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Mystery in bloom

By Ann | March 15, 2010

When I moved into my apartment in August 2008, I found this orchid plant. It had slightly shriveled leaves and not a blossom in sight. I unearthed it from a dark kitchen cupboard next to the washing machine and considered throwing it away. But I didn’t. I combed the internet and tried various misting, fertilizing, and light techniques. But nothing, not a sign of a flower spike. So I stopped misting and fertilizing — in fact, I practically stopped watering the stubborn thing.

But then, sometime in December — over a year after I found it — the plant started throwing out a flower spike. And just a few days ago, it bloomed! It now has two lovely purple flowers and several buds. Turns out, after all my fussing, what it really wanted was neglect.

Topics: Jardinage |

7 Responses to “Mystery in bloom”

  1. Kathleen Gauthier Says:
    March 15th, 2010 at 9:20 pm

    I adore orchids and that neglected orchid of yours is beautiful. L.O.L.

  2. Chris Says:
    March 16th, 2010 at 12:03 am

    I remember when you found the orchid — its progress is utterly remarkable! Soon it will be time to go to Leroy Merlin to buy some flowers for spring! Is there forsythia yet on Boulevard Raspail?

  3. Kristin Says:
    March 16th, 2010 at 1:05 am

    This is amazing! A story of hope and… one plant’s perseverance :-)

    Kicking myself for tossing out the little shriveled orchid on my balcony. I will remember your experience next time! Enjoy your beautiful orchid.

  4. Ory Says:
    March 16th, 2010 at 9:16 am

    What a great story duder! I wonder if I treat my Chinese classes at AIT, my Mandarin will improve the same way?

  5. raniaho Says:
    March 16th, 2010 at 10:04 pm

    orchids enjoy torture. they thrive off a kind of poetic pain. stuff them into small pots and deny them water. it turns them on.

  6. Bob Says:
    March 17th, 2010 at 2:12 pm

    Benign neglect! That’s what they thrive on! And, don’t ever, ever let them sit in water!

  7. Kim B. Says:
    March 18th, 2010 at 6:13 am

    That’s crazy that it came back to life more than a year later! Who knew? It’s gorgeous. What a lovely surprise.

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