Beauty Takes Time
About 5 years ago, Colin's mom gave us an orchid plant. It was an offspring of one of her plants. Just a baby, only a 2 inch tall green stem.
I am sure it is the slowest growing plant in the entire world. I've literally grown thousands of Mexican Hat plants since I got the orchid.
During the first 3 years, it didn't even double in size. It still looked like a lonely and awkward green stem. It survived 2 moves, even though each time I just about threw it out because I thought it was a dud.
It only started to grow when we moved to our house. I guess it likes its spot by the kitchen sink. It got to be 6 inches tall, but no signs of any flowers. To tell you the truth, I'd stopped looking at it, because there was nothing beautiful to see.
Then a few weeks ago, Colin noticed that it had a tiny bud!
We watched the bud closely, watered it dilligently, and saw this beauty emerge!
A lesson in patience with a sweet reward.
posted by Nancy @ 12:18 PM
7 Comments:
Wow. Turned out beautiful!
In case you were curious:
Of naturally occurring plants, a cycad (a gymnosperm) Dioon edule, has been reported as having the slowest growth rate: 0.76 millimeters (0.03 inches) per year. A plant with an age of 120 years measured only 10 centimeters (4 inches) tall.
Nancy, that's gorgeous. Great pic of it too! Wonder how long the flower lasts...
Wow, that's gorgeous. I've got an orchid too, and I'm finding it hard to wait through the year for it's one blooming season in the warm weather. At least the flowers last for a long time!
Oh good! I had no idea how long they last for! Hopefully it will greet me in the kitchen for a long time.
BTW, Colin took this photo.
Yeah, mine bloomed for a good month or more. Though, it's a more mature plant. Who knows?
Beautiful post. I like the whole bit about patience. I need it!
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