Although you didn't ask for it,
don't drown it. Keep it thirsty
and water it over the sink
so it can drain. Leave the roots
packed with strands of moss
in the pot that looks too small.
Mostly likely yours is sterile
and came with extra petals.
Enjoy them until they drop.
It will flower again when it wants to.
As many times as it wants to,
but rarely never.
Fertilizer helps and sun,
but not too much: a slant
of light and a rinse of water
to help it remember the rain
forest where it never lived
among the brilliant birds.
[Ellen Kaufman, 'Raising an Orchid' from House Music]
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