An orchid to brighten up the day

Almost a year ago, I got a $25 gift certificate to Weston Nurseries for a donation I made to WBUR. It's been sitting in my wallet, largely forgotten--I realized that if I were going to use it I'd better do so quickly, in case we move.

I drove down to Hopkinton today, which was a rather cold and bleak day, and got myself a free orchid:



I love orchids, though I've avoided buying them since I killed one a few years ago. I thought they were just fussy, but today I learned my mistake--I'd potted it in regular potting soil! Orchids are epiphytes and need a nice loose bark mix to promote airflow. Some can even be mounted on wooden plaques, or grown in wooden boxes like the one above. I was told to dunk it in water for 3-4 minutes once a week, give it a little orchid food now and then, and repot in about a year. I should be able to handle that.