The Phalaenopsis orchid comes in a beautiful range of colours, such as white, lilac, light pink, bright pink, salmon pink, orange, red and yellow. There are also variations in these colours, such as striped or spotted orchids. But in nature, blue is not a usual bloom colour. Growers all over the world (but especially in the Netherlands and Taiwan) are trying to create the blue Phalaenopsis in their labs. And that’s not easy. Read on for the secret of blue orchids!

 

This is the secret of blue orchids

Formerly, white Phalaenopsis were spray painted. The flower branch, with a few flowers in bloom and the rest still in bud, was dyed blue. However, the new blooms emerging from the plant were white, with no hint of blue in sight! That wasn’t the expected outcome, so after a while the blue orchid project continued.

 

 

How are blue orchids made?

The solution was found in the current method. First, a small hole is made in the stem of the plant. Next, colored dye is injected into the hole. After that, the plant’s natural process of transporting water to the stem and blooms takes place, and at that point, the dye is carried and distributed throughout as well. This ensures the blooming flowers will be blue, as well as the buds. This system is patented and may not be imitated without the permission of the patent holder.

 

Why did my blue orchid turn white?

This treatment doesn’t damage the shelf life and flowering period of the plant, so just like any other Phalaenopsis it will bloom again. But the blue flowers on the orchid will only last until they fall off. Any flowers that emerge after that, will be in the original colour – probably white.

The plants used for this are grown using only biological crop protection. The nursery meets other sustainability requirements and government certificates. Also, the dye is also mostly organic. For example, a carrot extract is used for the orange colouring.

 

 

Want to know more about orchids? Read also: These are the 11 most popular types of Orchids

The Paphiopedilum is an elegant orchid with an eye-catching lip, slender stem and sweeping petals. Thanks to the shoe-shaped lip, this plant is also called the Venus slipper, lady slipper or slipper orchid. Because if you see the lip separate from the flower, it looks just like a slipper! But that’s not all that’s special about this orchid. In this article, you can read 11 more fun facts about the Paphiopedilum!

Also read: These are the 11 most popular types of Orchids

 

12 fun facts about the Paphiopedilum

2. The shoe-shaped lip of the Paphiopedilum not only makes for a cute nickname, but it also helps in pollination. It gives off an odour – inaudible to humans – and lures flies into its mouth. Once inside the mirror-smooth lip, there is only one way out: along a staircase of hairs at the back of the lip, past the pollen and pistil.

3. A few Paphiopedilums and Phragmipediums have such long petals on their flower that they reach their leaves or sometimes even the ground. These petals then serve as a path for crawling insects to walk to the mouth and take care of pollination there.

 

 

4. Paphiopedilums are propagated mainly through seeds. After pollination, the flower falls from the stem and the ovary at the top of the stem swells. Depending on the variety, the seed must ripen on the plant for six months to a year, before the seed pod can be harvested and sown on special soil with the necessary nutrients for germination.

 

 

5. The seed pod contains tens of thousands of seeds, as fine as dust. This seed doesn’t carry any nutrients for germination and must enter into a symbiosis with certain fungi. So in nature, the seed must fall in the right place in order to germinate. In the laboratory, we make a breeding ground with special nutrients, including bananas, that help the fine seed germinate. The germination process takes up to several months.

6. Paphiopedilum is a large family with many diverse species. From very small to large flowers, from green leaves to variegated leaves with flower colours from white-green to almost black, and from solid colours to speckles and stripes.

7. Paphiopedilums are sympodial orchids. These orchids grow from a horizontal stem instead of a vertical stem. Sympodial orchids have multiple stalks – or pseudobulbs – which increase in number every year. Usually, these new pseudobulbs emerge from the side of an older pseudobulb.

 

 

8. Paphiopedilums are southeast Asian orchids which are native to humid forests. While the majority of orchids are epiphytes (grow in trees), Paphiopedilums are mostly terrestrial. This means they usually grow amongst rocks, moss and leaf litter. That’s why the Paphiopedilum doesn’t like direct sunlight: in nature, it’s protected by the foliage of the trees.

9. The Paphiopedilum is a ground orchid. There is no chlorophyll in the roots; therefore, the plant isn’t placed in a transparent pot.

