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

Do you already have a lot of orchids in your house and/or do you feel like going green? Then gather a lot of orchids and some wooden boxes together and create a Christmas tree of orchids. After the holidays, put the plants back in place or hand them out to your visitors as a souvenir of the holidays.

A Christmas tree of orchids

 

Orchids

Whether you choose the tiger orchid or Dendrobium, every orchid shines in its own way. There are so many varieties that there is always an orchid to match your loved one. The petals of orchids are like works of art for your home.

 

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.

 

 

More Christmas inspiration

Looking for more inspiration about celebrating Christmas with plants? Bring on that warm festive feeling by making your own gift wrapping with orchids, or get started with this DIY Christmas place cards with orchids. For a daily dose of inspiration, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

Source: Thejoyofplants.co.uk

Although the bathroom is not one of the places where we spend several hours a day, it is one of the most important rooms in the house. This is where we start the day in the morning and this is where we spend the last minutes before going to bed every evening; we refresh ourselves under the shower or relax in a soothing bubble bath, come to rest and deal with ourselves. In the bathroom, the atmosphere should always be as pleasant as possible, serving our well-being and relaxation. But how do you create the spaces in these tiled and mostly functional spaces? Read this article to learn more about orchids in the bathroom for an oasis of well-being.

 

 

Orchids in the bathroom for a tropical oasis of well-being

Studies in recent years have shown that people are particularly good at reducing tension and regenerating faster when they look at plants. So what could be more obvious than decorating with natural green? Orchids, for example, are ideal for the bathroom! With their spectacular flowers, they bring color, elegance and exoticism into the room at the same time.

 

Read also: How to brighten up your home office with orchids: 3 ideas

 

High humidity and warmth are no problem

With over 25,000 species, orchids belong to the largest family in the plant kingdom. It is thanks to breeding successes that we can now decorate our homes with numerous of these beauties. Since most are originally native to tropical rainforests, they do well with bathrooms’ warmth and increased humidity. Another advantage: they like it bright, but don’t necessarily have to stand on the windowsill. This way you can give them a place in the bathroom where they look beautiful, while the bathroom window can remain free for regular airing.

 

 

The fact that there is relatively little space in many bathrooms is not a problem for orchids. They are about ten centimeters high, rising to about 45 centimeters. Orchids grow in a relatively small pot and do not grow particularly large. So even in the small bathrooms, they fit fine. Even with the smallest orchid, you will have an exotic flower bouquet for months. You could say: orchids transform any bathroom into an oasis of well-being!

 

Read also: How to create an orchid jungle

The most important step when taking care of an orchid, is watering. This can make a lot of orchid owners a little nervous as the exact amount is not specified. But there’s no need to be nervous, because we have noted three methods to guarantee that you water your orchid right. Pick the method that suits you and your orchid best!

3 ways to water your orchid

1. Bathing

If your orchid is still in its (plastic) inner pot, it’s best to bathe it. To do so, put the root ball of the orchid in a shallow bath for a short while (5-10 minutes). You can use a basin, a bucket or your sink. Leave the (plastic) inner pot in place to ensure that you don’t damage the roots. It’s also essential that the plant dries thoroughly after its bath, because orchids don’t like wet feet!

 

 

2. Dish of water

If you don’t have a good basin, bucket or sink, you can also use a dish filled with water. By putting the orchid with its (plastic) inner pot on the dish for 5-10 minutes, the roots will also absorb all the water they need. If you do this, make sure to let the orchid dry well.

 

3. The shot glass

If you don’t have a lot of time and your orchid is in a pot without its (plastic) inner pot, the shot glass is the perfect tool for you! To give an orchid the exact amount of water it needs, you only need to pour one shot glass of water (around 60 ml) at the side of the root ball. Be careful to not pour the water in the centre as the leaves will rot!

 

How often should you water your orchid?

How often you need to water an orchid depends on the season that you’re in. In summer your orchid is a little thirstier and it’s best to water it once per week. In winter, once per two weeks is plenty. But if you love to keep your heating on in the winter months, we’d advise you to keep watering your orchid once per week.

 

 

Did you know…..

…that the type of water you give to your orchid is important? Ordinary tap water is fine, but if you really want to treat your orchid, it’s best to use rainwater or condensation water from the dryer. It may sound strange, but this water is completely free from lime and minerals, so it’s extra good for your orchid!

 

Find more care tips here.

To give credit where credit’s due: within the Orchidaceae family, Phalaenopsis is the original trailblazer that introduced the public to the exotic beauty of orchids. However, this family of plants includes many other fabulous bloomers, all equally easy to care for and just as charismatic – and those exclusive undiscovered treasures deserve to be better known. Not least because they fit so well into the current interior trends for a bit of mystery and supernaturally beautiful shapes. Read on to know more about exclusive orchids.

