How can you tell if your orchid needs water?

By far the most important step of orchid care is watering. This is also the part that some people find tricky. Do I water too much or too little? To find out whether your orchid needs watering, here’s a handy and easy trick!

 

How can you tell if your orchid needs water?

Check the roots! The colour of the roots will tell you if an orchid needs water. If the roots are grey, it is time to water. If the roots are green, the plant has enough water.

Read also: What to do with an orchid with yellow leaves?

 

 

How should I water my orchid?

If it is necessary to water your orchid, there are three methods to ensure orchids are watered properly:

  • Bathing: Put the roots 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.
  • Dish of water: You can also water your orchid by immersing it in a dish filled with water. By placing the orchid with its (plastic) inner pot in a layer of water for 5-10 minutes, the roots will absorb the water they need. If you do this, make sure to let the orchid dry well.
  • A shot glass of water: If you don’t have time or you can’t take the orchid out of its 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) between the roots.

 

In this video, you can see the above steps:

 

 

For more care tips and inspiration:

The style trends for 2023 in the field of flowers and houseplants

Curious about this year’s trends? The Flower Council Holland has developed four style trends for 2023, together with Tuinbranche Nederland, iBulb, INretail and Bureau Nijman + Van Haaster. All four are based on the current zeitgeist, but are all different. Read on and get inspired by these style trends for 2023!

 

The style trends for 2023

Ode to Nature

Within Ode to Nature it seems as if nature invades and takes over our interior. The used materials are natural – such as rattan, clay, wood, natural stone -, recycled and/or environmentally conscious. The shapes are organic, robust and whimsical. For example, we see many rock, stone and boulder shapes or shapes that appear to be handmade. Used designs are natural structures, reliefs, whimsical stripes and gradient or overflow effects. In terms of colour, expect brown, green and soft, natural tones in the interior.

 

 

The flowers and plants within this trend are whimsical and natural in shape and are also used in that way. Outdoors, nature is given free rein too, with organic and whimsical shapes. Gardens take on a wild character, with winding semi-paved paths and wild borders. The use of many different plants and flowers stimulates biodiversity. Balconies are also vibrant green, with an abundance of plants, horizontally and vertically.

 

De stijltrends voor 2023 op het gebied van interieur, bloemen en planten

 

Vintage Folklore

Vintage Folklore is about diversity and the longevity of a product. Don’t just throw something away, but repair it with love. This leads to an interior with influences from the 1970s, from rural folklore, handicrafts, and fine floral designs, but also composite products, broken and broken shapes as if they were glued together.

 

 

The result is a personal interior with a warm, inviting appearance. Think of soft furniture with round shapes, coloured wall plates and patchwork. Bouquets are colourful and wild, with dried flower details. Plants are everywhere.

 

De stijltrends voor 2023 op het gebied van interieur, bloemen en planten

 

Within Vintage Folklore there are many materials with a nod to the 1970s. Jersey, bouclé, corduroy, textiles, crochet and knitting, veneer, tiles and ceramics are examples of this. The colours in this trend are cheerful and diverse, and don’t seem to match at first glance. Expect a colourful palette with natural and bright tones and pastels in addition to dark colours.

 

 

Outside we see a garden that arises more or less spontaneously through the use of elements that happen to be available. This ensures a creative garden or balcony full of beautiful recycled finds, in which everyone is welcome and everything is possible. You will find colourful garden furniture, patterned partitions and a cosy collection of plant pots.

 

Layered Spaces

Nowadays we are living smaller and smaller, while at the same time we want to combine more functions in our house. This creates a certain layering, with multifunctional furniture and room dividers. For example, rooms are conveniently transformed by small adjustments, so that, for example, a workspace is created. By playing with effects you get the feeling that there is more space than there actually is. We come across flowers and plants in unexpected places, such as in the toilet. Bouquets are arranged in layers and you also need to be able to easily ‘stack’ or move plants.

 

 

The contrast is reflected in the colour chart too. We recognize warm/cold, light/dark and bright/pastel. By using colours that come towards you or increasing the distance, you create the spatial effect that is central to this trend.

