So here I was, having to buy an orchid for a friend's upcoming wedding.
I thought that it would be simple, just rush in and buy the orchid and I would be ready for the wedding, right? Wrong! I was totally bewildered by the many orchid types that there are.
"You know," said the Friendly Orchid Dealer, who noted my deer-in-the-headlights look, "there are two broad types of orchids.
There are terrestrials and epiphytes," this last sounded like a cross between the kind of pen that prevents an allergic reaction and a boxing match.
I nodded sagely and decided to try to get information from him without letting on that I knew nothing.
Friendly wasn't fooled for a second, "Terrestrial orchids have roots that dig down into the substrate and are quite popular.
" He pointed to a yellow-orange flower, "This is Epidendrum Xobrienianum, a good example of this type of orchid.
" I nodded again, wondering if Friendly would notice if I quietly slipped away.
"Epiphytes are the second kind of orchid; they grow on above-ground structures like trees.
" He pointed to a flower pot that held a flower that was growing like a vine along a wooden rod.
The flowers themselves were a dazzling white with a purple and red center.
"This is Phalaenopsis; as you can see, it is epiphytic.
" I nodded again, startled by its beauty.
"There is also a cross between the two, called the semi-terrestrial; where the roots can be either in or out of the substrate.
" This time he turned to a large pot with a cluster of white flowers with pink centers.
"This is Cymbidium.
Now, how may I help you?" That was it, I was hooked.
I purchased the orchids for the wedding, and they were a great success.
Now, I am looking at a mostly blank wall in my apartment and thinking it could use some color.
So, when looking to buy orchids in the future, I will make sure to ask the advice of Friendly.