I Can Grow Myself Flowers

One of those more expensive orchids in the market are the phalaenopsis orchids. I got my first hold of this kind of orchids during the pandemic when people get crazy over collecting ornamental plants. I was one of those who joined in the fad. Aside from ornamental plants, I love orchids. This type is not popular in my place so I meticulously search for online seller on facebook that would not take advantage of the fad and scam people.

I had three of variety of phalaenopsis orchids. Each one costs around 10$ at its near blooming size. What attracted me to this orchid despite the costs is its elegant flowers. These are those flowers you see decorated at hotels, elegant houses and offices. It has large beautiful flowers with a wide range of variety.

When they were delivered to me. They looked so healthy.

Last December was when I noticed it started to grow a spike. I was happy and excited as this plant doesn't bear flowers often. In my two years of caring for this baby, this is just the second time it bear flowers.

Since it started to grow spike, the wait seemed forever. For a normal spike, it would take weeks to become fully developed with its flowers to fully bloom. But waiting is crucial. When the tiny flower buds starts to develop is when insects and insect larva love to attack them. There are too many enemies that if you won't meticulously watch over it day after day, the waiting would be all in vain. The flower buds could wither and fall out before they could even bloom. This is what happened to the flower bud. I was so frustrated one morning as I was heading for work to see a tiny larva enjoying a sumptuous meal at the just sprouted flower bud. I almost cried. 😭 That feeling when you have been waiting for a long time and it will all go to waste. What the heck!

I almost accepted the possibility that the spike won't grow anymore and I won't be seeing my precious flowers but after another few weeks, the spike started to branch out. My eyes popped out of excitement. I didn't know it was possible. Nature is full of surprises, really and I am loving it.

You can see the branched spike. This is the reason it took about three months before the flowers fully blossomed.

This time I was more careful. I always checked for larva and insects around the buds. And the waiting was killing me. Haha! I know I was over reacting but that was really how I felt everyday I was observing its progress.

After a few more agonizing weeks of waiting, the flowers finally opened and blossomed. I finally see my lovely flowers. That feeling of success and the joy of receiving your reward after a long wait is addicting. I could feel the gush of happy hormones in my body! 😃

Say hello to this lovely blossom 😍.

The next day, another one blossomed. Now there are two. And on the third day, the last one opened. There were only three flowers that blossomed but I am just as happy as can be.

I could stare at these flowers everyday.

Taking care of my orchids is not just about the flower but I realize it is more of the process of taking good care of it and the ups and downs I encounter. That what makes it more exciting and when you see the flowers of your labor that's what makes it addicting.

I don't know if this could pass for a #MarketFriday post so the reason I stated the price of this orchid. 😅! But I thought of @dswigle as she loves flowers.