Sixty-three-year-old Stanley Joy Singh of Nagercoil grows ‘Holy Cross’ flowers with passion.
. He developed an interest in growing orchids from his school teacher Robinson Sigamani when he was in standard VIII while on an eco-tour to Pechiparai dam. Since then, the orchids in his backyard have grown in numbers. Today, over 600 varieties bloom in his backyard under shade.
Talking about the ‘Holy Cross’ flower, Mr. Singh says that they display a significant three-lobed lip and resemble a cross. The species originated from tropical and sub tropical USA and the Caribbean Islands. The popular and captivating species is commonly known as Crucifix Orchid.
The Holy Cross flowers bloom for two months in a year in February and March in four colours – orange, red, pink and blue. However, over 100 hybrid varieties of Holy Cross bloom all through the year in different colours.
“The passion flower, Crucifix Orchid, symbolises the passion of Christ for humankind, which consummated in his crucifixion and death on the Cross,” says Mr. Singh.
According to environment educator, S.S. Davidson, the plant is easily cultured at homes in pots as it is a tropical plant. Beginners in orchid culture prefer this orchid owing to lesser risk factors in culturing. Holy Cross orchid is much sought after by interior decorators.