 

Origin of exclusive orchids

Orchids are herbaceous perennial plants and occur in the wild almost everywhere in the world, in both warmer and cooler regions, although 85% come from the tropics and subtropics. An orchid flower can be easily distinguished from other flowers. It is made up of three sepals and three petals. The middle petal has a different shape, is somewhat larger and is called the lip. That lip serves as a kind of platform for insects to easily reach the heart of the flower. The heart contains the pollen cluster, also called the stamen. All plants in the orchid family have the same flower structure.

 

 

Exclusive orchids & cultivation

Orchids make up one of the largest plant families. There are more than 25,000 known species, and new ones are still being discovered regularly. In warmer regions such as the tropical rainforest orchids often grow on trees, branches or twigs with their roots in the air. These are called epiphytic orchids. Epiphytes are plants that grow on something without drawing nutrients from it. For cultivated specimens, this means that they need little water and are grown on special airy potting mixtures. This replicates nature as closely as possible.

 

 

Choice of orchids

A wide variety of species and cultivars is available. An alphabetical list of the most exclusive orchids and their characteristics is given below.

 

Brassia

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. Read more about Brassia (Cambria-like).

 

 

Cattleya

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’. Read more about Cattleya.

 

 

Dendrobium

Stately with a crown of flowers that rises upwards, Dendrobium is very distinctive. 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. Read more about Dendrobiums.

 

 

Paphiopedilum

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. Read more about Paphiopedilum. Read more about Paphiopedilum.

 

 

Zygopetalum

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. Read more about the Zygopetalum.

 

 

Read also: How to make orchids rebloom again?

 

Source: Funnyhowflowersdothat.co.uk.

Plants are not only beautiful, they boost your concentration too. So they’re ideal for your home office! Does your workspace only consist of a desk and a chair? Then it’s time to make for a make-over! In this article we will share 3 tips that will not only boost your inspiration but also your concentration.

Brighten up your home office with orchids

Houseplants can help purify the air, provide more concentration, focus and productivity. They’re a must for a home office!

A Scandinavian home office

Currently, a Scandinavian home office style is very popular. And since this mainly consists of a lot of natural light, soft colours and natural materials, it’s not strange at all. Because a calm environment ensures that you can get to work without distractions. In addition, with such a calm base you can easily add a colour or item that makes you happy. For example an orchid in your favorite colour!

 

A plant shelf

Whether you have a separate room as a home office or a small desk in the living room or bedroom: plants come in all shapes and sizes. So there’s always something that fits! For example, hang a shelf above your desk and fill it with orchids. Not only does this look cool, it’s also beneficial for your health. Because the more greenery in the house, the better the air quality!

 

 

No room for a shelf full of plants? Then hang a few plants with a plant hanger.

 

 

Use orchids as a room divider

Do you share your home office with someone else or is your desk placed in the living room? Then use a large plant or place a number of orchids together as a room divider. This way you divide a room in two and you have a little more privacy. The leaves still let in enough daylight, so it won’t get harsh.

 

 

Also read: How to create an orchid jungle

 

Follow orchidsinfo on Instagram for the best tips & inspiration!

 

Design

 

The big variety of orchids

The orchid is one of the most popular flowering houseplants, with flowers of all shapes and sizes. And did you know that orchids bloom longer than other types of flowers? Some orchids even bloom for months! Here are some different varieties with their flowering period:

 

Phalaenopsis

The Phalaenopsis is the most famous orchid. They easily flower for eight weeks up to months. Phalaenopsis comes in more than 20,000 different species, which differ in colour, amount of flowers, the height of the flower stalk, and the number of branches that the plant produces. Read more about Phalaenopsis.

 

Paphiopedilum

Paphiopedilum flowers for six to ten weeks. Paphiopedilum is also called a lady’s slipper or slipper orchid. This genus includes between sixty and eighty species. Read more about Paphiopedilum.

 

 

Cambria

The average flowering time is six weeks. The flowers vary tremendously in size and shape: from one and a half centimetres to over ten centimetres and from star-shaped to almost round. The flowers are beautifully marked. Brown, red and purple are the colours that predominate, but there are also pink, orange and brown Cambria-likes and even a small number of white and yellow Cambria-likes with maroon markings. Read more about Cambria.

 

 

Care

The exotic orchids are not only beautiful, but also easy to care for. A dipping bath of 10-15 minutes every week is enough to easily enjoy your orchid for 8 weeks. A few tips:

• Orchids love a light place, and don’t like direct sunlight
• The ideal temperature is between 16 – 25°C
• (Orchid) nutrition 1x per month

Read more about the variety and care tips per orchid here.

 

 

Follow orchidsinfo on Instagram for the best tips & inspiration!

 

The big variety of orchids

The orchid is one of the most popular flowering houseplants, with flowers of all shapes and sizes. Here are some different varieties with their flowering period:

 

 

Phalaenopsis

The Phalaenopsis is the most famous orchid. They easily flower for eight weeks up to months. Phalaenopsis comes in more than 20,000 different species, which differ in colour, amount of flowers, the height of the flower stalk, and the number of branches that the plant produces. Read more about Phalaenopsis.

