Parker shares tips on orchids

It’s a myth that orchids are hard to grow, Lena Parker said.

Parker has been growing orchids for over 20 years now and also serves as a member and judge for the Shreveport Orchid Society.

“They are fascinating flowers because they grow in different shapes

and colors, and can actually take a lot of abuse,” Parker said.

She started growing orchids because of her late husband, Mickey.

During a vacation in Florida as newlyweds, he became interested in the flower and brought one home to Shreveport to grow.

“He killed a few at first so we got in contact with the Shreveport Orchid Society,” Parker said.

After learning from trial-and-error and picking up a few techniques, their lifelong hobby began. They became judges for the Shreveport Orchid Society and traveled throughout the United States and abroad for competitions.

With her husband’s recent passing, Parker continues their collection, which amounts to over 1,000 orchids blooming year round. She said she wanted to keep growing them even without her husband because it’s a hobby that is very important to her. She also has plenty of what she refers to as “orchid friends” who keep her involved.

“Orchids can grow all year, no matter the season and they aren’t finicky like African violets for example. Really, it’s best to just leave an orchid alone because most people do not realize that you can actually kill one from treating it with too much care,” Parker said.

“Orchids can grow all year, no matter the season and they aren’t finicky like African violets for example. Really, it’s best to just leave an orchid alone because most people do not realize that you can actually kill one from treating it with too much care.”

With over 30,000 species of orchids to choose from, she recommends cattleman as the best type to grow, or the phalaenopsis species, which are often found at most department stores with a garden section.

Whether it’s inside or outside Parker said orchids have a few key tips to follow to keep them healthy.

• Choose the correct amount of sunlight to give them based on whether they are growing inside or outside.

• Inside orchids should be placed by either a southern or eastern window. Outside orchids should be placed in the shade away from direct sunlight. She said orchids thrive when placed under trees when growing during the summertime.

• Water according to sun exposure. If the orchids are inside then they should be watered once to twice per week, but if they are outside them they should be drenched with a water hose.

• Make sure that while watering the pot allows for the water to flow all the way through. Parker said this keeps salt from building up and guarantees the roots have enough exposure to the water.

There is an “Orchid-One-on-One” class hosted by the Shreveport Orchid Society at 3 p.m. on the third Saturday each month at the Randle T. Moore Center. Parker encourages beginners to attend to gain insight into developing the beautiful, longlasting flower.

“With a rose, you always get the same shape, but orchids are fun because there’s such a variety out there, and you never know how they will turn out,” Parker said.

– Alexandra Meachum