Victorian Orchidelirium: Unveiling the Botanical Obsession of the Victorian Era

Introduction

In the "SYMHC Classics: Victorian Orchidelirium" episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, hosts Holly Frey and Tracy V. Wilson, alongside Benedict Rozel, explore the captivating phenomenon known as orchidelirium that swept through Victorian England. Released on November 9, 2024, this episode delves into the historical, economic, and ecological dimensions of the Victorian orchid craze, highlighting key figures, such as Frederick Sander, and the profound impact this obsession had on both society and the natural world.

The Ancient and Diverse World of Orchids

The episode begins by tracing the deep historical roots of orchids. Holly Frey shares intriguing facts about their longevity and diversity:

Holly Frey [04:38]: "Orchids date back at least 20 million years... It's possible that orchids existed as far back as the Late Cretaceous period, around 80 million years ago."

Rozel elaborates on the adaptability and intricate relationships orchids have developed with their pollinators:

Benedict Rozel [04:17]: "Orchids grow all over the world. The only inhospitable areas are open water, true deserts, and glaciers."

With over 27,000 species, orchids represent the most diverse flower family, thriving in various environments and evolving complex mechanisms to attract specific pollinators. This diversity posed significant challenges for taxonomy and cultivation, setting the stage for the orchid fever that would later grip Victorian society.

Evolutionary Marvels and Darwin's Insights

The conversation shifts to the evolutionary strategies orchids employ to ensure their propagation. Tracy V. Wilson discusses how orchids have evolved to manipulate their pollinators:

Tracy V. Wilson [07:10]: "A single orchid plant can produce as many as 74 million seeds."

Holly Frey highlights Charles Darwin's pivotal work on orchids:

Holly Frey [08:15]: "While studying the angraecum sesquipedale, Charles Darwin concluded that this flower must have evolved alongside a moth species with a unique long proboscis."

Rozel narrates the fascinating story of Darwin’s hypothesis, which took over a century to be confirmed with the discovery of the moth Ex Morgani Predicta:

Benedict Rozel [09:48]: "Scientists were finally able to actually observe and capture footage of these large moths pollinating those orchids."

This co-evolutionary relationship underscored the complexity and beauty of orchids, fuelling their allure among Victorian enthusiasts.

The Rise of Orchidelirium in Victorian England

The episode delves into how orchids transcended botanical interest to become a symbol of status and wealth during the Victorian era. Holly Frey explains the inadvertent spark that ignited this obsession:

Holly Frey [10:07]: "Botanist William John Swainson is often credited with introducing orchids from Brazil to Great Britain and sparking the obsession with these flowers."

Rozel recounts the legendary story of how unbloomed orchids used as packing material bloomed unexpectedly during shipment, captivating the British elite and igniting orchidelirium:

Benedict Rozel [10:44]: "Swainson had picked up a number of other plant samples to ship back home to England in the 1810s, and he used unbloomed orchids... as packing material."

As Britain expanded its colonial reach, the exotic allure of orchids made them highly sought-after collectors' items, leading to intense competition and the emergence of a lucrative cottage industry centered around orchid cultivation and trading.

Frederick Sander: The Orchid King

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Frederick Sander, a pivotal figure in the orchid industry. Rozel introduces Sander’s journey:

Benedict Rozel [15:05]: "One of the most famous entrepreneurs to capitalize on orchids delirium was Frederick Sander."

Holly Frey details Sander’s partnership with Benedict Rozel and their establishment in St. Albans, which revolutionized orchid trading:

Holly Frey [16:42]: "The two of them set up shop in the St. Albans district north of London... They were quickly trading in orchids in volumes that were way beyond anything they had done before."

Sander's business acumen led to the expansion of his operations, including the construction of extensive greenhouses and the hiring of orchid hunters who traveled perilously to procure rare specimens. His authoritative reputation was further cemented when he became Queen Victoria's official royal orchid grower in 1886:

Benedict Rozel [17:53]: "In 1886, Sander became Queen Victoria's official royal orchid grower, a title that gave his business a significant boost."

