Once upon a time, orchids were only to be found in the homes of the very rich or avid plant collectors. Now, these delicate, exotic plants are so plentiful, they’re in every nursery and grocery store – especially phalaenopsis, the white and pink moth orchids known as “phal” in the plant trade.
Orchid come in all kinds of bizarre shapes, sizes, colors and designs and are much admired universally for their stunning, good looks but it’s taken a long, long journey from mostly tropical climates to becoming America’s most popular houseplant.
“Orchidaceae is among the most diverse families of flowering plants, and there are thousands of species,” said Hong-Chia Lee of Everlast, Inc., an orchid nursery located just south of County Line Road on U.S.41 in Spring Hill.
“They grow naturally in all parts of the world – well, except Antarctica,” Lee said.
Lee and his wife, Andrea, own and operate the 50,000 sq.ft. orchid nursery that was built in 2001 and opened for business in April 2002.
The couple specializes in the growing of Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, Oncidium and Paphiopedilum orchids but you can also find many other varieties in their greenhouses.
The Lees’ nursery is one of the largest orchid nurseries in west central Florida and is equipped with the latest climate control technology providing the perfect environment for their plants throughout the year.
They sell their orchids to wholesalers, garden centers, florists and, of course, orchid lovers.
Lee, originally from Taiwan, first learned about orchids at an early age from a family friend, not knowing he would eventually own an orchid nursery. He studied for a business degree in Colombia and that’s where he met his wife, Andrea. The couple came to the U.S. in 2000.
“It took us a year to find this location and build the nursery,” said Lee. “When we first opened for business in 2002, the market for orchids was not huge,” he said.” But, now, orchids are everybody’s favorite flower.”
Lee travels to Costa Rica regularly to visit a sister company — Everlast de Costa Rica.
“We also import a large amount of our orchids from Costa Rica,” Lee said. “The mountains there provide the perfect climate and environment for our plants.”
Hong-Chia Lee said he particularly enjoys when customers come to the nursery and ask for advice on the care of their orchids.
“We like to give customers a tour around the facility and that includes how to care for orchids, how to repot, water, and work with the plants in their growing environment,” he said.
Lee explained that so many people mistakenly think that once the flower has bloomed and is no more that the plant is going to die.
”That’s just not so,” he said. “So when I get invited to speak at clubs and events, I can tell people more about the history of orchids and that they can last for a long, long time,” he said.
Lee explained that improper watering is the single most common cause of orchid death.
“Too much or too little,” said Lee. “They like to get dry and then get a good soaking,” he said.
“And once the orchid flowers have fallen, cut the stem as close to the base as possible,” said Lee. Another stem will grow in about 6 months.”
While most people admire them for their good looks, the Chinese used them in the form of medicinal tea. Dried dendrobium is believed to possess medicinal properties that can help treat cancer, strengthen the immune system, and improve eyesight.
Orchids are also used in some cuisines to complement chicken and mutton dishes as well as a fragrant ingredient for soups.
They are also considered a very important flower from the point of view of feng shui and are known by the Chinese as the ‘King of Fragrant Plants’.
The Everlast nursery is open Monday through Saturday and welcomes inquiries about the care of these beautiful flowers. Custom orchid arrangements can also be made to order for special occasions like wedding, parties or gifts.
IF YOU GO
Everlast, Inc. Orchid Nursery is located at 17019 US Highway 41, Spring Hill, Florida 34610
Hours:
Open Monday to
Saturday
8 am to 4:30 pm
Ph.: (727) 235-1386
Fax: (352) 796-7774
email:
everlast@everlastorchids.com