10. The Paphiopedilum flowers for about 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the variety.

11. The process of crossing, seed, germination and growth into a flowering plant takes about 6 years.

12. The Dutch American Hybrids are crossed to be grown sustainably, with fewer diseases and easy re-flowering in the living room.

 

 

Paphiopedilum care tips

A few Paphiopedilum care tips:

• Water your Paphiopedilum once a week, slightly more in the summer. Make sure that no water remains at the bottom of the outer pot.
• Paphiopedilums are shade plants, so don’t place them in direct sunlight.
• Did your Paphiopedilum finish flowering? Then remove the stem as deep as possible and place the plant in a cooler room. Also give it a little less water, which promotes bud induction in the new shoots.
• Keep the plant cooler for about six weeks and then treat it again with sufficient light, water and a warmer temperature. This in turn gives new shoot growth, which is necessary for subsequent flowering.

 

Read more about the Paphiopedilum orchid!

Of course, you can surprise your loved one on Valentine’s Day with an original do-it-yourself like scented sticks with Cambria, or even more fun: a kokedama with special orchids. But do you want to put your Valentine in the spotlight? Then surprise them with an orchid bouquet: flowers that last for months! If that’s not eternal love!

 

A bouquet of happiness

With the orchid, you not only bring a stylish addition into your home; you also experience a moment of happiness from nature. That orchids make people happy is proven by consumer research, with the orchid once again reaching the top spot in the list of houseplants that promote happiness. For some because of the beautiful addition in the interior, for others, it is in the long shelf life or getting the orchid to bloom again.

 

 

Months of flowering

The orchid is known as the queen of the plant kingdom. And did you know that the flowering period of orchids lasts longer than most other types of flowering plants? Phalaenopsis – the best-known orchid – easily bloom for eight weeks to months. Paphiopedilums are also sometimes called venus slippers (in English lady slipper or slipper orchid) bloom for six to 10 weeks. The average flowering time of Cambria orchids is six weeks.

Read more here: These are the 11 most famous orchids

 

The meaning of orchids

Since ancient times, flowers and plants have been used to make something clear to others. In the Middle Ages, but also in times before, great value was placed on symbolism. In Europe, the orchid is known for its beauty, richness and power.

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With spring in sight, it’s time for a new, fresh scent in your home. And you can easily make one yourself! In this article, we share step-by-step instructions for a DIY room spray. We are adding scented orchids – not only because they smell nice, but they also look great too!

DIY room spray with scented orchids

 

 

Necessities room spray with scented orchids

• A scented orchid, like Cambria, Miltonia, Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium or Zygopetalum
• 50 ml distilled water
• 50 ml vodka
• 15-30 drops of essential oil of choice
• Vanilla-extract
• Spray bottle

 

Instructions

Fill the spray bottle with distilled water and alcohol. Add the essential oil and a dash of vanilla extract. Keep playing with the amounts until you’ve found a fragrance that works for you. Shake the bottle carefully to mix everything. Then cut a few flowers from the orchid and place them in the bottle. In the video below we used a fragrant Phalaenopsis, but you can use a Cambria, Miltonia or Zygopetalum too. Twist the cap on, shake it a bit and spray!

 

@orchidsinfo

The orchid makes this home spray smell so good! #diy #roomspray #homespray #orchid #flower #interior #home #flowerscent #huisgeur #huisspray #orchidee #diyroomspray

♬ original sound – jaredjjenkins

 

Do you want to hang on to the scent for longer? Then leave the cap off and place a few wooden sticks in the bottle. The result is homemade fragrance sticks! Place them in a nice spot in your house and enjoy them every time you walk by.

 

More fun DIY ideas:

• DIY: scented sticks with Cambria and tuberose
• DIY: kokedama with exclusive orchids
• DIY: Gift wrapping with orchids

The colour we will see this year is Viva Magenta, which Pantone chose as the Colour of the Year 2023. It is a nuanced red tone, balancing between warm and cool. Wondering how you can style the Pantone Colour of the Year 2023 in your interior? Then read on for inspiration!

