Colour up your yard with orchids

HOMES   

Gone are the days when orchids were left to decorate the jungles and mountains. Today, people have gradually welcomed them into their homes for their unique blooms that can last for up to three months. 

Many enthusiasts and collectors describe orchids as the most beautiful flowers in the world. 

Amelia Momo Masiko, an orchid grower says, orchids just don't make homes beautiful but they make people feel good mentally and physically. 

Many enthusiasts and collectors describe orchids as the most beautiful flowers in the world. (Photo by Ritah Mukasa)

 
They are therapeutic; they make one feel calm and relaxed as well.  

Besides, they are also the simplest way to bring nature into our households. They have a unique look that allows one to display beautiful living flowers with very little effort.

Masiko has a wide range of species at her home in Naalya, a suburb of Kampala. They make her compound look like a rainbow.

It doesn't matter whether one lives in a tight space such as an apartment. Every homeowner can grow an orchid garden.

"These beauties can grow anywhere indoors, in containers, on hangers, logs, trunks and tree backs," she says.

It doesn't matter whether one lives in a tight space such as an apartment. Every homeowner can grow an orchid garden. (Photo by Ritah Mukasa)

 
Therefore, for one looking to decorate their homes, consider growing orchids, you won't regret.

Orchids are special

Apart from the aesthetics, some orchids are medicinal while others are flavours, vanilla being the most popular. It's the only orchid that produces a fruit that can be eaten.

"World over, orchids are used as a token of love, source of food and medicine like Ansellia Africana and vanilla. They are also used to make perfumes, hand creams and shampoos," Masiko reveals.

They amplify home beauty and value as well. Even when a house is not posh, orchids will turn it around. 

In Uganda, there is a network of orchid sellers that are making a killing from orchids.

They amplify home beauty and value as well. Even when a house is not posh, orchids will turn it around. (Photo by Ritah Mukasa)

 
For example, a fully grown plant that has bloomed cost from sh400,000 upwards to sh1million and more depending on the attachment the seller has to their plant. ‘Babies' cost from sh100,000.

How to maintain them

Often times, many people will look at the other side when it comes to plants. The fear they always give is maintenance, more so, watering the plants and getting their hands dirty. 

"Where will I get all the time to spend in the garden," is a common excuse.

However, Dr Dalsone Kwarisiima an orchid enthusiast says that these plants are easy to maintain. You just have to pay attention to their needs. 

All they need is to put them in the right place where they receive enough sunlight and air. Also, give them enough water and fertilizers.