Princess Anne has been gifted a unique orchid named after her, highlighting the enduring appeal of these exotic plants. The orchid, a Dendrobium primulinum, is part of the National Collection of dendrobiums recently taken over by orchid enthusiast Marius Grzelik.
Orchids are revered in China as one of the four noble plants, admired for their beauty and elegance alongside bamboo, plum blossom and chrysanthemum. They flower from spring to early summer in a multitude of colours. While the orchids grown indoors in the UK originate from South-east and East Asia, they can thrive with proper care.
Watering is the most vital element of orchid care, explains Grzelik, who keeps his collection in a large greenhouse at his home in Hove, East Sussex. He recommends watering once or twice a week for most of the year, increasing to once or twice a day in hot summer months and reducing to once every couple of weeks in winter. Using transparent containers and rainwater is also advised.
Dendrobium and Phalaenopsis are two common families of indoor orchids. They are often epiphytes, growing in trees, and take their food from rainwater and debris. Feeding with specialised orchid food or a general feed at half strength every three weeks from spring to autumn is recommended. Light requirements vary by species, with Phalaenopsis preferring low light and Dendrobium enjoying sun.
Most orchids like good air flow but avoid cold draughts, with an ideal temperature between 15°C and 30°C. Specialist growers are the best source for buying orchids, and many orchid societies exist across the UK. The Princess Anne orchid serves as a reminder of the beauty and diversity of these plants.
