Exotic orchid blooms for Sanibel homeowner
Joe Salatino was pleasantly surprised last Wednesday morning when he walked outside and noticed his exotic orchid in bloom for the first time since planting it more than a month ago.
The Sanibel resident found a grower in northern California after researching the coryanthes cacrantha orchid, which has a nickname of the “bucket orchid,” online. He said he wanted to take a chance and see if he could get it to grow.
The bucket orchid is a native of South America and has a scent similar to licorice.
“This is the most complex, interesting and beautiful orchid I have ever seen, or grown,” Salatino said.
Once the flowers bloomed, an euglossini bee, which is green in color, began flying in and around the “bucket orchid.”
“It opened and the bees started showing up and pollinating,” he said.
While living in southern California in the 1960s, Salatino used to drive past an orchid greenhouse with a sign that read “exotic orchids of the world.” One day he finally decided to stop and the owner showed him around the greenhouse that expanded more than an acre and explained every orchid to him.
Six months later he returned to the greenhouse and stumbled across the cattleya orchid.
“I was stunned of how beautiful the orchid is,” Salatino said.
He was given instructions of where to place the orchid in his apartment, as well as how to water and take care of the flower.
“It bloomed and I was hooked,” Salatino said.
Soon after purchasing his first orchid, he came across a book that read “welcome to a journey that many people begin and few finish,” on the front sleeve.
His journey continued in Dallas, Texas, with more than 1,000 plants in his greenhouse. Salatino now has 175 plants on Sanibel at his home. He designed an outdoor space that fits into the environment where the orchids either hang or sit on a table.
Salatino said a lot of the orchids have different needs, some which are specific nutritional needs. A number of his orchids are kept shaded with a fan pointing on them because they strive better in cooler environments.
Once the orchid is placed in the best climate, Salatino said you can pretty much leave them alone.
“I love to find exotic orchids that are challenging to raise and get them to bloom,” he said.
The hobby that began in 1975 has brought a tremendous amount of joy to Salatino and his family and friends.
“It’s a wonderful hobby to share,” he said.
Salatino is a member of the American Orchid Society, Sanibel-Captiva Orchid Society and Southwest Florida Orchid Society. While living in Texas, he won many awards for his orchids and provided speeches to further educate others about the flower.
“Orchid people are pleasant and we have a mutual love for these plants,” Salatino said. “It’s a very peaceful hobby.”