A one-man rescue mission for wild orchids in Assam

After years of rescuing wild orchids from fires, deforestation and construction, Mithu Gogoi has a garden where 9,000 burst into bloom every spring

In spring, Mithu Gogoi from Titabor in Jorhat, Assam, has about 40 visitors at home every day. During the Bihu season last month, there were days when he and his wife, Bonti Gogoi, hosted up to 400 a day. 

These visitors are not his friends or relatives. They are strangers — tourists and students — who want to see his personal orchid collection. Spread over less than one acre, this garden, which is set in his family home, blooms with a staggering 9,000 orchid plants, and is open to all at no cost. In April, when they are in full bloom, the space is especially pretty: you may have seen it captured on camera by enamoured Instagrammers by now.

“Most of them are rescued from forest fires due to jhum cultivation or from trees that were axed for road widening,” says Mithu, adding “The forests of upper Assam have beautiful wild orchids that are fast disappearing due to deforestation. Around 90% of Assam’s orchids have disappeared. I wanted to save them for future generations; otherwise, they will only see them in photos.” 

“Around 90% of Assam’s orchids have disappeared. I wanted to save them for future generations”Mithu GogoiOrchid Conservationist

As a farmer, Mithu takes pride in being able to grow this breed aplenty in his home garden. Orchids usually grow wild and it is illegal to grow some varieties at home, as per the Biodiversity Act, 2002, because they are categorised as an endangered species. Hence, Mithu has ensured that his collection consists of only legal blooms.

His personal collection – which bursts with shades of yellow, pink, purple, white and orange – includes a number of Foxtail orchids or Kopou phool, (Rhynchostlis retusa) the State flower of Assam. Mithu also has orchid breeds like rhynchostlis retusa white, Dendrobium lituiflorum yellow, V anda ampullacea, to name a few.

Mithu grows orchids in flower pots, tree barks and on A-grade wood (a soft variety that does not rot and is resistant to termites). Orchids need a moist climate for the roots to grow. Caring for them is like nurturing a child he says; one has to devote close to two hours every day watering, pruning and checking the condition and growth of roots.