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Orchidelirium: A Look at Orchid Obsession

April 14, 2015


You love your orchids. But are you obsessed with them?

Smithsonian.com recently published an article about orchidelirium, or the obsession with orchids. Dating back to the 1800s, possessing an orchid was considered a sign of extreme wealth. Collecting the rare flowers could even cause a reaction in line with hysteria.

Special orchid hunters were employed to hunt down rare varieties in the wild and transport them to collectors (using Wardian cases, or early versions of terrariums!) for high price points.

Part of the mystique of orchids likely originated in how difficult they were to divide or reproduce. The Smithsonian’s orchid specialist, Tom Mirenda, estimated that the division of one plant could take as long as a decade and thousands of dollars to achieve. Because of this, orchids were only accessible to the rich and royal.

Nowadays, as we all know, orchids are much more easily grown thanks to modern technology. Mirenda says that orchids purchased in a store are actually the “cream of the crop” due to the cloning process they undergo. These days, orchids can be bred to be just about any color and often take on unique and visually pleasing patterns.

Phalaenopsis orchids are one of the most prevalent varieties of orchids. But just what is it that makes orchids so appealing now that they aren’t as rare or expensive? Mirenda believes it has something to do with the pleasing bilateral symmetry of orchid blooms. As he says, “You look at an orchid and it looks back at you. They seem to have a face, like a human.”

Regardless of what draws people to these beautiful and exotic plants, it seems that one thing is certain: their popularity is still well intact. So, what do you think? Do you suffer from orchidelirium? Even if your affection hasn’t reached an obsessive level, we should all be grateful that we get the opportunity to enjoy orchids in our homes…without spending a small fortune.

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of orchids, consider visiting the 20 annual orchid exhibition entitled, “Orchids: Interlocking Science and Beauty” at the National Museum of Natural History, available until April 26. Or, you can check out some of our archives to read “A Brief History of Orchid Hybridization.”

What draws you to orchids? Share the root of your “obsession” in the comments section below.

Download the Seasonal Changes to Expect with Your Orchids Guide