- Author: Trisha Rose
Am I the last person on the planet to find out about "Boat Orchids"? This spring my Cymbidiums have exploded with blooms. I spent a while on-line trying to figure out which cultivars I have. During the hunt, I ran across the term "Boat Orchids", now I have done quite a bit of boating myself and was intrigued to check into this unusual nickname? Was it because Cymbidiums are so easy to grow that you can leave them outside on a dock or on the deck of a houseboat? Silly me, it turns out someone decided the lip of the flower resembled the shape of a boat. I don't get it at all, but interesting to note this common name has been in use since the early 1800's.
I've attached some photos of what's blooming now, although the largest by far is still tightly budded and a few have already finished their displays. As I have mentioned in the past, these plants live outside mostly close to the north or east side of the house in the backyard elevated on chairs or stands to keep them clear of my male dogs.
The 2 tone pink one reminded me of Shelby's (Julia Roberts character in the movie "Steel Magnolias") wedding colors.
The color of your orchids are beautiful.