Nature’s Tricksters, Orchids as Masters of Deception
Orchids are experts in illusion. Some species have evolved to trick their pollinators by mimicking the scent or shape of a potential mate. They also pretend to offer nectar they never actually give. It’s not malice, it’s survival. This strategy allows them to reproduce without spending energy on rewards. But what happens when survival depends on illusion? And what can we, as humans, learn from it?
The Reality of Masking, The Cost of Deception in Society
In many ways, this biological trick mirrors how some women, especially neurodivergent women, learn to navigate the world. Social masking means hiding or reshaping parts of ourselves to fit in, to be accepted, to avoid conflict or rejection. It can be incredibly effective. From the outside, everything looks fine. But inside, it’s another story.
Masking over time can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, and a profound sense of disconnection. When you’re always performing, it becomes difficult to know who you really are underneath. Like the orchid that deceives to survive, women who masks often do so not out of choice, but necessity. But the cost is high, authenticity is quietly pushed aside.
Survival vs. Self-Expression, When Deception Becomes a Trap
Deceptive orchids only thrive in ecosystems where their illusion works. If their specific pollinator disappears, the orchid’s strategy fails. It’s a fragile kind of success, entirely dependent on maintaining the trick. That’s a risky way to survive.
In human terms, many women grow into roles society has shaped for them. They become dutiful, composed, and agreeable. These roles may offer temporary safety. But when the environment shifts, or when internal needs become too loud to ignore, the cracks show. Identity becomes blurred. Self-expression feels unfamiliar. Reclaiming authenticity after years of masking is not easy, but it becomes essential.
Breaking the Illusion, The Power of Unmasking
Not all orchids rely on deception. Some bloom in bold colors, offering real nectar, using their natural beauty and scent to attract pollinators without trickery. Their success comes not from illusion, but from connection.
The same is true for women who begin to unmask. It’s not always smooth. There might be confusion, grief, or even loss. But there’s also relief, freedom, and the chance to truly belong. When we let go of the need to perform, we start attracting the right people. We find the right environments. We embrace the right kind of life. It’s not just about being seen, it’s about being seen for who we are.
What Deceptive Orchids Teach Us About Strength
Deception isn’t always wrong. Sometimes, it’s a clever way to survive when the world isn’t kind. But long-term, strength doesn’t come from illusion. It comes from understanding who we are and choosing when and how to show it.
So maybe the question isn’t whether we adapt, but how. Are we adapting in a way that helps us grow, or are we staying in disguise because we’re afraid? How can we know when adaptation is supporting us, and when it’s quietly trapping us?
This theme runs through much of my work as a botanical artist. I explore the tension between adaptation and authenticity. If this resonates with you, I invite you to learn more about my art and the stories behind it on my blog
Join my Newsletter to stay in touch