By Amy Dunlap

For those of you who have played Plant Jeopardy in Master Gardener intern class, you know the bonus Double Jeopardy question always centers on my favorite group of plants: orchids.

I’d say my personal interest started when I worked at Disney and gave tours of our tropical greenhouse to guests. We always talked about the vanilla orchid (Vanilla planifolia). Native to Mexico, its flowers are naturally pollinated by a tiny species of bee found only in that region. The majority of commercial production is in Madagascar, where there’s no native pollinators for the vanilla orchid. Each flower opens for just one day for a few hours. This means each plant must be hand-pollinated. After pollination, the beans take 8–9 months to mature. Each pod must be carefully harvested, cured, and dried to develop the familiar flavor. This is why vanilla remains one of the most expensive spices in the world.

Orchids aren’t just one plant. They belong to one of the largest plant families in the world, Orchidaceae, with tens of thousands of species and countless hybrids. Orchids make up 10 percent of the world's plant species. Some orchids like the vanilla orchid bloom for only a day, while others like Phalaenopsis can keep flowers for months. Their diversity and complexity is what makes them so fascinating to many gardeners and plant enthusiasts.

Most orchid species are native to the tropics. So, here in Nashville, orchids are indoor plants. March is an important month for their care. Many of the orchids we grow, like Phalaenopsis, are sending up buds or elongating flower spikes now. This is a time to pay attention without overhandling. There’s a certain level of truth to the stereotype that orchids are dramatic and moody. Sudden moves or changes in light can cause buds to drop. Keep your plants in bright, indirect light. East-facing windows work well.

Watering remains key. Overwatering is the most common reason for orchid decline. Check your bark mix. It should dry slightly between waterings. Most orchids do well with about one careful watering per week. Ensure pots have good drainage, and avoid letting water sit in the crown. Healthy roots should be firm and silvery-green. March is a good time to check them without disturbing the spikes.

Humidity and airflow matter too. If the air is dry, use a pebble tray or small humidifier. A gentle fan or leaving the closet door slightly open will keep air moving, which helps prevent rot and pests. After flowering, plan for repotting or light fertilization to encourage new growth. March is about patience and observation, making sure your orchids have consistent care as their buds grow. Enjoy seeing the first hints of spring inside your home.