Chinese Horticulturist Cultivates Record-Breaking 18-Stemmed 'Gentleman's Orchid,' Sparking National Fascination
In a remarkable display of horticultural prowess, a man in China has managed to cultivate an extraordinary 18 flowering stems from a 40-year-old specimen of the revered plant, Kumzhou Lan, also known as the "Gentleman's Orchid." This extraordinary feat has sparked a wave of intrigue and debate among netizens on Weibo, China's popular social media platform.
25 March 2024
The man behind this remarkable achievement is Wang, a resident of Qinhuangdao, in the Hebei province. Wang has been nurturing this particular Kumzhou Lan for over three decades, since he acquired it in 1990. His dedication and careful tending have yielded an impressive result: this year, the plant has produced a record-breaking 18 flowering stems, each one a testament to Wang's skill and patience. The sight of this flourishing Kumzhou Lan has captivated the attention of netizens, with many expressing their admiration and awe. One user commented, "Goodness, my Kumzhou Lan at home hasn't bloomed in a year... I always thought Kumzhou Lan only had one flowering stem.
I guess I've been doing it wrong." Another user shared their own experience, saying, "I have a Kumzhou Lan at home that I've been taking care of for several years. This year, it's finally bloomed, and it's beautiful. A word of advice: don't forget to fertilize and ensure the right light and temperature conditions." The Kumzhou Lan is a plant of great cultural significance in China, often associated with nobility and refinement. Its blooming is a cause for celebration, and Wang's plant has taken this to a new level. The plant's 18 flowering stems, each one a rare occurrence, are likened to the '18 Arhats' in Buddhism, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. This story has also sparked a flurry of interest in different types of flowers. A post from the People's Daily highlights 27 varieties of flowers, including peony, marguerite, jasmine, and dahlia, among others, asking readers which one is their favorite. As Wang's Kumzhou Lan continues to bloom, it serves as a reminder of the beauty that can come from patience, care, and dedication. It's a story that has resonated with many, inspiring them to look at their own plants and gardens with new eyes. In the end, Wang's extraordinary Kumzhou Lan is not just a plant; it's a symbol of resilience, growth, and the beauty of nature.
