Summary

The article "My Grandma’s Orchids" discusses the author's experience with their grandmother's thriving orchid collection, sharing a simple yet heartfelt approach to nurturing these often finicky flowers.

Abstract

"My Grandma’s Orchids" is a personal narrative that explores the author's newfound appreciation for orchids, a flower they had never successfully grown. The author, who grew up with a mother who preferred greenery to flowers, marvels at the vibrant display of orchids at their grandmother's home. Despite the common reputation of orchids being difficult to care for, the grandmother's collection boasts nearly a hundred blooms in various colors. The article also includes the author's reflections on photographing the orchids and their attempt to capture the beauty of the flowers in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. The piece culminates in revealing the grandmother's secret to cultivating such a stunning array of orchids: speaking to them daily, as they, like humans and animals, thrive on attention and love. The author concludes with a quote from Confucius, emphasizing the intrinsic beauty and value of nature, and invites readers to explore more of their nature writings and sign up for weekly updates.

Opinions

The author initially lacked experience and interest in growing flowers, particularly orchids, having been surrounded by greenery rather than blooms in their childhood home.
There is an acknowledgment that orchids are perceived as high-maintenance flowers that often fail to bloom if not properly cared for.
The grandmother is portrayed as having a special touch or knowledge in growing orchids, as evidenced by the numerous blossoms in her collection.
The author expresses a modest level of satisfaction with their photography of the orchids but also a sense of missed opportunity in not fully capturing their beauty due to indoor lighting challenges.
A key opinion presented is the grandmother's belief in the power of speaking to orchids as a means of nurturing them, suggesting a holistic and emotionally connected approach to plant care.
The author seems to resonate with the idea that nature's beauty, like the orchid's fragrance, has inherent value regardless of human appreciation, as reflected in the Confucius quote.

My Grandma’s Orchids

And a simple recipe on how to grow these high-maintenance flowers

I’ve never grown any orchids or any flowers indoors by any means. It’s not like we didn’t have plants in the flat I was growing up but my mom only grew greens. The rarer they would bloom the better. If at all.

My mom is the opposite of a flower person. I wouldn’t say she doesn’t have a green thumb. But she doesn’t like flowers. It’s just not her thing. The flat she lives in is very natural. From natural wooden furniture to lush green plants on top of the cupboards, in the window sill, and wherever else she finds space for nature.

While I did grow flowers later in the garden plot my parents rented I never grew flowers in my own room or home either. Cacti and succulents were what I found attractive.

**Phalaenopsis amabilis |** Credit: Anne Bonfert

Now at my grandma’s, I was sleeping on the couch next to a shelf full of orchids. All I know about these flowers is that many people fail to grow them. And if orchids aren’t happy they won’t bloom.

I’m not sure what it is but my grandma surely knows how to grow them. Right now there are almost 100 blossoms blooming across the shelf. From clean white, over golden yellow up to bright pink, you can see them all.

I wasn’t sure how and when to capture them best since I don’t usually photograph indoors. I somehow managed to get them all on the shot but have a feeling I could have done better regarding the light.

**Eriaxis rigida |** Credit: Anne Bonfert

I loved the way these flowers stood in front of each other. Contrasting the other flowers' colors this pink one made a strong appearance.

But in between all these high-growing flowers, there were some blossoms hanging down from the pot lying just above the glass floor of the shelf. Less than half the size than the others these almost purple shining tiny flowers were a highlight in itself.

**Spathoglottis plicata |** Credit: Anne Bonfert

Oh, and in case you’ve tried to grow orchids before and it didn’t go well — here’s my grandma’s secret to feeding them love:

“You have to talk to them. Every day. Orchids like to be talked to. They love the attention just like humans and animals too. I talk to mine everyday.”

“An orchid in a deep forest sends out its fragrance even if no one is around to appreciate it.” — Confucius

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