Sander’s Legacy and the Perils of Orchid Hunting

The episode does not shy away from the darker side of orchidelirium. Rozel narrates the harrowing tales of orchid hunters who faced life-threatening dangers in their quests:

Benedict Rozel [20:04]: "Frederick Sander sent him back ... he ended up finding this orchid that was really prized, but it was growing on a dead body... he had to kind of steal himself just to collect this flower."

Holly Frey emphasizes the extreme measures and sacrifices made by these hunters, including instances of violence, disease, and even murder:

Holly Frey [20:59]: "Orchid hunters made their way around the globe, they really, really often met with bad ends... Some were murdered, some died after run-ins with wild animals."

These stories highlight the ruthless and often exploitative nature of the orchid trade during this period, where the pursuit of beauty and status led to significant human and ecological costs.

Ecological Impact and Decline of Orchidelirium

The rampant collection of orchids led to severe ecological consequences. The overharvesting of species like the Lady Slipper orchid resulted in extinction within Great Britain by 1917:

Holly Frey [30:50]: "The lady slipper has a little pouch that looks like the delicate toe of a slipper... orchid enthusiasts just could not help themselves when it came to cutting the flowers and digging them up, which often left them to die in the process."

Benedict Rozel discusses the emergence of conservation efforts in response to the ecological damage:

Benedict Rozel [31:59]: "A group called the Cypripedium Committee... kept the exact location of that lady slipper orchid a secret, and that orchid is still alive today."

Advancements in cultivation techniques in the 1920s, such as seed propagation and asexual reproduction through division, gradually reduced the dependence on wild-harvested specimens, leading to the decline of orchidelirium:

Holly Frey [30:46]: "By the 1920s though, advancements were being made both in cultivating orchids from seeds and by reproducing them through division."

Modern Implications and Continuing Challenges

The episode concludes by connecting the historical obsession with contemporary issues in the orchid industry, which is now valued at approximately $9 billion annually. Rozel highlights ongoing challenges, including smuggling and the delicate ecological balance required for orchid survival:

Benedict Rozel [33:19]: "Today's orchid industry is estimated to be a $9 billion business annually... most orchids evolved in ways that require, as we mentioned earlier, very specific pollinators."

Holly Frey underscores the importance of responsible cultivation and conservation to ensure the survival of these intricate plants:

Holly Frey [34:35]: "Things that threaten their pollinators threaten the plants, too. It's all tied together."

Notable Quotes

• Holly Frey [04:38]: "Orchids date back at least 20 million years... It's possible that orchids existed as far back as the Late Cretaceous period, around 80 million years ago."

• Benedict Rozel [10:44]: "Swainson had picked up a number of other plant samples to ship back home to England in the 1810s, and he used unbloomed orchids... as packing material."

• Benedict Rozel [20:04]: "Frederick Sander sent him back ... he ended up finding this orchid that was really prized, but it was growing on a dead body... he had to kind of steal himself just to collect this flower."

• Holly Frey [30:50]: "The lady slipper has a little pouch that looks like the delicate toe of a slipper... orchid enthusiasts just could not help themselves when it came to cutting the flowers and digging them up, which often left them to die in the process."

• Benedict Rozel [33:19]: "Today's orchid industry is estimated to be a $9 billion business annually... most orchids evolved in ways that require, as we mentioned earlier, very specific pollinators."

Conclusion

The "Victorian Orchidelirium" episode offers a comprehensive exploration of a unique historical phenomenon, intertwining botany, economics, and human ambition. Through engaging storytelling and meticulous research, Holly Frey, Tracy V. Wilson, and Benedict Rozel illuminate how the Victorian obsession with orchids not only shaped a lucrative industry but also left lasting ecological imprints. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between human fascination and environmental stewardship.