When we think of Orchids most of us think of the beautiful, tall, colourful ones that we see in the supermarkets and garden centres, you might be surprised to learn that we actually have over 30 native species here in Ireland. Of course these Orchids don't look like the classic Orchid, some have multiple flower spikes resembling a hyacinth and some have tiny bell flowers, looking a little like bluebells. Our native ones can be found in low nutrient usually marshy or rocky areas and flower from May through to July. They are protected so if you do spot them unfortunately you can't pick them, but you can take some lovely photos!
It is actually a type of Orchid that we can thank for our vanilla flavouring. Vanilla pods come from the Orchid, Vanilla planifolia which is mainly cultivated in Madagascar, Mexico and Tahiti. Madagascar produces the most with 80% or the worlds vanilla coming from there. Tahitian vanilla is said to be far superior in taste but comes with a much heftier price tag (one pod can cost 10 euro!).
The reason Vanilla is so expensive is because it is extremely labour intensive. Each plant is usually pollinated by hand and it takes three years for each plant to reach fruiting maturity. Once it does produce fruit there is a very small window in which to pick the perfectly ripe pod. Too soon and the pod will be underdeveloped, too late and it will have popped open, you will have lost some seed and it is harder to package/ship and store. So the timing is crucial, and again, extremely labour intensive.
You can get artificial vanilla but as any baker or chef knows, the natural vanilla pod is far superior.
When you first read the word Orchid it was most likely Orchid Phalaenopsis that came to mind. These are also known as Moth Orchids due to the shape of their petals resembling the wings of a moth. They are an incredibly popular houseplant here and with good reason. They can flower at any time of year and take very little maintenance (usually liking to be ignored!)
They are generally grown in a clear pot with their roots showing through, this is because these orchids naturally would be growing on a tree or other host plants and their roots would be exposed. It is also a handy way to keep an eye on the health of your plant.
They should be kept in a humid area, near a bathroom or a kitchen, as they like damp conditions. However they do not like to be overwatered so spritzing with a mister once every week or two is usually the best way to water them.
They are not a fan of strong, direct sunshine. It's best to keep them in a semi shaded spot where they have the best of both worlds.
These Orchids sometimes self propagate by producing plantlets called 'keikis'. They look like a small flower bud that has grown roots. These can be cut off carefully and potted up to give yourself a new plant.
There's a huge assortment of colours and shapes of these orchids available, it can become a great hobby to see how many you can collect!
Orchids are wonderful plants, and are much more than just the classic Moth Orchid that we generally think of. Hopefully the next time you are out for a walk you might spot one of our natives.....or perhaps the next time you have vanilla ice cream they might come to mind ;)
