memorial Dedication last month at the Jacksonville National Cemetery. And find out what's making our local bluebirds sing and who were the ancestors of today's raptors at Bones and Birds in the Awards and Projects section.
See our calendar of upcoming events, including our meeting on March 12 on succulents with Eat Your Yard Jax and our sister club, the Bartram Scenic and Historic Highway's evening event on that date hosting the Florida Public Archeology Network's presentation of Archeology Along the St. Johns River. Guests are invited to either or both events, but give us a heads-up at switzerlandgc@gmail.com so we'll have enough snacks for everyone!
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