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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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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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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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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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

 

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

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

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

Are you ready for compliments on the way your home smells? With this DIY scented sticks with Cambria and tuberose, you can bring the smell of winter into your home in 4 simple steps. This way you don’t only enjoy the lovely smells of this season outside, but also inside.

 

Scented sticks with Cambria

 

Also read: DIY: Gift wrapping with orchids

 

 

What you need (for 100 ml)

• Tuberose
• Cambria
• 50 ml unscented (baby) oil. You can also use almond oil.
• 30 ml of 70% alcohol
• Optional: 20 ml organic, pure essential oil*.
• A jar or small vase (where you can put the scented sticks)
• Bamboo sticks or skewers
• Measuring cup
• Bottle with cap (for mixing the fragrance)

*Think of fragrances such as cedar, cinnamon, patchouli, pine, vanilla, mandarin and clove. If you have pets, ensure they don’t ingest any of the essential oils as they can be harmful.

How to make it

Step 1

Pour 50 ml of unscented oil, 30 ml of alcohol and 20 ml of essential oil into the bottle in which you are going to mix the perfume. Screw the cap tightly on the bottle and shake the bottle gently so that the liquids mix together.

Step 2

Carefully cut a few flowers off the tuberose and Cambria and put them in the pot or vase. You can also add other flowers, as you wish.

Step 3

Pour the liquid mixture from the bottle on top of the flowers in the pot or vase. Put the sticks in.

Step 4

You will need to be patient for about an hour to be able to smell the scent properly, and then… enjoy! Ideal as a night perfume for your bedside table, or for the smallest room in the house. Tip: don’t forget to replace the scented sticks regularly to keep the fragrance as fresh as possible.

 

 

Source: Thejoyofplants.co.uk