Orchids are the ultimate horticulture tease. They lure like sirens in the grocery store on your way to the dairy aisle – those creamy-smooth petals, that ethereal fragrance, the exotic anatomy of the blossom. So you cave in. You buy one. You take it home. And then it dies.
But not if you're orchid-savvy like Dan Tan and Karen Lin of South Pacific Orchids, Inc. off Highway 101 near San Martin.
The green-thumbed duo approaches their profession with a slightly allegorical approach.
"They all have their own personality. They're like humans," said Lin, explaining her philosophy with intuitive perspective as she plucked a fuchsia-colored blossom and cupped it in her hand.
"Like when you drink too much, or eat too much" – Lin demonstratively rubbed her stomach – "they'll show you on their leaf or flower. They'll tell you when they're sick. You can see a plant, and you can know what vitamins to give them."
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