Orchids have a long and rich history of cultivation in China, with a tradition spanning thousands of years. They are grown throughout the country, especially in the southwest and Taiwan, where they are known as “the best in the world†and “honey beauty.†Orchids are elegant, fragrant, and symbolize purity and refinement. Often referred to as the “flower of the gentleman,†they hold a unique place in Chinese culture, representing grace and nobility.
In ancient times, orchids were described in classical texts such as “Concentric Words, whose stink is blue,†highlighting their subtle and pleasing fragrance. The term “Lan†(orchid) was often associated with close friends or noble qualities, leading to the use of “Lanyan†to describe things that are similar or harmonious. In Qu Yuan’s famous poem *Li Sao*, orchids were used as a metaphor for integrity and virtue. Another saying from *The Garden of Sayings* states, “There must be a fragrant orchid within ten steps,†emphasizing how beauty can be found in everyday life.
Orchids also appear in poetry and literature. For example, Zhang Hua wrote, “The beautiful woman is at a distance, and the blue room has no light,†where “blue room†later became synonymous with a woman’s chamber. In ancient times, “Menglan†was used to describe signs of pregnancy, derived from historical records like *Zuo Zhuan*. Friends would exchange “spectacles†for birthdays, and this practice gave rise to the phrase “Jinlan Worship.†Many classic works were called “Lan Zhang,†and many women in Chinese history had the name “Lan,†such as Mulan. Even the famous Peking opera performer Mei Lanfang included “Lan†in his name.
Orchids are among the oldest and most cherished flowers in China. Their fragrance is pure, refined, and long-lasting, symbolizing elegance and sophistication. The color of orchids is graceful, and their posture is dignified. Their leaves remain green year-round, and their appearance is both soft and strong. During the Spring and Autumn Period, King Goujian of Yue planted large orchids in Zhejiang’s mountains. In the Tang Dynasty, orchids were widely cultivated, and poets like Li Shimin, Li Bai, Liu Yuxi, and Meng Jiao praised their beauty in their works. Wang Wei, a Tang poet, was particularly fond of orchids, describing them as “half a piece of splendid paintings†in his poetry.
The first detailed book on orchid varieties and cultivation methods was written by Zhao Shigeng during the Southern Song Dynasty. Later, works such as *Wang’s Lanpu* in the Southern Song, *Lanpu* in the Ming, and *First Fragrant Notes* and *Lan Mirror* in the Qing Dynasty further documented orchid culture. With the development of horticulture, China has introduced and cultivated numerous orchid species, producing many monographs like *Sichuan Cymbidium* and *Chinese Orchids*. Since the Song Dynasty, Chinese orchids have been spread to Japan and Europe, and today, the orchid industry has developed globally through tissue culture techniques.
Ecologically, orchids thrive in warm, humid, and well-ventilated environments under tree shade. They prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Orchids are cold-resistant and suitable for outdoor cultivation, except during extreme frosts.
Cultivating orchids requires attention to several key points:
1. **Pot Selection**: Orchid roots are sensitive and require pots with good drainage. Traditional “blue pots†with rough textures and multiple holes are ideal. New orchids should be potted in these pots, and after one year, they can be moved to more decorative ones.
2. **Soil Preparation**: Orchids need a mix of sandy loam and coarse humus soil, aged for at least three years. Specialized orchid soils are available for convenience.
3. **Planting**: When transplanting wild orchids, it's important to clean the roots, remove dead parts, and soak them in antifungal solutions. Roots should be dried in the sun before planting.
4. **Repotting**: Orchids should be repotted every two years, ideally in autumn. Frequent repotting can harm growth, so it should be done carefully.
5. **Watering**: Orchids should be watered when the soil is slightly dry, avoiding overwatering. Watering frequency varies with seasons, and tap water should be left to sit to release chlorine.
6. **Lighting**: Orchids need partial sunlight, especially in spring and summer. Direct midday sun should be avoided.
7. **Temperature**: Orchids are cold-tolerant but should be brought indoors when temperatures drop below 2°C.
8. **Fertilization**: Orchids should be fertilized once new roots grow about 2 cm. A variety of fertilizers, including liquid and compound types, can be used, following specific schedules for different growth stages.
Orchid care is summarized in the saying: “No spring, no summer, no autumn, no wet winter.†Fertilizing should be light and consistent to avoid damaging the plants. Orchids are delicate and require careful attention to thrive.
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