 

 

Paphiopedilum

Paphiopedilum flowers for six to ten weeks. Paphiopedilum is also called a lady’s slipper or slipper orchid. This genus includes between sixty and eighty species. Read more about Paphiopedilum.

 

 

Cambria

The average flowering time is six weeks. The flowers vary tremendously in size and shape: from one and a half centimetres to over ten centimetres and from star-shaped to almost round. The flowers are beautifully marked. Brown, red and purple are the colours that predominate, but there are also pink, orange and brown Cambria-likes and even a small number of white and yellow Cambria-likes with maroon markings. Read more about Cambria.

 

Orchid: happiness in its purest form

With the orchid you not only get a stylish addition to your home; you also experience a moment of happiness from nature. Consumer research shows that orchids take the top position in the list of houseplants associated with the feeling of happiness. For some because of the beautiful addition to the interior, for others, it is due to the long shelf life or getting the orchid back into bloom.

 

 

Care

The exotic orchids are not only beautiful, but also easy to care for. A dipping bath of 10-15 minutes every week is enough to easily enjoy your orchid for 8 weeks. A few tips:

• Orchids love a light place, and don’t like direct sunlight
• The ideal temperature is between 16 – 25°C
• (Orchid) nutrition 1x per month

Read more about the variety and care tips per orchid here.

 

 

Design

 

 

Follow orchidsinfo on Instagram for the best tips & inspiration!

The orchid is known as the Queen of the plant kingdom – a remarkable plant that therefore deserves its own day. That is why the first Thursday in September has been designated the International Day of the Orchid annually since 2012, when the focus is on this plant in all its magnificence and versatility. In 2022 the Day of the Orchid falls on Thursday, September 1st. A good reason to talk about orchids: the most popular flowering houseplant!

 

Design

With spectacular colours, exciting shapes and breathtaking flowers the orchid is clearly no ordinary plant. The orchid instantly brings allure to a space and – contrary to popular belief – is a very easy plant. Few plants can be summed up as readily as the orchid: pure, nature, design and class!

 

 

Diversity

Although the orchid with moth-like flowers (Phalaenopsis) is the best-known, there are many other species such as the tiger orchid (Oncidium), Vanda, the pansy orchid (Miltonia), Dendrobium and the slipper orchid (Paphiopedilum). There are estimated to be more than 25,000 species worldwide, and new orchids are still constantly being discovered. The orchid’s colour palette is very extensive, ranging from white to dark shades of purple and everything in between. There are also species with a striped pattern or a tiger print, for example.

 

 

Care

A lot of people think that orchids are difficult to care for. The opposite is actually the case: the plant is very easy to keep alive. With a little bit of extra care, virtually all orchids will flower multiple times in a year. It is important that the orchid does get daylight, but no direct sunlight. You then simply need to give it a little water once a week. The flowering period is usually more than two months. If you add special orchid food to the water every month, you will see the plant flower more abundantly and for longer.

Also read: how to keep your orchid in peak condition

 

Symbolism

A lot of flowers and plants have a meaning. The orchid symbolises happiness. The plant, therefore, makes an ideal gift!

 

 

For more information and inspiration please take a look on:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/orchidsinfo
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/orchidsinfo
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/orchideenederland
• Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/orchidsinfo

As the ‘Queen of the plant kingdom’, the orchid even has its own day. International Orchid Day takes place annually on the first Thursday of September. During this special event, we celebrate the plant in all its beauty and versatility. In 2023, International Orchid Day will be celebrated on September 7^th. A good occasion to talk about orchids.

An ode to the orchid on International Orchid Day

 

Beauty that lasts

Besides the easy care, orchids also have a long flowering period. Orchids easily bloom for six to eight weeks, and some varieties even bloom for months. You can enjoy its beautiful appearance, lovely fragrance and vibrant colours every season.

 

 

Natural style icon

For decades, the plant has been incredibly popular. Millions of households worldwide are decorated with orchids. With more than 25,000 different orchid types, there is plenty of beauty to choose from. With spectacular colours, exciting shapes and breathtaking flowers, the orchid is obviously no ordinary plant. The orchid adds instant allure to a room and is, against all odds, a very easy plant.

 

 

Easy care

With the right tips and tricks, it is quite easy to keep orchids healthy and beautiful and enjoy them for months. The important thing is that the orchid gets plenty of light, without direct sunlight and is watered weekly by, for example, dipping the pot in water for about 5 – 10 minutes. Orchids can flower several times a year. So besides being a low-maintenance plant, it is also a very sustainable plant.

Also read: how to keep your orchid in peak condition

 

 

For more information and inspiration please take a look on:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/orchidsinfo
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/orchidsinfo
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/orchideenederland
• Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/orchidsinfo