Growing Orchids: 120 Solutions

Author: Ling Hua, Zhong Yongjun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features:
1. Appreciating Orchids and Understanding Their Quality
1. How to Appreciate Orchids? The appreciation of orchids primarily focuses on four aspects: fragrance, form, charm, and color.
① Fragrance. Chinese orchids have long been known as the "fragrance of the king," with their scent being ethereal and refined, subtle yet captivating, deeply soothing the soul. Occasionally, a burst of fragrance can uplift the spirit, refresh the mind, and inspire creativity, leading to ancient legends that orchid fragrance could promote healing. The unique aroma of Chinese orchids is unparalleled by any other flower in the world.
② Form. The leaves of orchids are elegant and graceful, serving as a source of inspiration for poets and painters. Those with soft, drooping leaves are delicate and charming; those with slanted leaves are free-spirited and unrestrained; those with upright leaves exhibit a balance of strength and gentleness; and those with straight leaves are robust and vigorous. The colorful leaf varieties of orchids are even more dazzling and enchanting, as reflected in the poem: "Dewdrop light reflects the petals, wind-swept shadows lean; the ordinary fail to grasp this, but leaves are more than flowers to behold." Orchids come in endless flower shapes, each with its own unique charm—some resemble lotuses, others plum blossoms, chrysanthemums, peonies, or even pine and bamboo. They encompass the essence of all flowers, offering a miniature of the floral world.
③ Charm. The elegance of orchids is their innermost essence and the core of appreciation. The lotus-petaled and plum-petaled orchids are dignified and noble; the narcissus-petaled orchids are lively and refined; while the exotic and butterfly-petaled orchids, some resembling chrysanthemums with exquisite craftsmanship, others like peonies with their luxurious and graceful charm, are captivating and inspire endless admiration.
④ Color. Modern orchids come in a wide range of colors. The green and pure white symbolize elegance and purity, while gold, red, and purple represent richness, nobility, and auspiciousness. Regardless of the color, all orchids embody the essence of "purity"—whether it is the clean elegance of white or the vibrant beauty of red and purple, all exude a jade-like texture and verdant bones, pure and refined. All colors are beloved by people.
In ancient China, the appreciation of orchids primarily focused on their elegance and simplicity. Due to their subtle fragrance, purity, and detachment from the mundane, orchids have been cherished since ancient times and praised by poets and scholars, leaving behind many timeless verses. These poems reveal the qualities people attributed to orchids.
First, their fragrance is pleasant and refined, transcending worldly desires. For example, Su Zhe's poem "Growing Orchids" states: "Orchids grow in secluded valleys, unknown to men; planted by a guest in the east pavilion, they leave behind a lingering fragrance; their sweet scent can dispel filth, and their delicate leaves gracefully withstand frost; rooted in dense rocks, they bloom early in autumn; leaning on tall bamboos, they provide shade at noon; I wish to grow wild garlic together with them, but the words of Chu Ci are always before my eyes." Another example is Zheng Banqiao's poem "Orchid on a Cliff" in his painting: "Orchids hang from cliffs like countless arrows, their green buds on the mountain roots are equally graceful; the heavens' rain and dew are impartial, but why do they distinguish between high and low?"
Second, orchids embody purity and integrity, standing firm and unyielding, guarding their own virtue. For instance, Liu Kezhuang's poem "Orchid" writes: "In deep forests, they remain silent, embracing their secluded virtue; thanks to the gentle breeze, their fragrance reaches afar; they bloom near mossy steps without hesitation, yet refuse to be placed in golden vases; their noble height can adorn poetry scrolls, and their simplicity fit for sleeping screens; do not mock their lack of fine descendants, for their flowing leaves reflect on the steps." Another example is Ling Anqing's poem "Orchid in a Pot": "The purple orchid is elegant, with a nature of rocky caves; transplanted into a green pot, it seems to be misled by fragrance; it remains silent, fearing dust and filth; surely there are noble scholars, who share its deep sentiments; with a raised head, as if in thought, the cool breeze sweeps through the courtyard."
Third, orchids are tolerant and virtuous, silently offering their beauty without seeking reward. For example, Jie Xisi's poem "Autumn Chrysanthemum" states: "The mountain is no more than a foot, in the empty valley, who does it fragrance for? A path of cold clouds, the whole forest filled with autumn dew." Another example is Zhang Yu's poem "Ode to Orchids": "White and yellow together, fragrant even without company; a small heart, yet capable of holding much fragrance."
The appreciation of orchids by Chinese scholars and poets over the centuries has given rise to a long-standing orchid culture, embodying the spiritual aspirations of countless orchid lovers. However, the author particularly admires the insightful remarks of Comrade Dong Biwu, a revolutionary predecessor, who described orchids as having "four purities": pure spirit, pure color, pure form, and pure charm. These words vividly capture the essence of orchid appreciation. P1-2