Our Favorite Orchid

Did You Know? 

• Moth orchids are the most popular orchids in America. 
• If you love vanilla, you already love orchids. This spice is derived from the fruit of the vanilla orchid. 
• Orchids compose one of the largest groups of plants in the world with up to 30,000 species. 
• To learn more about the fascinating world of orchids and the passion they can induce, read The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean.  
• The American Orchid Society (AOS) is based in Delray Beach, Florida. For information on orchids, local societies, and shows in your area, visit www.aos.org.

Buying Orchids 

• Moth orchids ( Phalaenopsis hybrids) make affordable, beautiful houseplants. They are available year-round, though late winter through early spring is their peak bloom season. When selecting, look for plants with firm green leaves. Avoid plants with yellow buds or leaves. Choose those that have just one or two blooms open and lots of buds.  
• When you purchase an orchid this time of year, bring it straight home. Don't leave it in a cold car. Take care when moving your moth orchid. The bloom stalk is usually tied to a bamboo stake. An orchid with a full spray of blooms can be a little top-heavy and snap off if moved too suddenly--a painful experience for both you and the orchid. Should this happen, take heart; you can use the bloom as a cut flower.  
• Moth orchids are affordable and readily available from garden shops, florists, and mass-market retailers. Prices start at around $15 for a 4-inch container and about $20 for a 6-inch container (the cost can be $50 plus for plants with multiple bloom spikes).  
• Order gift baskets of blooming orchids from Norman's Orchids for flowers that will last for months. Also available is a tremendous selection of orchids in different sizes for both the novice and the collector. Call 1-888-467-2443, or visit www.orchids.com. Prices begin around $39 and go up to $250 for flowering gift baskets.  
• Purchase orchids by mail from Carter and Holmes Orchids. This is a great place to shop because plants are available in multiple sizes and are reasonably priced. Plants can be purchased in spike or bud but generally are not blooming when shipped. Call 1-800-873-7086, or visit www.carterandholmes.com.
• The Miami International Orchid Show is March 3-5. It is the largest all-orchid show in the U.S. For more information call (305) 255-3656, or visit www.southfloridaorchidsociety.org.
• Carter and Holmes Orchids ( 629 Mendenhall Road, Newberry, SC 29108) is open to the public 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday 

"Our Favorite Orchid" is from the March 2006 issue of Southern Living.