Wen-Chia Tsai Parker

Teacher, Author, Illustrator, Designer and Architect


Repotting Orchids, Friendship, Live, Laugh Grow Get your hands dirty! March 2025

Orchids have captivated human imagination for millennia, with their history intertwined with cultural symbolism and scientific fascination. Originating in Eurasia during the late Cretaceous period (66–100 million years ago)7, they were revered in ancient China as symbols of integrity and humility3, while Greeks associated their root structures with virility1. The Victorian era ignited “orchidmania,” driven by colonial expeditions to collect exotic species like Cattleya labiata, which became a status symbol14. Their beauty lies in intricate floral adaptations: mirror-symmetrical blooms that twist 180° during development210, diverse sizes (from millimeters to 20 cm)2, and long-lasting displays that evolve through growth cycles5. With nearly 30,000 species, orchids blend elegance and resilience, embodying both timeless allure and evolutionary ingenuity910.

I love getting orchids as gifts and love even more growing them and enjoying them year after year for their long lasting blooms and ornate delicate flowers.  Staci and Wenchia repot two lovely orchids today as symbols of our friendship and growth and happy days to come for the Year of the Snake!