Guía para el cuidado de las orquídeas

A living bouquet of orchids

It’s probably no surprise that orchids can bloom for weeks or even months. Since their impressive, lush flowers grow along the stem, it’s easy to compare them to a bouquet. With orchids, you essentially have a living bouquet of flowers in your home. Read on for inspiration on how to style orchids, just like a beautiful bouquet!

 

A living bouquet of orchids

Orchids bring not only color but also the charm of a living bouquet that you can enjoy for a long time. They are both durable plants and true style icons for your home. With no less than 25,000 different orchid species, there’s plenty to choose from.

 

 

A bouquet of happiness

With orchids, you also experience a moment of happiness from nature. Research shows that orchids enhance the feeling of happiness. For some, it’s the beautiful addition to the interior; for others, it’s the long-lasting nature or the satisfaction of getting the orchid to bloom again.

 

 

Months of bloom

There are many different types of orchids, each with its unique characteristics, blooming periods, and care requirements. How long an orchid blooms depends on the species. Some can bloom for up to three months! And depending on the climate and care, some orchids can even bloom several times a year.

Read more here: The blooming period of the 11 most popular orchids

 

Easy care

Another benefit of orchids as a living bouquet: they require very little care. The three most important care tips are:

  • Water: Once a week, place the orchid in a shallow layer of water for about 10 minutes. Let it drain and then return it to the decorative pot.
  • Light: Place the plant in a bright spot without direct sunlight.
  • Temperature: Keep the temperature between 15-25°C.

 

Curious about detailed care tips? Check out the orchid care guide.


 

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Valentine’s recipe: an orchid bouquet

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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DIY: kokedama with exclusive 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.

 

DIY: Kokedama with exclusive orchids

Photo: Thejoyofplants.co.uk

 

Step 2:

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

 

DIY: Kokedama with exclusive orchids

Photo: Thejoyofplants.co.uk

 

Step 3:

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

 

DIY: Kokedama with exclusive orchids

Photo: Thejoyofplants.co.uk

 

 

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

 

Source: Thejoyofplants.co.uk

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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