Why Should I Grow Orchids?

Orchids are very popular plants, and for good reason. In the United States, orchids are the second most popular flowering plant (after the poinsettia). There are over 30,000 species and more than 100,000 hybrids of orchids out there, each one possessing a unique, distinguishing trait, such that it is impossible for you not to find an orchid that will appeal to you.

The Ornamental Value of Orchids is High

If you want a beautiful plant to adorn your room or yard, you should consider growing orchids. Orchids are simply fascinating to look at. The flowers come in various shapes and sizes with a dazzling array of tantalizing colors. Even the foliage can be attractive. Orchids exude elegance and exoticism making them wonderful adornment pieces. Worn on the hair, tied together in a lei, set as a corsage, or arranged as a floral centerpiece, orchids immediately brighten up your look or your room. As an added bonus, many orchid species give off wonderful fragrances. Sweet, spicy, musky, citrusy, or chocolatey, their diverse scents can perfume you and your room.

Raising Orchids is Personally Rewarding

Besides the obvious aesthetic benefits, growing orchids can be personally rewarding for you. As a hobby or pastime, nurturing a valuable living thing like an orchid can be soothing and a great way to relieve stress. Seeing your orchid bloom after showering it with your tender loving care is one of the simple joys in life. In addition, growing orchids may provide different avenues for you to expand your network and meet people who have the same passion for orchids. You can join orchid societies or interest groups, and you just might end up making great friends in the process. Lastly, with the growing destruction of rainforests, many orchid species have become endangered. By cultivating your very own orchid, you not only commune with nature, you are doing your part in conserving these wonderful plants. Clearly, raising orchids is already a reward in itself.

Orchids have other Commercial Benefits

From an economic standpoint, orchids are not only popular as cutflowers or potted plants, some orchids have commercial food value. For example, natural vanilla flavoring comes from vanilla beans, which are the cured seedpods of a tropical orchid. In the Mediterranean, dried tubers of orchids (Orchis mascula or Orchis militaris) are ground into flour and turned into salep drink (an alternative beverage for coffee or tee), pudding, and even ice cream. Some orchids have medicinal value as well. Dried orchids are used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for different purposes such as immune system build-up, cancer treatment, eyesight improvement, and many more. These are just some examples of the benefits of orchid raising that go beyond their ornamental values.