THOUGHTS
It’s Easier to Survive In Another Country Than to Grow Orchids
Tips on growing orchids & life in foreign countries.
I was told that Phalaenopsis Orchids are best for first timers as they are easiest to care… until I met Old Aunty Sim. 🙁
It was a cloudy day and after navigating several stretches of winding, country roads, I arrived at the main gates of the largest orchid farm in Malaysia.
At the entrance, a cool breeze welcome me as I sign in.
I was charmed immediately.
I lifted my gaze in awe at the long beautiful green natural shade. The fern canopy sheltered visitors from the blistering sun and cool the walkway.
Along the both sides of the walkway, orchids of all different varieties and colours lined the wooden decks.
They were in full bloom, like a Hawaiian hula hula party as the stalks of flowers sway gently to the rhythm of the light breeze.
At the end of the walkway, a pond with lotus flowers scattered around the surface with buds soaking the bright sun’s rays.
Just to the left of the pond, rows and rows of purplish-white Phalaenopsis orchids in pots are for sale.
I picked one and approach an old lady tending the orchids for some care tips.
Old Aunty Sim: Best place for the orchid is by a window. But not too hot. South or the East-facing window works best. Avoid the north, it’s too dark.
The light must be just right, but not too much.
If you don’t have a window, you can try install lights but be careful not too close, at least 6 inches away, preferably cool warm light.
And watch the colour of your leaves.
Me: Oh… Why?
Old Aunty Sim: If it turns yellowish-green, means it too much sun.
Me: Ok…😳
Old Aunty Sim: For this type of orchid, no need to water too often. But you need to check — make sure no rotting.
If your place has too much sunlight, then you need to water daily. Water if it feels dry.
Orchid does not like too much water. Be sure orchid roots not soaking in water. Allow enough air circulation.
But this tree bark and moss will help keep water. But make sure roots are exposed, for it to absorb moisture.
Old Aunty Sim went on for a good 20 minutesssssss... 😕
And then there was humidity to check and fertilizer to add, but only if I want it to bloom.🙄
And maybe even repotting.😱
Another 15 minutes… Finally.
Old Aunty Sim: You better take a picture of your orchid now.📷
Me: Oh… Why?
Old Aunty Sim: It blooms once a year. You might forget what it looks like. One must have patience to wait. 😄
(Inside my head: How is this orchid supposed to be the easiest to care.😒)
I thought about what old Aunty Sim shared about the orchids.
It reminds me of life living in another country.
Like the orchids sensitive to light and climate in their environment, I had to be mindful of different culture, food, people and especially the weather.
I have never spent so much time watching the thermometer in my apartment. The local weather channel became ‘The Netflix’ for me.
But I discovered weather is the best conversation starter. You can never go wrong and I learned the names of provinces/regions of the country.
I was never fond of baguette until I stumbled upon fresh baked baguette. It was crunchy outside, but fluffy inside.
If you buy them just as they come out of the oven, they smell absolutely incredible.🥖
Like orchids looking for right light, I worked out the time when the baguettes will roll out of the oven and hound the pâtissier like a dog, waiting outside the boulangerie.
Of course, there is the discovery of the French bidet too, which I found to be a good place to wash my mop. 😆
I woke up in China, overestimating my chopsticks skills.
This reality left me hungry. I was beaten and deprived of the delicious fried sweetcorn kernels due to the precision and swiftness of my colleagues’ chopsticks ‘kungfu’ skills.
Determine not to miss out the next time. I improvised.
With my stainless steel chopsticks, I swipe a small portion into my rice bowl before the chopsticks sifus got to them. 😉
Living abroad kept me mindful and receptive. I slow down a lot more. I observe and listen more.
Like orchids with exposed roots, it helps to keep an open mind about life, people and the culture.
I learn to ask a lot of questions. Sometimes, stupid questions like where is the heater? How does it look like? 😳
And in between questions, I learned to be thick-skinned and prepare for embarrassment frequently. Eventually, I laugh at myself too. 🤭
But eventually, you will come to recognize that people are most kind, no matter where you are.
I made a lot of friends through my stupidity plus my genuine interest in people’s life.
They can’t help but laugh along and share survival tips on how to thrive in their country. 😅
Just like how old Aunty Sim is teaching me to grow orchids.
Here are some additional tips from old Aunty:
To ensure that orchid will bloom again, try fertilise with fish emulsion! But only when it’s in an active growing stage. 😯
During months when there are no flowers, orchids are conserving energy to push new leaves and this can take a while. Be patience.
One more thing, before you rush off.
Did you know blue orchids are rare to find?
The only true blue orchid in the world is the Vanda Coerulea, which is native to India.
Thank you for taking the time to read. 😃
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