Where should I place an orchid in my house? The 4 best spots

Wondering where to place an orchid in your house? Many people place this plant on the windowsill, which is not surprising as it’s a beautiful plant to show off! But there are more places where the orchid can be showcased. In this article, we’ll share the 4 best spots to place your orchid in your home.

Also read: 3 ways to water your orchid

 

Where should I place an orchid in my house?

The bathroom

You might not think about placing an orchid in the bathroom, but you should! Because orchids are epiphytes, they thrive in humidity. They do need daylight, so if your bathroom doesn’t have windows place your plant in indirect sunlight every now and then.

 

Photo: Anthura

 

The living room

Maybe the best place to put an orchid is in the living room. It’s a subtropical plant that likes to be in a spot with a lot of daylight, which in most homes is the living room. Be careful not to place an orchid in direct sunlight, because the leaves can get sunburned. Make sure not to place it near heating or in a draught either: the ideal room temperature for an orchid is between 15 and 25 degrees.

 

 

The bedroom

Indoor plants provide a calming environment and therefore are ideal for the bedroom. Waking up with such an exotic plant on the bedside table provides instant happiness! Just like in the living room, most bedrooms receive a lot of daylight. A good spot for an orchid!

 

Une orchidée pour chaque pièce!

 

In the (home) office

Research has shown that plants can have a positive impact on productivity. Plants in the workspace can increase productivity by up to 15%! People also complete tasks faster, without the quality deteriorating. In addition, plants have a positive effect on your concentration, because they reduce noise by 8%. Enough reasons to fill your desk or home office with a beautiful collection of orchids, right?

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

 

 

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Phalaenopsis: meet the splendid moth orchid

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: meet the splendid moth orchid

Photo: Thejoyofplants.co.uk

 

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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Cattleya: photogenic beauty with a classic look

Sculpted edges – sometimes with small frills – and large flowers with an enormous lips – these are what make Cattleya one of the most recognisable orchids.

 

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

English orchid collector William Cattleya gave the Cattleya its name. The orchid has no specific symbolic meaning but is associated with fertility and virility. The expression ‘to catleya’ (‘faire catleya’ or ‘arranger les catleyas’) is a euphemism for amorous goings-on between Odette and Swann in Marcel Proust’s ‘À la recherche du temps perdu’.

 

Read also: What is the meaning of orchids?

 

Origin

Cattleya is a tropical orchid which only occurs in South and Central America. It’s an epiphyte, which means that it lives on trees and bark without drawing nutrients from them. As ecological competition in the jungle is fierce, Cattleya often opts for height and establishes itself high up in trees. Of all the orchids, Cattleya has the most varied appearance. All Cattleyas also have fairly hard leaves. This indicates that they get a reasonably large amount of light or sun in their natural environment, and therefore need it indoors as well.

 

 

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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Paphiopedilum: elegant fairytale orchid

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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Cambria: graceful stems and extravagant flowers

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

In ancient Greece, the orchid was a symbol of fertility and masculinity. Nowadays, the flower symbolises above all beauty, wealth, love and strength.

 

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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An infinite variety of magnificent flowers

The beautiful orchid has so many faces that it simply doesn’t get boring. Of the more than 25,000 species of orchid that can be encountered in the wild, there are some that look particularly beautiful in our homes. You could also say: with orchids you’ll have an infinite variety of magnificent flowers!

Infinite variety of magnificent flowers

 

Colors and shapes

The leaves of the orchid are not particularly striking in most species – it’s the flowers of this plant that are the real eye-catchers. Orchids are usually arranged in racemes and can be tiny or up to a metre in size. Whether in the form of a few large flowers, as with the classic butterfly orchid (Phalaenopsis), or as a sea of small flowers, as with the tiger orchid, all are enchanting works of nature’s art that you can enjoy for a long time. Other popular varieties include Miltonia, Dendrobium and Paphiopedilum.

 

 

Symbolism

In ancient Greece, the orchid was the symbol of fertility and virility. Now in Europe, the orchid is a symbol of beauty, wealth and strength.

