Orchids symbolize all that is exotic and bizarre in the world, and has done so pretty much since time began …or at least since we became obsessed with their sensuality and awesome eclectic weirdness. The boundary between stark madness and unbridled devotion in the orchid world is rather blurred, which makes life a bit more interesting. Well, with an introduction like that, I hope it is not hard to see why I am so intrigued.
Some background on me
I was born 1974 and I have liked orchids as long as I can remember, but I guess I have been a true enthusiast since 1998 or 1999 sometime. I would gladly admit to reaching fanatic status after moving back home again in 2007 and passionately had to rebuild my collection again. Once you get this deep in to the addiction, I am afraid there is no turning back. But thankfully I have a loving supporting husband who understands – as much as he cares to.
The big move took place in the summer of 2007. I decided to come back home to Sweden after living in Southern California for about 15 years. Because of the way that the CITES laws are written I was able to import my husband and 11-year-old cat without too much of a fuzz, but I could not bring any of my orchids along. So I simply had to start collecting all over again – much to my delight I have to admit. It took a little adjusting; going from year-round light and evenly warm temperatures to our cold dark climate, but it was nothing a little tenacity and good equipment couldn’t solve.
In getting to start over, my obsession with orchids really intensified. Dear husband helped me rig up a fine growing room in what used to be called the guest room, but now we simply call it what it is. We have put up several shelves in the large beautiful turn of the century window to maximize the use of natural light. I have also converted an old terrarium to an orchid vivarium for warm growing species and have built another huge vivarium one for cool growers.
It was actually a teen infatuation that opened my eyes to the orchids. It is almost a little embarrassing to admit, but apparently (according to some teen magazine) Morten Harket (the singer from the 80’s band A-ha) collected orchids, and the rest as they say is history.
Aside from my orchid addiction I also enjoy good wine, movies, technology and design, and I work as an Art Director in advertising. I also love electronic music, like electro, ebm, industrial, trance and synth. I have also become totally enchanted by the band Muse… even if the definition “prog-rock” makes my stomach turn…
My favorite orchids
I have not singled out one specific species to focus on, but my absolute favorites are orchids of the Pleurothallid Alliance. I simply adore Masdevallia and Dracula and I am growing them successfully right now. I want to grow more… Dryadella, Brachionidium, Teagueia, Lepanthes, Pleurothallis, Porroglossum, Restrepia, Stelis – oh what the heck, all of them! I actually built a very ambitious cool vivarium to better accommodate these, especially the miniatures. My dream finally came true… a Peruvian cloud forest for cool growing species – in my apartment in Sweden…
I have to admit I am also a bit of a paphio-phile. A Paphiopedilum was the first orchid I ever fell in love with and I think it will always remain close to my heart. I also like many of the flamboyant vandaceous orchids, but I do not really have the space to grow too many of them. I have however fallen in love with the much smaller Neofinetia species (of the Vandeae tribe). Those I can fit in my city apartment without too much trouble. I still keep some pure species Phalaenopsis (and primary hybrids) that I used to grow in California, as well as a mixed bag of miniature orchids of all kinds, but my focus is turning more and more towards cool growers.
Hope you enjoy my ramblings about orchids. Thanks for stopping by!
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