 

 

In the garden, we see spaciousness too. There are many different corners, and indoor and outdoor spaces seem to merge into one another. For example, a heavily planted interior space can feel like a garden, especially in office buildings. We use the existing space optimally with plants: think of plants on roof terraces, roofs, barns and verandas. Fences and hedges provide a bocage-like effect. Full borders make way for more transparent plants, in which colour contrast plays an important role. This also influences spatiality.

 

Collecting Memories

In a changing world, we like to surround ourselves at home with products that we recognise and that give a comforting feeling. Common materials used in this trend are ceramics, porcelain, traditional wickerwork, enamel, cane, zinc, cast iron and natural textiles, wood, cork and leather. The designs are calm and unobtrusive. They sometimes refer to nostalgic patterns such as weaving or braiding. The flower arrangements are delicate and poetic. In natural bouquets, each individual flower receives attention. Small delicate flowers and leaves with a fine structure are important elements. We also see irregularly shaped plants and plant pots, and older plants that have grown together with their environment. These give a unique look to this trend.

 

 

Colours play an important role too. Soft and dark greens offer comfort and security. Lilac and pink stand for softness, memories, and poetry. Flowers and plants complete this sense of comfort and memories.

 

 

We also find harmony and poetry in the garden. Elegant winding paths, transparent borders and intimate terraces invite you to relax for a while. Colourful garden furniture consists of nostalgic wickerwork, plants have delicate leaves and lovely flowers. We see a great diversity of flowers and plants in soft colours, for a melancholic appearance.

 

Source: Flower Council of Holland.

Orchid winter care tips: how to keep your orchids fit and vital

Do you ever wonder this: how much water does an orchid get? What is the best place in the house? And does an orchid actually need nutrition? The biggest misconception is that orchids are difficult to look after, when in fact they are so easy! With a little extra attention, you can enjoy your orchid for months, often even years. We collected some tips to keep your orchids in top condition this winter.

Orchid winter care tips: how to keep your orchids fit and vital

 

Watering

By far the most important step of orchid care is watering. In winter, we recommend watering once a week. Tip: to see whether your orchid needs water, just look at the roots. Are they grey then it’s time for water. Green roots mean the orchid has enough water.

If you wonder: when do I water too much or too little? With these three methods you’ll make sure your orchid is watered correctly. Check the video below or read it here: 3 ways to water your orchid.

 

 

Dit bericht op Instagram bekijken

 

Een bericht gedeeld door OrchidsInfo (@orchidsinfo)

 

Put your orchid in a bright spot

As it is darker in winter, it is recommended to place your orchid close to the window. This way, they will still catch enough light, during the darker days. When looking for a spot for your orchid, there are a few things to consider:

  • Orchids like plenty of light, but they don’t like direct sunlight. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean that you can never put your orchid on a window sill, just make sure to pick a sill that’s not in full sunlight all of the day. In winter, the orchid can safely be placed in the window sill, as the sun shows itself much less often then and is less bright.
  • Orchids don’t like draughts. A little fresh air now and then won’t be a problem, but be wary of windows and doors that are often open.
  • Another thing orchids don’t like is being near a heater. In summer, when your heater is off, it’s not a problem, but pay attention to this in winter.
  • Orchids like a room temperature of at least 15 to at most 25 °c. Most rooms in modern houses comfortably meet these demands.
  • The kitchen is a fine place for orchids, but be wary of fruit and vegetables. Fruit and vegetables emit ethylene, which may cause your orchid to drop all its buds at once.

 

 

Cut off dead flowers

When the flowers of your orchid die, they dry out and eventually fall off. If this doesn’t happen naturally, you can also cut off the dried flowers carefully yourself. Doing so allows the plant to focus all its energy on its blooming flowers and new buds. During the bloom period of your orchid you don’t need to trim it. When your orchid has completely finished blooming, you may choose to trim it to stimulate the creation of new buds. How? Read this article: How do I get my orchid to flower again?

 

 

More care tips? You can read it here!

Orchid summer care tips: how to keep your orchids fit and vital

Do you ever wonder this: how much water does an orchid get? What is the best place in the house? And does an orchid actually need nutrition? The biggest misconception is that orchids are difficult to look after, when in fact they are so easy! With a little extra attention, you can enjoy your orchid for months, often even years. We collected some tips to keep your orchids in top condition this summer.

