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

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.

Looking for a special way to celebrate Mother’s Day? Orchids are a stunning and meaningful choice, representing love, beauty, and strength – just like the amazing moms in our lives. Gifting an orchid – also known as ‘queen of the plants’ – is the perfect way to show your mother how much you appreciate her. And did you know they flower for weeks – up to months? If you go for an orchid, you’ll own an iconic plant you’ll be able to enjoy for a long time.

 

Win an orchid arrangement

To make this Mother’s Day extra special this year, we are giving away 5x a beautiful orchid arrangement including a water reservoir to make watering even easier. Do you want a chance to win this colourful arrangement worth 85 euro? Then leave a comment below this post on Instagram and you might win one of these beautiful orchid arrangements for your mother! The promotion is open until 8 May.

 

Symbolic value

Orchids have a special meaning: they stand for love, beauty and power. A personal gift to let your mother know that you love her. Does she have a favourite colour? With more than 25,000 species, the orchid family is one of the largest plant families on earth and there’s always a variety that suits her wishes. Each plant is unique and has its meaning, perfect for finding an orchid that matches your mother’s style and personality.

 

Read also: What is the meaning of orchids

 

 

Femininity, peace and friendship

Surprising your mother, mother-in-law or grandmother on Mother’s Day with an orchid is a great way of expressing your love for her. The most well-known type of orchid is the Phalaenopsis (butterfly orchid), which symbolises elegance and femininity. The blue Vanda on the other hand is rare and symbolic, standing for peace in India, this orchid is only sold at specialised florists or garden centers. The Dendrobium orchid translates to “life in a tree” in Greek. This orchid has become an extraordinary symbol of love, refinement, beauty, charm, fertility, and thoughtfulness.

 

 

Orchids and care

An orchid is a perfect gift even for mothers who are not too fond of gardening, because orchids are super easy to care for! All the plant needs is light, a temperature of 15-25 degrees and water once a week. You can water them by draining it in for 10 minutes in a layer of water and letting it leak. Place the plant in a position with access to light, but not directly in the sunlight or in a draught. These tips you will make the orchid and your mother very happy.

 

Follow us on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook, or Pinterest for more inspiration and care tips!

Looking for the number one Mother’s Day gift? Orchids are a stunning and meaningful choice, representing love, beauty, and strength – just like the amazing moms in our lives. Gifting an orchid – also known as ‘queen of the plants’ – is the perfect way to show your mother how much you appreciate her. And did you know they flower for weeks – up to months? Read on to learn more about orchids.

 

Symbolic value

Orchids have a special meaning: they stand for love, beauty and power. A personal gift to let your mother know that you love her. Does she have a favourite colour? With more than 25,000 species, the orchid family is one of the largest plant families on earth and there’s always a variety that suits her wishes. Each plant is unique and has its meaning, perfect for finding an orchid that matches your mother’s style and personality.

 

Read also: What is the meaning of orchids

 

 

Femininity, peace and friendship

Surprising your mother, mother-in-law or grandmother on Mother’s Day with an orchid is a great way of expressing your love for her. The most well-known type of orchid is the Phalaenopsis (butterfly orchid), which symbolises elegance and femininity. The blue Vanda on the other hand is rare and symbolic, standing for peace in India, this orchid is only sold at specialised florists or garden centers. The Dendrobium orchid translates to “life in a tree” in Greek. This orchid has become an extraordinary symbol of love, refinement, beauty, charm, fertility, and thoughtfulness.

 

 

Orchids and care

An orchid is a perfect gift even for mothers who are not too fond of gardening, because orchids are super easy to care for! All the plant needs is light, a temperature of 15-25 degrees and water once a week. You can water them by draining it in for 10 minutes in a layer of water and letting it leak. Place the plant in a position with access to light, but not directly in the sunlight or in a draught. These tips you will make the orchid and your mother very happy.

 

Follow us on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook, or Pinterest for more inspiration and care tips!