Also read: The style trends for 2023 in the field of flowers and houseplants

 

Viva Magenta: Colour of the Year 2023

Pantone reveals the year’s colour based on trends in different industries, including interior and fashion. In 2023, that will be Viva Magenta: a brave, dynamic and vibrant hue. It’s a pulsating colour whose exuberance promotes optimism and joy.

 

How to style the Colour of the Year 2023

Viva Magenta is a striking colour but combines easily with other colours. You can easily add an accent colour to your interior with plants, and the same goes for the orchid in this dark red colour. This is already a beauty in itself because the colour matches beautifully with the dark green of the leaves of the plant.

 

 

For example, create a ton-sur-ton effect by styling Viva Magenta with the same shades. Think of light pink, purple or burgundy.

 

 

The Colour of the Year 2023 also combines great with contrasting colours, such as yellow and orange. The result is a cheerful mix that is perfect for spring.

 

 

Do you prefer a calm base? Then opt for light blue, light gray, khaki or taupe. With these natural shades, the Colour of the Year stands out beautifully.

 

Also read: Add colour to your kitchen with the help of orchids

How nice is it to take your orchid out of its pot and turn it into a kokedama? This is very well possible since orchids have aerial roots and can therefore grow without potting soil. The pot is really only used to place orchids. Pack the root ball as a kokedama (moss ball) for an even more beautiful styling and natural look. A trendy indoor mini garden with exclusive orchids. Easily done, and a beautiful effect!

 

 

DIY: Kokedama with exclusive orchids

You will need:

• Paphiopedilum
• Sheet moss
• Winding wire
• Wire cutters

 

Read also: DIY: scented sticks with Cambria and tuberose

 

Get to work:

Step 1:

Carefully remove the Orchid from the plastic pot. As well as Paphiopedilum, you can also use other exclusive orchids of course.

 

 

Step 2:

Fold the moss around the roots and try to keep as much of the root ball inside the moss as possible.

 

 

Step 3:

Secure the moss by wrapping the wire around it. Keep the moss damp with a plant spray.

 

 

 

Curious about the best way to water your orchid? Also read: 3 ways to water your orchid

 

Source: Thejoyofplants.co.uk

The Phalaenopsis orchid is a slender plant with shining leaves, whose flowers emerge charmingly from the top of long stems. Also known as the moth orchid, this may be the prettiest species in your plant collection.

 

Colors and shapes of the Phalaenopsis

Phalaenopsis’ nickname of moth orchid is derived from the shape of its flowers which resembles fluttering, elegant moths. The plant is popular with fans of pastels because it comes in purple, pink, salmon, white and yellow varieties. If you see a bright blue version, know that the colour effect has been created with dye. There are also patterned varieties, which produce petals boasting pretty spots or stripes. You can also spot Phalaenopsis by its fleshy roots, thick, shiny leaves and tall flower stems.

 

 

Symbolism

Phalaenopsis isn’t just lovely to look at, its symbolism is also charming. It’s almost a given that this flower stands for elegance, femininity and attachment.

 

Read also: What is the meaning of orchids?

 

Origin

In the wild, Phalaenopsis orchids grow on trees and rocks in the tropical rainforests in Asia and Australia. It makes this plant an epiphyte, a plant that lives on other plants but without drawing nutrients from them. In the 18th century Europeans abroad brought Phalaenopsis back home with them, where it was quickly and successfully established as a houseplant.

 

 

Phalaenopsis care tips:

• The plant likes light, but not the bright summer sun.
• Immerse the roots weekly in water.
• Spritz the leaves with water during the dry winter.
• Feed once a month in winter, and twice a month during the rest of the year.

 

 

Source: Thejoyofplants.co.uk

 

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Colors and shapes

Cattleya is a distinctive houseplant with a pseudobulb on which there are just a couple of thick leaves. There are large and small-flowered Cattleyas: the small-flowered species have more flowers per stem than the large-flowered ones. The flowers are usually ten to twenty centimetres in diameter, and range in colour from white through yellow, orange, green, pink, and purple to fabulous pastels. Some are beautifully scented, which has earned Cattleya the nickname ‘Queen of the Orchids’.

 

 

Symbolism

 

Read also: What is the meaning of orchids?

