September constitutes the long-awaited month for orchid-lovers (orchidophiles) for it heralds the blooming season of orchids, after the long dormant period for these plants. Today we are witnessing to our pleasure a growing craze for orchid-growing (orchidomania) among the population over the island, thanks to the relentless efforts of the Orchid Society of Mauritius, which has gone a long way in its 26 years of existence towards spreading the message of orchid growing, to demystify certain concepts and democratise this pastime. Who can remain indifferent to the architectural beauty of an orchid in bloom? Orchids lead us into a fascinating world of splendour and beauty. Orchid growing is a most coveted hobby and many have tried but failed in their first attempt. Eventually, with perseverance they succeed.

Orchid growing is really quite simple. Once you understand all the needs and care of these mysterious plants, you will enjoy it. The pleasure derived is immense beyond description. I have known many who first started with a few pots on a window sill, bought haphazardly at the annual exhibition, and who now have a greenhouse full of these wonderful plants. They will not hesitate to spend fabulous sum of money on orchids. The beginners have become experts. They have grown so addicted to orchids that they speak of nothing else. They will invite you to tour around their greenhouse to admire their precious blooms and they will lecture with pride on the delights of orchid growing. How wonderful it is to wake up in the early morning to explore and to inspect your collection of orchids! The key to successful orchid growing is to be able to adjust and understand the growing conditions to the needs of particular plants (Cymbidium, Phalaepnosis, Vanda, Cattleya, Dendobrium, Papliopedilum and others). The pleasure is immense beyond description when we see our collection of orchids in full bloom. In Reunion Island, our neighbours usually offer a blossoming orchid to a loved one or a dinner-host as it is the most appreciated gift for such social functions. On Sundays, we can spend the whole day admiring our orchids. We are then in close communion with our plants, switching off from the routine of hectic life. Our greenhouse studded with colourful orchids of all shapes giving off a sweet fragrance offers us a refuge and has a therapeutic effect upon our well-being. I have also known orchid-lovers whose collection has unexpectedly been disseminated but they have not given up and continued with their perseverance until they succeeded in refurbishing their hard won collection. Orchid growing is a challenge and once we master the amazing technical know-how we are bound to succeed.

Orchid-lovers are looking forward with much impatience and enthusiasm to the annual exhibition organised by the Orchid Society of Mauritius to be held on the 29th of September at Quatre-Bornes. Usually a synergy develops there and many beginners in orchid-growing will receive their first introduction to the fascinating universe of orchids.

<B>Philip LI CHING HUM</B>