In Greek mythology, Orchis was the son of a nymph and a satyr. During a celebratory feast for Bacchus, Orchis committed the sacrilege of attempting to rape a priestess, resulting in his being torn apart by wild beasts, then metamorphosing into a slender and modest plant.
Theophrastus was the first of the Western authors to mention orchids. It was he who first applied the name Orchis scientifically, echoing the myth of Orchis and reflecting the resemblance of the double root tubers to the male genitalia that got old Orchis in trouble in the first place. Greek women thought they could control the sex of their unborn children with Orchid roots. If the father ate large, new tubers, the child would be male; if the mother ate small tubers, the child would be female.
Many people think they have killed it when it stops blooming, but after the last blossom falls, just cut the stalk down above the first knob and water with orchid fertilizer once a week. Do not let them sit in water–drain thoroughly. In a few months, it will bloom again. If you knew all that, then just forget I said anything. 🙂
Mike's Look at Life 
love orchids.I have alot of them in the house and makes they blooming again and again
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You must have a lovely home, Marylou.
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Wonderful flower!! Have a nice week!!
In Greek mythology, Orchis was the son of a nymph and a satyr. During a celebratory feast for Bacchus, Orchis committed the sacrilege of attempting to rape a priestess, resulting in his being torn apart by wild beasts, then metamorphosing into a slender and modest plant.
Theophrastus was the first of the Western authors to mention orchids. It was he who first applied the name Orchis scientifically, echoing the myth of Orchis and reflecting the resemblance of the double root tubers to the male genitalia that got old Orchis in trouble in the first place. Greek women thought they could control the sex of their unborn children with Orchid roots. If the father ate large, new tubers, the child would be male; if the mother ate small tubers, the child would be female.
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Wow, who knew?
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Hi Efi and Mike,
Thank you, Efi, for informing us of the etymology of orchid.
The orchid in the image of this post is actually called Phalaenopsis, which I happen to grow and write about at https://queenslandorchid.wordpress.com/2017/06/20/phalaenopsis-novices-orchid-mothers-day-gift-and-woodlandgnomes-house-plant/
Each of the flowers can last for three months, sometimes even longer!
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Thank you for all this wonderful information.
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You are very welcome, Mike!
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They do look like a chatty party crowd.
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That must be the muted whispering I hear at night. What a relief…..thanks.
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What a beauty!
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It is our first orchid. We love it.
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I am an orchid lover. I have over 30! 🙂
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This is our only one, ever, but I love it x30.
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Many people think they have killed it when it stops blooming, but after the last blossom falls, just cut the stalk down above the first knob and water with orchid fertilizer once a week. Do not let them sit in water–drain thoroughly. In a few months, it will bloom again. If you knew all that, then just forget I said anything. 🙂
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Thanks Lilly. I have sent this info to my lovely wife who takes care of all the greenery in the house.
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I am the orchid whisperer. I babysit sad orchids till they revive. 🙂
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I was told they come back but your info was very specific and most appreciated, grasshopper.
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🙂
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