Orchid summer care tips: how to keep your orchids fit and vital

 

Watering

By far the most important step of orchid care is watering. In summer, we recommend watering once a week. You may wonder: when do I water too much or too little? To make it easy, we have highlighted three methods to make sure your orchid is watered correctly. You can read it here: 3 ways to water your orchid.

Tip: to see whether your orchid needs water, just look at the roots. Are they grey then it’s time for water. Green roots mean the orchid has enough water.

 

 

Dit bericht op Instagram bekijken

 

Een bericht gedeeld door OrchidsInfo (@orchidsinfo)

 

Put your orchid in a bright spot

An orchid is often placed in the windowsill or somewhere else close to the window, but in summer that can be a little too warm. If you’re looking for a nice place for your orchid, there are several things to keep in mind:

  • Orchids like plenty of light, but they don’t like direct sunlight. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean that you can never put your orchid on a window sill, just make sure to pick a sill that’s not in full sunlight all of the day.
  • Orchids don’t like draughts. A little fresh air now and then won’t be a problem, but be wary of windows and doors that are often open.
  • Another thing orchids don’t like is being near a heater. In summer, when your heater is off, it’s not a problem, but pay attention to this in winter.
  • Orchids like a room temperature of at least 15 to at most 25 °c. Most rooms in modern houses comfortably meet these demands.
  • The kitchen is a fine place for orchids, but be wary of fruit and vegetables. Fruit and vegetables emit ethylene, which may cause your orchid to drop all its buds at once.

 

 

Cut off dead flowers

When the flowers of your orchid die, they dry out and eventually fall off. If this doesn’t happen naturally, you can also cut off the dried flowers carefully yourself. Doing so allows the plant to focus all its energy on its blooming flowers and new buds. During the bloom period of your orchid you don’t need to trim it. When your orchid has completely finished blooming, you may choose to trim it to stimulate the creation of new buds. How? Read this article: How do I get my orchid to flower again?

 

 

More care tips? You can read it here!

How to keep your orchid in perfect condition!

If you have an orchid, you want to enjoy it for as long as possible. With the care tips below, you can keep your orchid in perfect condition!

 

Use special orchid potting soil

When you buy an orchid, it will already be in the right type of soil. You can leave your orchid in that pot, or you can style it in your own pot, with multiple orchids or on its own. The type of soil you use when repotting orchids is very important. Never use normal potting soil, because it doesn’t have all the nutrition your orchid needs or the right structure for your plant. Garden centres sell special orchid soil that has the right composition.

 

Put your orchid in a bright spot

If you’re looking for a nice place for your orchid, there are several things to keep in mind:

  • Orchids like plenty of light, but they don’t like direct sunlight. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean that you can never put your orchid on a window sill, just make sure to pick a sill that’s not in full sunlight all of the day.
  • Orchids don’t like draughts. A little fresh air now and then won’t be a problem, but be wary of windows and doors that are often open.
  • Another thing orchids don’t like is being near a heater. In summer, when your heater is off, it’s not a problem, but pay attention to this in winter.
  • Orchids like a room temperature of at least 15 to at most 25 °c. Most rooms in modern houses comfortably meet these demands.
  • The kitchen is a fine place for orchids, but be wary of fruit and vegetables. Fruit and vegetables emit ethylene, which may cause your orchid to drop all its buds at once.

 

Cut off dead flowers

When the flowers of your orchid die, they dry out and eventually fall off. If this doesn’t happen naturally, you can also cut off the dried flowers carefully yourself. Doing so allows the plant to focus all its energy on its blooming flowers and new buds. During the bloom period of your orchid you don’t need to trim it. When your orchid has completely finished blooming, you may choose to trim it to stimulate the creation of new buds. How? Read this article: How do I get my orchid to flower again?

 

Did you know…

…that you can make your orchid truly shine by giving it a little extra food? Give your orchid a little orchid food once per month in summer, or once per two months in winter. Make sure you do not use normal plant nutrition, this is too strong for the orchid. Only use special orchid food!

 

Watch the video here:

 

 

How to make orchids bloom again?

