Care Tips:
With proper care, orchids last much longer than almost any other cut flower. To maximize the vase life, look for fresh flowers on sturdy stems that are just starting to open. Once home follow a few simple care tips to extend the life of your blooms:
- When you get home, remove the sleeve and refresh the flowers with a gentle misting.
- Fill a vase with water and allow it to come to room temperature. If you are using floral foam, let it soak until it is fully saturated and sinks to the bottom.
- Add a packet of flower food to extend bloom life. If you don’t have flower food, dissolve half a teaspoon of sugar, a teaspoon of lemon juice, and a few drops of bleach in 4 cups of water to create a home-made substitute.
- Slant cut the stems under water at least ½ inch from the bottom, using a sharp knife. Flower stems naturally begin to seal their ends, so cutting them helps the flower to take in fresh clean water and extends their vase life. The shorter the stem the more water will feed the bloom.
- Arrange stems to your liking, varying the height and position. Add other flowers to the arrangement once all the orchids are positioned.
- Change the water if it starts looking cloudy, rinse the stems clean. You may also want to re-cut the stems under water to help the flower uptake water.
From pure hues to freckled or multi-colored blooms orchids are guaranteed to attract attention
About Orchids
Orchids make magnificent cut flowers with sprays of long-lasting blooms in dramatic colors and shapes. In vases and table centerpieces they add a refined beauty; in bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres they’re like living jewels for special occasions. From pure hues, to freckled or multi-colored blooms, orchids appear meticulously designed to attract attention.
Symbolizing purity, love, beauty, and luxury, orchids are a favorite among designers for layering meaning and beauty into special events. A gift of orchids is always appreciated, adding instant charm to any room. They are also a great everyday flowers – long lasting and surprisingly affordable.
Orchids have sprays of vibrant flowers that impress.
Most people assume orchids are tropical plants, but in fact, wild orchids grow on every continent except Antarctica. For centuries, collectors have traveled far and wide to find new and unique specimens. Today, thanks to dedicated growers and breeders, you don’t have to travel farther than your local supermarket, or florist to find these exotic beauties.
Some of the most popular varieties for both cut flowers as well as houseplant, include the following:
Phalaenopsis orchids are known as moth orchids for their resemblance to moths in flight. Ranging from dark shades to very light ones, many phalaenopsis orchids have intricate patterns and unusual color combinations on their petals that appear delicately hand painted. Pretty and versatile, this orchid is a great focal point for arrangements and bouquets.
Cymbidium orchids are among the most popular and desirable varieties worldwide. With large fragrant blooms on extremely long stems, they add height and drama with tall sprays of red, burgundy, yellow, peach, white, or green blooms. Their robust waxy petals are among the most heat and wilt-resistant of all orchids, ideally suited for wiring into bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres or laying on reception tables as a simple, colorful adornment.
Dendrobium orchids are literally covered with blooms in fuchsia, chartreuse, yellow, white or purple along the length of their stems. Despite their beauty, their strong petals tolerate handling, making them perfect for bridal bouquets, corsages, and table centerpieces.
Cattelya orchids are traditionally used in corsages, bouquets, and boutonnieres, prized for their fragrance as well as their graceful, frilly blooms. They’re a favorite among brides for their simplicity and elegance.
Symbolizing purity, love, beauty and luxury, orchids layer meaning and beauty into special events
Inspiration:
Spectacular on their own, orchids easily create instant arrangements when placed in a simple vase. They also combine beautifully with foliage and other flowers to create depth and contrast. Some simple ideas for using orchids to create a look that fits your event or lifestyle include:
Exotic: Brightly colored dendrobium orchids mixed with pink ginger, antherium, ferns, and tropical leaves create a centerpiece that evokes lush, tropical latitudes.
Serene: White cymbidium orchids arranged with moss in a low vase create a calming focal point for any room.
Romantic: Ruffled cattalya orchids mixed with roses, magnolias, and delicate foliage combine to create a soft romantic color palette.
Sophisticated: Amber colored orchids, rust colored calla lilies, magnolia leaves, and unripe berries create a subtle color palette with understated beauty.
Glamorous: Pastel phaleonopsis orchids mix with rose buds and peonies for an opulent, glamorous centerpiece.
Fresh: Spring tulips, hyacinth and orchids in shades of purples and yellows add fragrance and color, appealing to both senses.