 

Origin

 

 

Care tips:

• Position: preferably light, but no direct sunlight.
• Immerse the pot for half an hour with a small dose of orchid food once every 10 to 14 days, then allow it to drain thoroughly.
• Cattleya thrives on high humidity: place the pot on a kind of island of damp clay beads.
  If the air indoors is very dry, e.g. because of central heating, it’s best to mist an orchid’s buds every day. This prevents them from drying out and not opening.
• The orchid will keep looking its best with some ‘benign neglect’. Remove wilted flowers, but otherwise leave the plant alone.

 

Source: Thejoyofplants.co.uk

 

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This voluptuous orchid is a fine spectacle with seductive characteristics that insects find irresistible. This diva, therefore, helps to create a healthy environment in the home.

 

Colors and shapes

There is no other orchid as magnificent as Paphiopedilum. The plant is also known as the Venus slipper and has an eye-catching lip, slender stem and sweeping petals that seem to have sprung straight from a fairytale. The orchid has tall, attractive green foliage, which means that this plant is very pleasant to look at even without flowers. However, the flowers are certainly worth it: russet, yellow or green, with attractive markings and an elegant voluptuous shape.

 

 

Symbolism

The name is derived from Paphos, a town in Cyprus, where the goddess Aphrodite arose from the sea, and ‘pedilion’ which means ‘slipper’ in classical Greek. Ironically enough there is not a single wild Paphiopedilum to be found anywhere in Cyprus. The orchid was officially described for the first time in 1886 and created great excitement amongst Victorians because of its somewhat erotic appearance. For that reason Paphiopedilum is still viewed in the symbolism of plants as an exciting gift between lovers.

Read also: What is the meaning of orchids?

 

Origin

In the wild Paphiopedilum grows mainly in South-East Asia, where there are 60 to 80 species. The orchid can thrive in both a tropical and subtropical climate. Unlike many other orchids, Paphiopedilum grows in the soil and obtains moisture and nutrition from it. The purse-shaped lip is actually a fly trap which helps to pollinate other Paphiopedilums. The orchid uses scent to attract flying insects to the flower, which can only reach the nectar through a narrow opening where they pass the pistil and the stamens. Once they are finished drinking, they take the pollen away on their body to the next Paphiopedilum and deposit it on the pistil when they crawl inside.

 

 

Care tips:

• Paphiopedilum is a shade orchid which can tolerate partial shade, but not full sun.
• Immerse the soil for half an hour once every 10-14 days with a small dose of orchid food, then drain thoroughly.
• Paphiopedilum likes fresh air, provided that it’s not too cold
• If the air indoors is very dry, e.g. because of central heating, it’s best to mist an orchid’s buds every day. That prevents them from drying out and no longer opening.
• Orchids last best with ‘loving neglect’. Remove wilted flowers, but otherwise leave the plant alone.

 

Source: Thejoyofplants.co.uk

 

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With its special, colourful flowers and graceful green stems, the Cambria is a beautiful sight. Add to this its rich symbolism and easy-going character – and voilà: you’ve found your ideal roommate!

 

Colors and shapes

This orchid variety comes in a variety of colours and shapes. This orchid species enchants in a round to star shape and with flowers that range from small (1.5cm) to large (10cm). The flowers are beautifully marked and mainly brown, red and purple. But they are also real eye-catchers in pink, orange, white and yellow. Combinations of colours are also possible!

 

 

Symbolism

 

Read also: What is the meaning of orchids?

 

Origin

The Cambria is a cross between several genera of orchids that have origins all over the world. The Belgian Charles Vuylsteke developed the first one around 1900. There are now dozens of Cambria-like plants, and all of them are equally beautiful and special.

 

 

Care tips:

• Cambria thrives best at a temperature between 15-25°C.
• Place the Cambria in a bright place, but not in direct sunlight and not near a heater.
• Water the plant 1-2 times a week at room temperature or soak it once a week in lukewarm water for 10 minutes and then let it drain.
• Remove the flower stalk completely after flowering. The Cambria will then develop new shoots and flower again after a few months.

 

Source: Thejoyofplants.co.uk

 

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