Despite the January thaw, Maine winters are long. For those who wish to remain sane throughout the short days, position yourself in the seemingly tropical paradise of a greenhouse. That’s what Louise Snow of Orono is doing, and cabin fever isn’t even close to setting in yet.

For about 10 years now, Snow has been growing orchids in the greenhouse she’s built onto her home. Despite the notion many people have about orchids being difficult plants to grow, Snow maintains that with proper attention to plant culture and the growing environment, orchids can enliven nearly every home. Although many orchids are epiphytes (plants with roots which extend into and require air), according to Snow some are technically parasites and yet others, terrestrial.

The key to successful cultivation is knowing the cultural requirements of individual species of orchids and creating proper environmental conditions to suit their needs. Many of Snow’s orchids are grown in special clay pots with side slits and in a bark-chip media. This setup allows plenty of aeration and water drainage for the orchids.

There are approximately 35,000 natural species of orchids, all of which are members of the largest family of plants known, Orchidaceae. Most orchids are indigenous to the tropics, but it comes as no surprise, with so many species, that some orchids are native to Maine. Native orchids may not be as showy as those indigenous to the tropics, but their delicate nature and ability to withstand our climate elevates them to the ranks of those plants most deserving of our respect and conservation. Native orchids include the lady-slipper (Cypripedium acaule), the large Purple-fringed Orchid (Habenaria fimbriata, also known as Platanthera grandiflora) and the Giant Rattlesnake Plantain (Goodyera oblongifolia). Another native species Snow has been privileged to find on her self-proclaimed “wild orchid stalking” adventures through Maine’s woods and bogs is the Grass-pink Orchid (Calopogon tuberosus).

Snow’s interest in orchids extends far beyond her home and greenhouse. Orchid conferences have taken her around the globe from New Zealand to Scotland. But her enthusiasm for orchid propagation has made an impact right here at home. Through her involvement and volunteering with Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardener Program, Snow has helped to enhance the orchid collection at the Roger Clapp Greenhouses at the University of Maine.

If growing orchids in your home is not your bailiwick, perhaps you’d rather take a few field trips this summer to investigate native orchids. Load up your camera, but please leave your scissors and shovels at home. Wild orchids are some of Maine’s woodland treasures and are much deserving of our appreciation and conservation. Besides, Snow’s “wild orchid stalking” never includes disturbing these natural gems, and she still has loads of fun. From what I understand, it should be noted that in these adventures, both the stalkee and stalker have been pretty wild.

If you are interested in more information concerning the propagation of orchids, contact the American Orchid Society Inc., 6000 South Olive Ave., West Palm Beach, Fla. 33405. Membership is $30 per year and offers many educational opportunities, including a rather extensive monthly bulletin.

Please send your horticultural questions to Gardening Questions, 1243 State St. #2, Veazie 04401.