Grower Spotlight: A Story of Patience, Care, and Quiet Beauty
Paphiopedilum Hsinying Majakun as grown by John Soto.
Behind every Blooming Wild orchid print is a living original, and behind that orchid is a grower whose patience and care shaped its journey. Last week I interviewed John Soto the grower of the Paphiopedilum (slipper orchid) that inspired one of our featured works. John shares how orchids became both a passion and a source of calm.
Where It All Began
“Orchids first entered my life through my mom. She loved growing them and shared that love by gifting me some of her plants. Over time, when she could no longer care for them herself, she entrusted all of her orchids to me. Taking them on felt like both an honor and a responsibility, and it marked the beginning of my own journey as an orchid grower.”
More Than a Hobby
“Orchids are not only my passion, they are also my therapy. Caring for them gives me quiet time and a sense of peace amid the chaos of everyday life. They slow me down and remind me to be present.”
The Orchid Behind the Art
“The orchid featured in this Blooming Wild piece is a Paphiopedilum, often called a slipper orchid. These orchids are uniquely fascinating and intriguing. Many people find them challenging to grow, and that challenge is exactly what drew me to them. I wanted to test my orchid-growing skills by taking on something that required extra attention and care.”
Lessons in Patience
“Growing orchids teaches patience in a way few other things do. Some orchids bloom only once a year, and even then, a bloom is never guaranteed. You learn to accept uncertainty and trust the process. It’s also important to remember that losing a plant is part of learning. Many seasoned growers say that if you haven’t killed at least 200 orchids, you’re not truly an expert yet.”
A Daily Ritual
“One of my favorite moments each day happens early in the morning. I water and carefully inspect each orchid, looking for new buds, dead leaves, or any signs of growth or trouble. This quiet routine allows me to connect with my plants and appreciate their individual beauty before the day begins.”
Learning the Hard Way
“If orchids have taught me one hard lesson, it’s this: do not overwater. It’s a simple rule, but one that takes time and experience to truly understand.”
Seeing Orchids Differently
“Although I’ve only been growing orchids for a few years, my perspective has changed completely. I now appreciate every part of the plant—the leaves, the growth, the spikes, and the blooms. When a plant flowers, it feels like a reward for the care I’ve given it. I often find myself thanking them for their beauty.”
A Shared Journey
“I’ve come to deeply appreciate the long journey involved when an orchid finally blooms. Each bloom is a celebration of both the grower’s effort and the resilience of the plant itself.”
Bringing a Blooming Wild orchid print into your home is a way to celebrate that moment—the point where patience, care, and time come together. It’s a joyful reminder of the dedication behind the bloom and a reflection of the shared journey between grower, plant, and art.
