Jean Jules Linden (12 February 1817, in Luxembourg – 12 January 1898, in Brussels) was a Belgian botanist, explorer, horticulturist and businessman. He specialised in orchids, which he wrote a number of books about.
Jean Linden studied at the Athénée Royal in Luxembourg until 1834 and went on to the faculty of science at the Free University of Brussels. In 1835, Jean Linden put forward his name when the Belgian government invited applications from academic circles for an exploration of Latin America. As a result, Jean Linden, Nicolas Funck (1816–1896), and Auguste Ghiesbreght (1810–1893) left Antwerp on 25 September 1835 for Rio de Janeiro and arrived in Brazil on 27 December. They remained in Brazil, collecting plants and animals, returning to Belgium in March 1837. As a result of this trip, Linden's lifelong preoccupation with orchids was born.
Six months later, in September 1837, the same trio left Le Havre and reached Havana in December. The team explored Cuba and Mexico, collecting live animals and plants, until 1840. Linden suffered an acute attack of yellow fever near Laguna de Términos.
He went on several expeditions and made a detailed study of orchid growth conditions in their natural habitat. His findings revolutionised the cultivation of orchids under European conditions. Before his research, orchids were being kept at temperatures far greater than their needs, resulting in a high mortality rate. Following Linden's lead, British botanist John Lindley also made detailed observations of the habitats where he collected plants.
In Brussels, Linden was briefly the director of the Brussels zoological and botanical garden. He gradually concentrated on orchid culture, using three types of conservatory with temperatures ranging from cool to warm. Under these conditions his orchids thrived. With this success, he created an orchid empire that, at its peak, had branches in Brussels, Ghent, and Paris, winning awards at exhibitions in London, Paris, and St. Petersburg. He published exceptional books on orchids and orchid-growing.
Linden married Anna Reuter in Luxembourg on 13 October 1845. His son Lucien eventually took over all his business interests and published books on orchids before and after Jean's death.
He is commemorated in Gloxinella lindeniana (Regel) Roalson & Boggan (part of the Gesneriaceae family), Iresine lindenii now a synonym of Iresine diffusa f. lindenii (Van Houtte) L.B.Sm. & Downs (Amaranthaceae), Phalaenopsis lindenii (Orchidaceae), and Polyrrhiza lindenii, also in the Orchidaceae family.
This botanist is denoted by the author abbreviation Linden when citing a botanical name.
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Some of their strengths
Jean Linden has many admirable traits.
Based on spiritual traditions from around the world, they are someone who can be described as Innovative, Intellectual, Analytical, Kind, Passionate, Curious, and Intuitive.
Idealistic and Altruistic
According to Mysticism’s Astrology tradition, Jean Linden is someone who is an idealist and an altruist who possesses an innovative, intellectual, and analytical mind, and who approaches life in an optimistic and easygoing manner. A person who is a bit of a "lone wolf".
Passionate and Intense
Based on Daoism’s Ba-Zi or ‘Chinese Zodiac’ tradition, people who know Jean Linden well know them as someone who can be passionate, proud, and intense, like the sun or a blazing fire.
Truthful and Kind
According to Hinduism’s Jyotisha or ‘Vedic Astrology’ tradition, many would also describe Jean Linden as someone who is honest, compassionate, imaginative, and instinctual.
A person who enjoys new challlenges, is a magnet for attracting other creative types, good at identifying opportunities, and who is good at forming loyal, lifelong friendships.
Wise and Deep
Based on the Mayan Tzolk’in or ‘Mayan Astrology’ tradition, Jean Linden is someone who tends to have an internal innate wisdom, and who people tend to see as an "old soul".
They are also someone who is charismatic, compassionate, and understanding, and who is interested in expressing themselves through writing, public speaking, or teaching.
Altruistic and Innovative
According to Judaism’s Kabbalah tradition, Jean Linden tends to be someone who sacrifices things for the good of others and wants to do "good" in the world. Who is often thought of as an innovator or rebel who thrives when trying to chase a breakthrough of some sort, who has a clear and sound mind, and who can be charming and sociable.
Some of Jean Linden's challenges
While Jean Linden has many strengths, nobody is perfect. They also have some challenging traits they need to manage.
For example, Jean Linden can be Indecisive, Unrealistic, Rebellious, Emotionally Distant, Difficult, Perfectionist, and Irritable.
Rebellious and Emotionally Distant
One of Jean Linden's key challenges is that they are someone who can be rebellious and emotionally distant.
Unrealistic and Indecisive
Jean Linden is someone who can be unrealistic, indecisive, and lacking in confidence, who can be impulsive when it comes to making important decisions, have difficulty collaborating with others, can be argumentative and not willling to accept criticism, and who can be disappointed by the high expectations they place on others.
Serious and Callous
Finally, Jean Linden also can be too giving, come across as too "high and mighty", and can have a hard time expressing feelings.
