Orchid Fun Facts

• It’s nearly impossible to be allergic to orchids because their pollen is not air born but instead presented in concentrated grains-similar to tiny grains of rice.
• Fairly recent discovery of orchid pollen trapped on a preserved insect fossil have dated orchids back to more than 70-80 million years ago at time when Dinosaurs walked the Earth and insects were active pollinators.
• A key characteristic of an orchid flower is its zygomorphic attribute-in other words orchid flowers are so unique that they are only bilaterally symmetrical-and noted for their highly developed, large(r) and fancy third petal-the lip or labellum.
• Many orchids are fragrant and may smell like many things including vanilla, roses, chocolate, coconut, cinnamon, lilac, rotting flesh and yes even feces-depending on the pollinator the orchid is trying to attract.
• Orchids have been revered by people and cultures the world over… In Japan the ancient Samurai considered Neofinetia falcata sacred, the ancient Aztecs cultivated Stanhopea hernandezii and our modern culture would not be the same without the common flavoring vanilla derived from the seed pod of Vanilla plainifolia.
• The Orchid’s flower structure is so evolved to be dependant on a specific pollinator-that when their pollinator species becomes extinct so will the orchid species. Some species pollinate themselves!
• In nature orchids grow in varied ways with roots as anchors, exposed to air; on the branches of trees (epiphytes), on rocks (lithophytes), in the ground in leaf litter on forest floors or on rocky embankments (terrestrials) and some even just below the soil surface (saphrophytes). Most orchids are ambidextrous in growth habit and can grow in several formats-such as on tree limbs, on rocks and on the ground.
• Orchids are plants that need to be grown so that they have perfect drainage, excellent fresh air circulation and protection from direct sun that will burn their leaves.
• Color-coded success…When a healthy orchid’s roots are thoroughly hydrated they will go from white to bright green. Makes sure your orchids roots turn back to white before you water again. Roots that don’t dry will rot-Rotting is the #1 cause of orchid death.
• Orchids do not need to grow in bark! Try any non-porous, inorganic, irregularly shaped substance-like crushed granite. Use a clear plastic pot when growing indoors so you can see your orchid’s roots and their progress.

Neofinetia falcata, the ‘Samurai Orchid’

Name: In Japanese-“フラン”-‘Furan’, translated “wind orchid”. When a selected plant of this species is relegated to high class status called ‘Fuukiran’, translated ”rich and noble orchid’.

Type: Compact, Vandaceous form, long pointed somewhat succulent leaves arranged in loose fans.

Origin(s): Japan, Korea, Ryukyu Islands

Light: Found in deciduous forests, these plants are capable of enduring very bright light to full sun in winter (mid day shade is required). Protect the leaves during all other times of the year, especially from midday sun. Filtered lighting is best with morning sun and after noon shade/dappled sun.

Water: Summer monsoons drench the plants in their native locals. Plants should dry between waterings. Wait for the roots to turn white before watering again. Watering should involve drenching the entire plant and its leaves, roots, mount/pot and be followed by a rapid drying with excellent air circulation. When your plant has been properly watered the roots will turn green until they dry and return to white.

Temperature: In nature these plants experience snow in winter so they are capable of enduring very cool conditions. Best to protect from freezing weather when temperatures dip below 35 degrees.

Dimensions: Plant size 5” tall, 3” leaves, 1 ½ “ sickle shape white to blush pink flowers resemble Samurai swords.

Mount: Can be grown successfully on a hard wood mount (Branch), on tree fern slabs, in a very free draining medium or traditionally on carefully sculpted hollow globes of extra long strand, high-grade new Zealand sphagnum moss.

Fragrance: Yes, heavy coconut-vanilla

Variations: Many variations of leave shapes, plant size, flower shape and leaf markings exist. Certain rare forms have been revered by the ancient Samurai. Select forms may sell for tens of thousands of dollars. Quite possibly most expensive orchid ever sold was a Samurai orchid for more than $350,000.00 dollars.

Cost: Basic forms are often available at $10.00 per growth with more select forms reaching into the thousands of dollars. Pricing is established based on the number of growths on the plant and supply and demand for the type. Ownership of very select forms are viewed as a status symbol in Japan. Many nice quality forms are readily available for purchase at $25.00 to $75.00 USD. Seed propagated plants are often more affordable. However more unique types can only be propagated by division and thus are more costly depending on supply and demand.

Features: These plants are excellent for indoor growing on the windowsill or grown outside. Their small size and attractive leaves make them versatile subjects for display in even the most limited growing areas when in and out of bloom. A perfect beginner orchid! When potted traditionally their ornate pots enhance their charm.

Angreacum didieri

Angreacum didieri from Madagascar. A fantastic mini with bold white and warty roots supporting a 5” upright plant with stiff dark green leathery 2” leaves, proportionately large 3” pure white starry blooms with a 5” spur emerge from the leaf nodes, pure white flat oblong lip, with reasonable care it can flower several times per year, fragrant. Shade to bright light. Intermediate to Warm temperatures. Stick mounted plants. Moist; 3-5 waterings per week (let dry slightly between waterings).

Creating a "Glow-in-the-dark" Orchid

The world's first and only genetically modified bioluminescent orchid has been successfully developed by Prof. Chia Tet Fatt from the National Institute of Education (NIE). To create the bioluminescent orchid, Prof. Chia transformed tissues from orchids (the Dendrobium genus) using the firefly luciferase gene. Using a method called "particle bombardment", biologically active DNA from the firefly gene was delivered into orchid tissues. Transformed cells were identified by their bioluminescence trait. These transformed tissues were propagated and used to generate transgenic plants (plants with a foreign gene incorporated). This process was repeated several times, and the bioluminescent trait was present in all transgenic plants. This confirms that the firefly luciferase gene has been integrated into the orchid. Unlike the fluorescent traits which store and re-emit light energy, the bioluminescent trait of the orchid uses its own energy to create light. These bioluminescent orchids will produce constant light, visible to the human eye, for up to 5 hours in a stretch. This greenish-white light is emitted from the whole orchid, including roots, stem, leaves and petals. The intensity of light produced varies across the different parts, ranging from 5,000 to 30,000 photons per second. Genetic transformation can help supplement traditional breeding of orchids to create orchids with desirable traits, such as novel colours, longer shelf life and increased resistance to pests and diseases. It is also possible that this procedure can be used for the transformation of other species.