ORCHID
It is befitting for the orchid flower to have its own holiday — National Orchid Day on April 16 — after all, it is the beauty, rarity and wide diversity of this exotic favorite that attracts scientists, researchers and orchid enthusiasts worldwide. Serena Roman, owner of Lady Vanda Orchids from Homestead, shares insights on these magnificent blooms.
“For thousands of years, orchids have been collected and displayed as a sign of wealth and prosperity,” says Roman. She explains that in Victorian England, collecting orchids was a hobby for the rich and those with space to accommodate greenhouses. “The awe of orchids stems from their beauty and mystery. Some people of the time would even sponsor expeditions in search of rare species,” she says. “Orchids are just the epitome of style, luxury, grace and elegance. There are 26,000 known species and tens of thousands more hybrids, so you are bound to find the perfect plant for your skill level, environment and particular style.”
Roman, 28, who runs the family-owned orchid nursery with her husband, says the infatuation with the flower is prevalent in Florida, a mecca for orchidologists and goes on to explain that South Florida is home to some of the largest orchid festivals in the U.S. as well as the headquarters for the American Orchid Society.
Photo courtesy of Serena Roman
Serena Roman from Lady Vanda Orchids
Her love affair with orchids began in the early 2000s when Roman’s grandmother gifted a collection of Phalaenopsis (a species of orchid and the one people usually begin their orchid journey with) to family and friends. “They bloomed, and eventually, the flower spikes died back. The plants remained in our living room near a large bay window for about two years just collecting dust, but still green and growing leaves,” she says.
“We couldn’t figure out how to get them to flower, so I did what most millennials do and turned to Google and YouTube. I found one of the first YouTube orchid tutorials and followed it. This would’ve been around springtime; by winter of that year, we had flower spikes on all but one of the orchids. Turned out this plant just needed to experience the temperature drop in the winter, which triggered its blooming cycle. For those that have these orchids and weren’t aware, you can get them to rebloom this way!”
Speaking of orchid care, Roman says that the first step is to determine which orchid you are growing or would like to grow, then research the best ways to replicate its natural environment at home. “In sunny South Florida, we are spoiled with ideal weather for growing orchids — great humidity, warm weather, ample sunlight, and rain almost year-round. Our winters are mild and work well for most orchid cultivation with some minor accommodations,” she says. Since most orchids cannot handle full sun, she advises people to provide an area that gets bright indirect light or look for orchids that can handle full sun if that is the light exposure you have in your area.
“Watering level will also vary depending on what orchids you want to grow. Vanda orchids are some of the easiest to grow in South Florida, as they can handle full sun exposure in the early morning, ideally up to 11 a.m. They enjoy growing bare roots (with no pot or potting media) and getting watered frequently throughout the week, daily is best. A screened-in pool enclosure, lanai, or shady balcony are great places to start growing orchids.”
Contrary to popular belief, orchids are easy to care for. However, an orchid owner should be someone who likes to learn and challenge themselves in a relaxing way. “You can take your time learning about orchids and implementing changes to get them growing optimally in your environment.” If you’re willing to learn more about cultivating orchids, she recommends joining your local orchid society. “These organizations are made up of local hobbyists, collectors, growers, and sometimes American Orchids Society judges that specialize in growing orchids in your area. They are one of the best resources to learn more and get active in the hobby.”
Roman stresses the importance of purchasing healthy plants from trusted sources. For instance, one can walk by local nurseries or call and talk to staff and ask questions about their cultivation. Alternatively, if there’s an orchid show in your area, Roman says it’s a great place to start with your search for new orchids.
“Plants should be intact and well seated in their growing medium or mount.” For that, she says, pay close attention to signs of new growth in your orchids (new roots, leaves or pseudobulbs). “Beautiful flowers are often a sign of a healthy, happy plant, but make sure to look at the whole plant and compare to others that are being offered so that you may select the best one of the group.”
According to Roman, orchids provide more than beautiful flowers. “Orchids have been used for their fragrance in perfumes, to add flavor in various cuisine and even medicine. Did you know that vanilla comes from the vanilla plant, which is an orchid? And with so many varieties, scientists continue to explore the contributions that orchids can offer for science and medicine,” she says. “National Orchid Day serves as a reminder that these plants are important and play an active role in nature for their pollinators and the native environment. It’s not just about what orchids can do for us; it also acknowledges the respect and love we uphold for these marvelous plants.”
That precisely what Roman does. “Lady Vanda Orchids started as a labor of love, to make orchids more accessible and to provide education and support for those new to the hobby.” Besides loving everything orchid-related, what fuels her passion is working with Orchid Societies throughout Florida to educate on orchid cultivation. “I grow orchids for the love of the plants, but I started my business for the love of people and to be able to spread my joy and knowledge so others may learn and enjoy them just as I do.”