For years, Axel Cahiz has tended to these tropical blooms at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
Read about his plans at this historic Florida property.
But when Axel Cahiz is working, youre more likely to catch a note of something a bit grittier.
Credit:Carmel Brantley
Mr. Deering loved orchids; he wanted them attached to the trees by his house, says Cahiz.
There was also an entire garden dedicated to thembut the original location proved to be a bust.
That area was too hot and sunny.
Orchid specialist Axel Cahiz is working to expand Vizcaya Museum and Gardens' assortment of these flowers.Credit:Carmel Brantley
They werent doing well, so they were moved to the north side of the grounds, notes Cahiz.
Its a legacy from him.
Its something I really love.
Beautiful containers are nestled among the trees in the courtyard.Credit:Carmel Brantley
I feel very peaceful with the plants, he explains.
They just take away all the worries in the world.
For the lifelong lover of the plant, the historic gardens are a veritable playground.
Designed to complement the 1920s house, the David A. Klein Orchidarium features native plants.Credit:Carmel Brantley
And Cahiz cares for them all.
These are the most incredible, beautiful, amazing flowers you will ever come across.
The fragrance will intoxicate you; the colors are so unique.
The Secret Garden was intended to hold orchids but got too much sunlight; now heat-tolerant plants like succulents grow there.Credit:Carmel Brantley
I dont know if any botanical garden specializes in them like we do here.
Once the orchid is in hand, the real work begins.
We log each plant with as much information as we can get.
A special Rhyncholaeliocattleya hybrid sports tropical hues.Credit:Carmel Brantley
Then we pot it, put it in the greenhouse, and let it grow, he says.
From there, its a lesson in patience as they wait for them to blossom.
For Cahiz, the effort is well worth it.
Admire moth orchids (Phalaenopsis) in bloom.Credit:Carmel Brantley
Its important to have something that we can leave to future generations, he says.
Sadly, sometimes certain areas of the Amazon (where most of the cattleyas are from) get destroyed.
If we can preserve those plants, we can confirm that [our children] have them.
Lady’s slippers thrive in the greenhouse.Credit:Carmel Brantley
Even if theyre growing in a greenhouse, at least well have those species and can protect them.
Poke your finger into the soil: If its dry, water; otherwise, leave it alone.
For locales with colder winters, he recommends keeping it inside.
Good Times
Give your flowers a playlist.
I listen to 1970s and 1980s punk bands, but thats my taste, he says.
My father used to blast jazz, and the plants were happy!
Play the music you like, andbelieve metheyll love it.
It takes a while for it to adapt to new conditions.
That way, another spike cant sprout up and rob it of much-needed rest.
From there, care for it as usual.
Then just wait until next year for it to bloom, says Cahiz.
Dont worry; itll come up.
Thats the good thing about orchids.