 

Read also: What is the meaning of orchids?

 

Origin

Orchids probably evolved around 120 million years ago. More than 25,000 species are now known – and this number only continues to increase. In the wild, the orchid grows mainly on trees, in rock crevices and on moss. The orchid occurs in nature almost everywhere in the world – especially in Germany, where there are about 60 different wild species!

 

Orchid 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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Orchids: an inspiration for design

There are so many different shapes and colours of orchids that this tropical plant is always a perfect addition to any interior. The fact that design and orchids go together perfectly is demonstrated once again at Cologne’s premier interior furniture fair. At the beginning of June, hundreds of orchids will be displayed in the iconic Design Post, during the international design fair IMM Cologne.

 

Design Post Keulen Spring Edition

The Design Post Cologne has stood for a unique showroom concept since 2006. International brands present themselves on more than 3,500 square metres and display current living and interior design trends all year round. In the inspiring exhibition, you can’t buy anything – instead, it’s all about inspiration and information. During the International Furniture Fair (IMM Spring Edition) from 04 to 07 June 2023, visitors will once again have the opportunity to discover the latest designs in interior design and exchange ideas in the historic industrial monument. Located opposite the fairgrounds in the cathedral city, the building will welcome guests this year with an impressive orchid installation.

 

Orchideen – Inspirationsquelle für Design und Inszenierung

Foto: Design Post

 

Orchid installation in the Design Post

Today, there are about 25,000 different orchids. Some of them are on display during the IMM Spring Edition in the orchid installation in the Design Post. The temporary artwork was designed by florist Susanne Schmitt, owner of Blumenhaus am Hofgarten in Düsseldorf, who is known for her unusual creations. For Cologne, she planted two trees with about 1,000 orchid plants and thin feather grass. Special garden orchids are also presented in planters by Italian manufacturer ETHIMO on the Design Post’s spacious terrace.

 

Orchideen – Inspirationsquelle für Design und Inszenierung

 

Orchids and art

Orchids are at home and popular in almost every climatic region on Earth. The Aztecs, for example, who ruled Central America from the 14th to 16th centuries, made stone reliefs for their temples with orchids as motifs. In Europe, the hype for the plants began in the 17th and 18th centuries. At that time, numerous explorers travelled to tropical and subtropical regions to find unknown species.

 

 

The image of the newly discovered, spectacular blossoms also quickly became popular in art and design in our country. They played a particularly important role in Art Nouveau, which was mainly concerned with the plant world and the dynamics of their growth. The shape can still often be seen on facades, paintings and tiles from that era. Many pieces of jewellery were also modelled after it. To this day, many design disciplines draw inspiration from the multifaceted plant world. Although nature is no longer depicted or imitated one-to-one in many works, it remains the starting point and source of inspiration for design.

 

 

 

Design Post Spring Edition will take place during IMM Cologne from 4 to 7 June. More information can be found at www.designpost.de

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Brassia: unique orchid with extra-terrestrial beauty

Unique, wispy and enchanting: Brassia is a science fiction fantasy that grows and flowers – and that you can’t stop looking at.

 

Colours and shapes

The narrow, slightly curling ribbon leaves and the bizarre structure make Brassia a very unusual orchid. The plant has curved stems with 10 to 15 greenish flowers with a diameter of 15 to 20 cm. The flowers themselves have blackish purple spots, and the white lips have distinctive green patches. This extra-terrestrial appearance makes Brassia a very eye-catching orchid. The long ribbon-like flowers have earned it the nickname ‘spider orchid’. Despite its exotic appearance, the beautifully scented Brassia does well in a living room.

 

 

Symbolism

As Brassia’s flowers are so light and delicate, they move when you walk past. For that reason the orchid is also known as the ‘dancing lady’ in South America.

 

Read also: This is how special exclusive orchids are

 

Origin

Brassia originates from the damp rainforests of Central and South America. It’s related to the Oncidium orchid, and there are some 35 species. Its delicate appearance suggests it’s a hothouse plant, but nothing could be further from the truth. In the wild, Brassia grows everywhere from swamps to some thousand metres above sea level. It’s an epiphyte, which means that the orchid grows on or under other trees without drawing nutrients from them. It fishes water and food out of the air with its aerial roots and the flower helps with reproduction: its spider-like shape attracts spider-hunting wasps which sting the lip and thus pollinate other Brassias.

