Orchids of Latin America 

Everyone, whether an orchid grower or not agrees that there is something magical about orchids.  For centuries, the orchid has stood firm as the symbol of beauty, love, and luxury.  The Chinese referred to orchids as the “Plant of the King’s Fragrance”, the Greek called orchids a symbol of “Virility”, and during the Middle Ages, the orchid was used for its herbs and medicinal remedies.  In fact, since orchids were considered a strong aphrodisiac, being the prime ingredient in love potions.  Even today, the orchid is associated with romance and love. 

Scientists have confirmed through years and years of research that orchids actually date back 120 million years.  The actual cultivation of orchids is still something not known but the first reference known was made by a Chinese Emperor by the name of Sheng Nung.  You will also find a huge variety of wild orchids in South America, creating color and beauty in many different regions of the country.  In fact, it is common to find people of South America growing orchids as houseplants, sometimes in a sunny window and other times in a hothouse. 

The process of collecting orchids dates back to the 18^th Century when the gorgeous and unique flowers coupled with an intoxicating fragrance drew the attention of people around the world.  During this same time, just a few orchid samples were brought back to England by sea captains that had visited far away lands.  For the amateur gardener and the botanists, the orchid was a curious flower that stirred up intense curiosity.  During the 1700’s, the orchid received tremendous attention. 

For example, in 1712, a German doctor by the name of Englebert Kaempfer mentioned the orchid from the East in a special study called the Amoenitatum Escoticarun and then in 1735, a Swedish botanist named Carl Von Line (Linnaeus) wrote a study called Genera Plantarum, which later paved the way for Darwin’s studies.  He would write another study in 1763 whereby 100 different types of tropical orchids were identified. 

Then in 1830, the famous botanist, John Lindley, wrote several books on the subject of orchids with “The Genus and Species of Orchidaceae Plants” propelling him to success.  However, it was in 1862 when the first real contribution regarding strategies for propagation was published by Darwin.  Even so, William Cattley was the person to change history when in 1818 he made a great discovery. 

We know from historical reports he was unpacking several plants he had purchased and had shipped home.  When the box was opened, he found that his plants were packed in a strange material, which was actually a plant form of unknown origin.  Curious, Catley planted the strange “packing material” only to discover that eventually, they bloomed.  Those plants were what we know today as the Cattleya Orchid. 

Upon his discovery, everyone wanted this “new” plant and soon millions of orchids were stripped from entire forests, many coming from South America.  Then by 1878, Catley had been able to identify up to 500 different orchid species, leaving many forests completely void of this magnificent flower.  For this reason, collecting orchids is now banned and many species reside on the endangered list.  By the 19^th century, people had an unassailable appetite for the orchid, which skyrocketed prices.  With that, growers began learning more about this flower along with the special needs of successfully growing them. 

From that time to the present, the germination process was identified, new species discovered, and in depth understanding gained.  The orchid is by far one of the most diverse species of all plants.  You can find these stunning plants in tropical rain forests, up high in the mountains, and at your local gardening center.  Whether from the United States or South America, orchids are magnificent species unmatched by any other plant. 

Today, the orchid family consists of anywhere between 25,000 and 30,000 different species as well as 70,000 hybrids.  Although the most popular orchids hail from Asia, South America is especially rich in wild orchids.  When visiting South American countries or other countries where orchids grow, you will notice this flower growing in two primary ways.  First, there is the monopodial growth, an upright axis from which leaves will appear and second, the sympodial growth, which means a prostrate axis from which shoots appear. 

Then within these two categories are four specific groups.  First, there is the terrestrial orchids, which have roots in the soil, climbing orchids that grow in treetops with the roots clinging to the bark for nutrients, Lithophytes, which grow on rocks or places with little soil, and then saprophytes, which get nutrients and water from decaying matter of fungi.  However, the most amazing aspect of orchids is that not only do they come in every possible color but they also have a magnificent fragrance.