Every year we look forward to the blooming of our orchids. That’s not surprising because, with all its beautiful colors and all the different shapes and sizes, it’s always a party! Unfortunately, the party always comes to an end. When an orchid has finished blooming, the beautiful flowers fall off. So what’s the best thing to do to make orchids bloom again? In any case, don’t throw it away! You can make orchids rebloom. You can read how to do that in this article.

How can you make orchids bloom again?

Since there are as many as 25,000 species of orchids, there is not one solution for all. That is why in this article you can read tips for a number of different types of orchids, such as Phalaenopsis, Cymbidium, Cattleya and Oncidium. That’s how you get them to bloom again!

My Phalaenopsis has finished flowering

To get a Phalaenopsis to flower again, it is necessary to cut off the branch above the second ‘eye’. Look at the bulges on the branch and start counting from the bottom. The branch above the second eye can be cut off up to twice, after which it is wise to cut the branch as low as possible. A Phalaenopsis can start flowering again after six months. After cutting, water the plant a little less and put it in a cooler place. If the plant is put back in its old place after about two months, the regular watering can be started again.

Read everything about the Phalaenopsis in this article!

 

 

My Cymbidium has finished blooming

With the Cymbidium, you can completely cut off the withered branch after flowering. Then you put it in a cool but light place for 10-12 weeks and water it a little less than usual. The Cymbidium develops a few new shoots that can give one or more branches again in the following year. Unlike the Phalaenopsis, the Cymbidium flowers once a year. The natural flowering occurs between September and April.

Repotting the Cymbidium

Repot the Cymbidium in the spring, when it starts to grow again. Remove the pot, making sure you damage as few roots as possible, so it’s a meticulous job! Rinse the roots well and place the Cymbidium in the new pot. Preferably fill it with orchid soil that is well moist and then add some (orchid) food immediately. After repotting, it is best not to water the Cymbidium for a few days, so that it can recover well.

Read all about the Cymbidium in this article!

 

Cymbidium – Styling Elize Eveleens – Klimprodukties

 

My Cattleya has finished flowering

With the Cattleya there is no need to cut at all. Treat the plant after flowering in the same way as during flowering. The flower dries up on its own and falls off itself when it has finished blooming. After flowering, a new growth shoot will appear at the bottom of the spent shoot. A new flower stem emerges from the sheath, at the beginning of the leaf. The sheath provides protection at this early stage, when it is fully grown, it will flower. This whole process takes about six to nine months.

Repotting the Cattleya

Put the Cattleya in a larger pot every two years. Use fine bark (orchid soil with tree bark). This is an important step in the care of the Cattleya, it must be kept growing vigorously, because only the new shoots give flowers.

Read all about the Cattleya in this article!

 

Cattleya

 

My Oncidium has finished flowering

Cut off the branch with the faded flowers at the bottom of the flower stem. After flowering, place the Oncidium in a cooler place, but in a place where there is light (no direct sunlight) and you continue to give the spent Oncidium (orchid) nutrition once a month. The spent shoots of the Oncidium will not bloom again, it will produce new shoots. This shoot must thicken (bulb) and from this thickening a new flower stem emerges on the side of the longest leaf. When there are new flowers, the Oncidium can be returned to the living room. Note: the Oncidium forms aerial roots, these must not be removed. The natural bloom occurs in summer and autumn.

Repotting the Oncidium

You can repot an Oncidium if it gets too big. Do this immediately after flowering. You can then split the Oncidium into two or three new plants.

Read all about the Oncidium in this article!

 

 

Is your orchid not listed? Look here for the care tips per orchid.

The most popular wedding trends of 2022

The wedding season is in full swing, and we couldn’t be happier. After a few years of uncertainty, bridal couples now dare to look ahead and go all out. We can celebrate love again! Are you getting married this year? In this article, you can read the wedding trends of 2022 and inspiration about how to incorporate orchids within these trends.

The wedding trends of 2022

Theme colour Very Peri

The Pantone colour of 2022 is Very Peri, a mix of warm blue and purple. This also makes it a trendy wedding theme colour. It can range from a small detail in the bridal bouquet to an entire purple decoration. Even though a tight colour palette isn’t that popular this year, we do see this colour a lot.

