spikes. Monopodial orchids do not need
dividing. Sympodial orchids can be divided
for propagation during repotting.
Because of their amazing intricacies
and exotic allure, it’s easy to see why
orchid blooms convey an array of different
meanings and often serve as symbols for
many cultures. Magnifi cent and varied colors
of orchids are representative of certain
meanings. White orchids are a symbol of
purity and innocence. Pink orchids symbolize
grace, femininity and joy. Yellow orchids
are a symbol of friendship and the start of
something new. Purple orchids represent
admiration, respect and royalty, while orange
orchids depict boldness, pride and positivity.
Unlike typical fl ower bouquets, a small pot
of orchids displays blooms much longer,
and the plant itself can last for years when
properly cared for. No matter the color or
occasion, giving orchids is a sure way to
express thoughtfulness.
Several countries in the world consider
orchids as their national fl ower. Venezuela
likewise regards these delicate beauties as
its national fl ower. The Cattleya mossiae is
Columbia’s national fl ower. Honduras and
Costa Rica also consider orchids as their
national fl owers. The Princess Aloha orchid,
or Vanda, is Singapore’s national fl ower.
The black orchid is Belize’s national fl ower,
while the White Nun orchid is Guatemala’s.
The Holy Ghost orchid is the national fl ower
of Panama. Even cities get involved, like
Shaoxing, China which considers the orchid
to be its offi cial fl ower.
The number of orchids sold at
Boca Blooms on Gasparilla
Island totaled 2,500 this
season alone. The vast
majority of them were,
as you may have
guessed, white.
A quick trip to The
Gasparilla Inn & Club
on Gasparilla Island
showcases the long
time preference of
owner Sarah Sharp
Farish. Every single room
at The Inn displays an
orchid in bloom, and has ever
since 2002. A fun activity if you’re visiting
Gasparilla Island is to see how many species
of orchids you can fi nd in the palm boots,
photograph them and send them to a plant
identifi cation app, or take the photos home
for later research. Orchid Album, Orchid
Notebook and Gorgeous Garden are three
apps that are fun to use.
The diversity of the orchid is as vast as the
people who love them. Some orchids can
live up to 100 years, while others bloom for
mere hours. A single orchid seedpod can
have up to 3 million seeds inside. In fact,
they are so small that they can only be seen
under a microscope. Classifi ed
as having the tiniest
seeds in the world,
orchids perpetually
entice biologists,
botanists, collectors,
photographers, and
enthusiasts from
every corner of the
globe to marvel
and celebrate their
wonder.