 

Care tips:

  • Position: preferably a light spot, but no direct sunlight.
  • If the plant gets too much light the green flower ribbons turn yellow, and dark green if it gets too little light.
  • Immerse the pot for half an hour with a small dose of orchid food once every 10 to 14 days, then leave to drain thoroughly.
  • 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

Dendrobium: the orchid that flowers like a mini tree

Green foliage, full of flowers: Dendrobium feels quite different from the rest of the orchid family. Stately with a crown of flowers that rises upwards, Dendrobium is very distinctive.

 

Colours and shapes

It differs from other orchid species with its clusters of flowers that form at the axil of each leaf and which give off a lovely fragrance. The unusual way of flowering on the stem means Dendrobium looks very different from most orchids. The plant blooms for at least 8 weeks a year with sizeable flowers which are five to eight centimetres wide. The colour varies from entirely white through yellow and orange to red and purple and combinations of those colours.

 

 

Symbolism

The name comes from the Greek word ‘dendron’ meaning ‘tree’ and ‘bios’ meaning ‘life’. Many Dendrobium species are known for being good at removing chemicals like toluene and xylene from the air. They are therefore viewed as natural air conditioners.

Read also: This is how special exclusive orchids are

 

Origin

In the wild, this orchid occurs from the cool mountains of the Himalayas to the jungle of New Guinea and the Australian desert, usually on branches of trees as an epiphyte (which means that they grow on other plants and trees without drawing nutrients from them). It’s a strong plant which can tolerate hot days and cold nights. There are around 1200 different species of Dendrobium. The earliest mention of the orchid in the West was in  1799, in a description by Olof Schwartz.

 

Photo: Thejoyofplants.co.uk

 

Care tips:

  • Position: preferably a light spot, 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 leave to drain thoroughly.
  • 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.
  • Dendrobium is known to flower again if you can be patient for a couple of months.

 

Source: Thejoyofplants.co.uk

Orchid Zygopetalum – flamboyant Latina with flair

Racy markings, elegant spots and a graceful shape make Zygopetalum an orchid that wouldn’t look out of place on the catwalk.

Orchid Zygopetalum

 

Colors and shapes

Purple, brown, green, flaming, sometimes a leopard print and always a full, beautifully marked lip – there’s lots going on with Zygopetalum. What makes this orchid eye-catching is that at first glance it appears to be two different flowers. The crown consists of five brown and green petals which can be either pointy or round. Emerging from this is a luxuriant lip, usually white and purple. In the jungle, it offers excellent camouflage, but in the living room, it actually stands out even more.

 

Symbolism

The name is derived from the ancient Greek word ‘zygon’, which means yoke and refers to the two protruding petals. In Greek mythology Zygo is the ‘firstborn river’ from which all other rivers sprang. The rivulet pattern (also known as the delta) on the orchid’s lip refers to this. Ever since it was introduced in its cultivated form in 1880, the plant has symbolised ‘a spiritual connection between people who belong together’, just like the various petals and lip belong together.

Read also: What is the meaning of orchids?

 

Origin

In nature Zygopetalum grows on tree trunks, rocks and amongst leaves on the ground in Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia. It’s a real jungle native that can take a knock. The flowers are mauve, olive and sometimes almost blue and  some species have a sweet fragrance. In the wild Zygopetalum uses this to attract insects, making it an important part of the rainforest biotope. Zygopetalum is one of the smallest orchid families: only 15 species are known, however there are many more Zygopetalum hybrids from which the houseplants come.

 

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 leave to drain thoroughly.
  • 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.
  • After flowering cut off the flower stem at the bottom. Zygopetalum will produce fresh flowers from a new stem. This does require patience: it can take 8 to 12 months.

 

Source: Thejoyofplants.co.uk

 

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