 

 

The most popular wedding trends of 2022

 

Intimate wedding

One of the biggest wedding trends of 2022 is the intimate wedding, also known as micro-wedding or tiny wedding. Thanks to the pandemic, many couples have discovered the charm of an intimate party. They choose quality over quantity when it comes to wedding guests, typically with no more than 40 guests and only the ones who play an active role in their lives. Micro-orchids would be a great fit for this wedding. Micro in size, but multi-flowered!

 

 

The most popular wedding trends of 2022

 

Over-the-top wedding

On the other hand, many bridal couples go wild now it’s possible again. The over-the-top wedding is back! Neither costs nor resources are spared to be able to fully enjoy it after the pandemic. Think of a cocktail bar, oyster bar, candy station or perfume station in the toilets. But multi-day weddings are popular too. For example, bridal couples choose to get married at a location where their guests can spend the night too, to have brunch together the next morning. And with over-the-top weddings, you need over-the-top decoration as well. So, with this trend, you can go all out with floral decorations.

Read also: DIY: plant arrangement with orchids

The most popular wedding trends of 2022

 

Sustainability

We already saw it in the wedding trends of 2021, but sustainability remains a hot topic. With the world becoming more conscious of its own environmental impact, it’s no wonder that sustainable weddings have been growing in popularity over the years. Think of save the dates and invitations that are sent via email, bridal wear that is rented instead of bought and a vegetarian or even vegan dinner menu. Another idea is deco items that can be reused, such as houseplants that you place in your house afterwards, instead of artificial flowers. In the case of orchids, it’s easy. At the end of the wedding, everyone can take one (or more) home. Tip: provide bags so that they are easy to carry.

 

 

The most popular wedding trends of 2022

Flowers

Flowers are indispensable at a wedding. Not only in the bridal bouquet, but also as decoration at the location. In recent years it was all about ‘the greener, the better’, but in 2022 it’s all about the flower itself! In addition, dried flowers are very popular, especially in combination with fresh flowers. Also, consider plants that are placed on the sides of the aisle. It’s something different and a bit more original!

 

 

The most popular wedding trends of 2022

 

Overdressing doesn’t exist

We’ve been sitting at home in our pyjamas and sweatpants for a long time, which makes everyone want to get dressed up again. And the same goes for the wedding guests. It’s time to get out and dust off the prettiest clothes. Being overdressed doesn’t exist anymore!

 

What should you not do with an orchid? 4 tips

In general, you’re probably looking for tips on how to take the best care of your orchid. But it can also be useful to know what you should not do with an orchid especially if this is your first one. So, we gathered a few tips that help you avoid deadly mistakes and enable you to grow your orchid healthily. Read them below!

4x what should you not do with an orchid?

Overwatering

Be careful not to overwater your orchid. Most orchids require water once a week in the summer, and once every two weeks in the winter. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.

 

What should you not do with an orchid? 4 tips

Mist your orchid

In general, tropical plants like to be misted with water from time to time. The orchid isn’t one of them. Misting increases the risk of causing a fungal or bacterial disease to the leaves or stems.

Exposure to direct sunlight

The best place for an orchid is a bright spot, but they shouldn’t be exposed to too much sunlight. The sun can cause the leaves of your orchid to burn. And of course, we want to prevent that! The plant does need sufficient daylight, so it’s best to place it in indirect light.

 

What should you not do with an orchid? 4 tips

Repotting with regular potting soil

Don’t repot an orchid too quickly. Repotting only is a good idea when the roots are growing out of the plastic pot, causing it to break. Use airy soil, preferably special orchid potting soil, because regular potting soil is too dense and doesn’t drain thoroughly enough.

Also read: How to care for an orchid

Her Majesty Queen Máxima to Masterly in Milan during exhibition of Dutch orchids

From 18 to 23 April, hundreds of orchids will decorate the Dutch pavilion Masterly during the Salone del Mobile in Milan. The ‘Salone’ is the world’s leading international design fair, with presentations in the exhibition centre and throughout the city of Milan. Masterly showcases a complete and varied design field with relevant work by architects, furniture, textile, construction and accessories companies, designers, artists, craftsmen, galleries and vocational schools for design and interiors. Orchids Info has once again been selected to showcase a lavish assortment of the highest quality Dutch orchids.

