The exotic orchid is all the rage in Bangalore, India

A unique display at the Orchid exhibition in Lalbagh My exposure to orchids was as a young woman in Shillong. Dad was posted for two years in the Air Force station there and we enjoyed the most beautiful part of India, in my opinion. Nothing can beat the untouched and magnificent hills and mountains that the North East commands and the wonderful flora and fauna of the area. Ofcourse it was on our family trip to Bhutan a protected state, but not a protectorate, of India that we really saw the splendid diversity of hundreds of species of orchids. What amazed us as kids was the mind boggling varieties that grew everywhere, even in old tin cans on people’s roofs. It was there that my Dad and Mum’s interest and love for orchids grew.

A mottled beauty at the exhibition On our return to Bangalore, Dad brought with him a collection from Shillong which grew and flourished under his care and love under a large Raspuri mango tree up front of the garden which had been planted by his father. The plants were either tied to the branches of the tree or just placed in moss and hung from the branches. They grew and flourished in the shade and humidity and ever so often we would get an excited call from Dad or Mum to “ come see the Blue Wanda has flowered.” It was time for celebration for them and we enjoyed their happiness. In Goa too one finds orchids flowering in the trees in the jungles, clinging to rotting branches and their roots free flowing in the air above. The most common are the Fox Brush orchids which throw out a long and breathtaking inflorescence, hanging from the trees. Stupidly we would carry them home to Bangalore where they clung,barely alive in the heat of the city and died.

Wish Dad and Mum could see these! But today there is a huge variety of domesticated orchids, and a growing community of orchid lovers in India and particularly Bangalore. I recollect carrying one from the Singapore airport for my Dad on one of my conference trips. Today those Phalaenopsis or Butterfly orchids are grown the world over and my son has 10 year old specimens that bloom and happily grow in his kitchen in London. But he spends time and love on them to keep them that way.

Crowds at the exhibition and the tickets were not cheap! Visiting the Orchid exhibition at the Mari Gowda hall in Lalbagh recently the huge variety of orchids being grown in Bangalore was displayed. Crowds visited and the display got immense coverage in the local newspapers. A friend and fellow jogger - Everest D’souza displayed his collection and won a second prize at the event. Prizes encourage the grower to enjoy the hobby even more, as we humans enjoy recognition. Most orchid roots have NOT to be stuffed into potting soil so, look for a porous mix like cocopeat, coal and tile. Direct sunlight should be avoided. Some common types of orchids that thrive on bright light are Cattleya and Vanda, while low light is preferred by Phalaenopsis, among others

The variety of species on display entranced the crowds. It is estimated that there are more than 1,300 species of orchids found in India, primarily in the Northeast -Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh -and also in Sikkim and south India. Most orchids are perennial and if raised in the right conditions, they should last eight weeks with flowers, after which the blooms slowly start dropping off. They eventually re-flower. A word of caution: Never cut off the aerial roots, and never, ever remove the shoot on which the flowers bloomed. They may reflower. Growing orchids can be addictive. But you can take proper care of your orchid only when you know its genus.Most orchids you get in nurseries are hybrids, created specifically for flowers. They are easy to care for at homes and offices. However, a few things should be kept in mind, like light and humidity. If you can imitate a plant's natural habitat, it will thrive.

Yes! It's a black beauty that had people queing to oggle it. The most commonly available orchids, such as the Moth Orchid, Phalaenopsis and Cattleya are so popular because they grow well at home. Phalaenopsis hybrids are usually considered the `beginners' orchids', simply because they re-bloom under the conditions most windowsill growers can offer them. They require lower light. The Vanda, is one of the most beautiful group of orchids. “Vandas could be mostly found on trees. And unlike most plants, they do not grow in soil, but air. Their roots attach to trees or rocks, and they draw moisture and nutrients that wash over them in the forest,“ says Everest an orchid enthusiast with 300 plants.

Prizewinning orchid which was very unusual and stunning Beginners often make the mistake of assuming that orchids need to be potted in soil like other blooming flowers. That would be a grave mistake. Most orchid roots need far more air than potting soil would give them. So, look for a porous mix. Direct sunlight should be avoided. Some common types of orchids that thrive on bright light are Cattleya and Vanda, while low light is preferred by Phalaenopsis and Pahiopedilum, among others. Orchids should be given as much light as they can tolerate.Varieties with thicker and erect leaves can tolerate more light than those with thinner or more horizontal leaves. Too little light is one of the common mistakes beginners make.

The Phalaenopsis are the most loved and sold extensively in stores across the globe Most orchids like about 70 percent humidity in the atmosphere, which is more humid than most homes. So, you have to make an effort to provide your plants with extra humidity . Orchids usually appreciate misting with a spray bottle. If the plant has aerial roots growing up and out of the pot, those roots will like getting some moisture. At home, you can keep the the planter on a tray. Fill it with water and gravel. As the water evaporates, it will provide some extra humidity to the plant. For anyone keeping orchids on a windowsill in the kitchen which is usually more humid than the rest of the house, this technique really helps. Orchids need nitrogen, sulphur, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium for growth. You can purchase a ready spray or fingers of nutrition which can be inserted into the pot like my son does.They are the best, though expensive. But I did buy a 2$ frothy nutrient spray from Home Depot for my son in the US and his orchid which was sad looking has thrown some aerial roots he says excitedly. Everest says he uses butter milk which has been left to stand for a few days and gets the best results with that.

Look at that golden beauty quite unusual and not the regular variety Overwatering kills far more orchids than underwatering. When in doubt, just don't water. The potting mix also has a lot to do with how often an orchid needs watering. Most orchids are sold in mixes that allow for weekly watering. Don't water until the soil is approaching dryness. To water an orchid, just submerge the pot in a bucket for a few seconds, then lift it out and let the excess water drain off.