 

 

Queen Máxima to opening Masterly

Her Majesty Queen Máxima will attend the official opening of the seventh edition of Masterly on Tuesday 18 April. In the Palazzo Giureconsulti – next to Milan’s famous cathedral – curator Nicole Uniquole has brought together the beautiful collections of over eighty Dutch interior designers and companies.

 

Her Majesty Queen Máxima | Photo: RVD Jeroen van der Meyde

 

Nicole Uniquole: ‘It is a particularly great honour that Her Majesty Queen Máxima is visiting Masterly this year. The Netherlands is one of the biggest players during Milan Design Week and the fact that the Queen is paying an extensive visit to Milan underlines for me the importance of Dutch Design at home and abroad. In addition, I am very happy with Masterly’s new location as a new setting for the collections of more than eighty Dutch designers and companies’.

 

Nicole Uniquole | Photo: Renata Dutree | Couturier: Edwin Oudshoorn | Make-up: MUAH

 

The Palazzo

Masterly – the Dutch in Milano is situated during the Salone del Mobile at Palazzo dei Giureconsulti, known as the Palazzo with the Tower. It is the city’s most elegant, iconic and centrally located venue, literally a few steps away from Piazza del Duomo. Five hundred years of history add inestimable layers and value to the spaces. The vaults, monumental staircase, stucco, decorations and historic light have been preserved in the various presentation rooms. The Palazzo is the exclusive domain for Dutch design.

 

Orchids and design: a perfect match

That orchids and design go together perfectly will be demonstrated during the Salone del Mobile. The exotic appearance of hundreds of orchids in elegant, iconic Milan will impressively add colour and life to the palazzo. Inside the palazzo, metre-high installations, designed by Dutch artist and set designer Tom Potsma, will be hung full of hundreds of orchids. For a week, visitors can see the highest quality, long-lasting Dutch orchids, but orchids can also be enjoyed long after the event. On 23 April – the last day of the event – all orchids will be given away to Milan residents. This long-standing tradition is a token of appreciation for the city’s hospitality and this is how the orchids get a wonderful second life.

 

Watch the aftermovie of Masterly 2022 here:

 

 

Masterly takes place from 18 to 23 April Palazzo Giureconsulti in Piazza Mercanti in Milan, Italy. More information can be found at: www.masterly.nu.

 

Hundreds of orchids at Masterly Milan as unique decor during Salone del Mobile

From 18 to 23 April, hundreds of orchids will decorate the Dutch pavilion Masterly, during the international design fair Salone del Mobile in Milan. Masterly is the showcase of Dutch design and is located in the Palazzo Giureconsulti, a stone’s throw from the Duomo. Orchid Netherlands has once again been selected to exhibit a rich assortment of the highest quality Dutch orchids. That orchids and design go together perfectly becomes clear as soon as you enter.

 

 

The power of contrast

In the classic white décor of the palace, orchids (arranged by Sand and Spijker in Delft) strongly attract attention, complimenting the design pieces in the room. Hundreds of long-lasting orchids are incorporated in no fewer than four metre-high installations with Elho baskets, and in arrangements with classic Royal Delft porcelain vases. The presentation of a rich assortment of Phalaenopsis and exclusive orchids impressively adds colour and life to the iconic Palazzo Giureconsulti.

 

 

Orchids and design: a perfect match

Not only does the Netherlands offer excellence in art and design, but also in orchids. They are works of art from nature that can be enjoyed for a long time. That’s why curator and initiator of Masterly Nicole Uniquole, once again chose orchids as part of the exhibition. “The concept of Masterly showcases art and design. Traditionally, floral artists were a source of inspiration, so the orchid cannot be missing from Dutch design. The modern, elegant orchid is like an ornament with a story for your interior,” says Nicole Uniquole.

 

 

Orchids for Milan

As orchids have a much longer shelf life than the week of the exhibition, all plants are traditionally distributed on the last day of the event. This is a huge success every year. In large numbers, residents of Milan come to the distribution moment to receive the orchids with open arms and enjoy them at home for a long time to come.

 

 

Masterly takes place from 18 to 23 April Palazzo Giureconsulti in Piazza Mercanti in Milan, Italy. More information can be found at www.masterly.nu.

Stay informed with monthly news, promotions and inspiration.