By flower · all year
Orchids: the gift that lasts for months
A bouquet lasts a week; a well-cared-for orchid stays in bloom for two or three months and flowers again the following year. That is why it is the most gifted flowering plant.
- Scientific name
- Phalaenopsisthe moth orchid
- Season
- All yeargreenhouse-grown; blooms mostly in winter and spring
- Meaning
- Elegance and admirationand delicate love
- Bloom time
- 2 to 3 monthspotted and well cared for
What it means to give an orchid
The orchid is associated with elegance, admiration and delicate love. For centuries it was a rare flower: in Victorian England collectors sent expeditions to the Americas and Asia to find new species, and owning orchids was a sign of wealth. That sense of luxury and of “you are special” is still there.
By color, white conveys purity and respect, pink or fuchsia affection and admiration, and purple elegance. The bright blue orchids you see at florists are dyed: a blue phalaenopsis does not exist naturally.
A huge family
Orchids make up one of the largest plant families in the world, with more than 25,000 species. Their name comes from the Greek orchis, after the shape of the roots of some European species. Vanilla, for example, is the fruit of a Mexican orchid.
The one people give is almost always the phalaenopsis or moth orchid: it is easy to care for indoors, it is greenhouse-grown all year and its flowers stay open for weeks.
When to give an orchid
Because it is a greenhouse plant, you can give it in any month. It is an especially good choice for:
- Mother’s Day and grandmothers: a gift that stays in the house and reminds them of you every time it blooms again.
- Birthdays and housewarmings: no vase needed, and it lasts much longer than a bouquet.
- Coworkers: it fits on a desk and has no scent, so it bothers no one.
- Sympathy: a white orchid is a discreet gesture the family can keep.
How to care for an orchid
- Light without direct sun: near a window, but behind a curtain or a meter (3 ft) from the glass. If the leaves turn yellow or scorch, it is getting too much sun.
- Water by soaking: dip the pot in lukewarm water for about 10 minutes and let it drain completely. Standing water rots the roots.
- Check the roots: silvery means it is thirsty; green means it still has water.
- No water in the center of the leaves: the crown will rot.
- To get it to bloom again: cut the spike above the second or third node when the flowers drop and give it slightly cooler nights.
If you prefer cut flowers
Cut orchids are also sold (mostly cymbidium and dendrobium) for bouquets and centerpieces. If you want the same elegant effect in a bouquet, they go well with lilies, calla lilies or white roses.
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean to give an orchid?
Elegance, admiration and delicate love. For centuries it was a rare and expensive flower, so it also conveys luxury and that the person is special.
How often should you water an orchid?
About once a week in summer and every 10 to 15 days in winter. The best way is to soak the pot in water for a few minutes and let it drain well. If the roots are silvery, it needs water; if they are green, not yet.
How do I get my orchid to bloom again?
When the flowers drop, cut the spike above the second or third node and put it in a bright spot out of direct sun. A drop in temperature at night, of about 5 °C (9 °F), helps it put out a new spike.
Are orchids toxic to cats and dogs?
The phalaenopsis, the most common potted orchid, is not considered toxic to cats or dogs. Even so, it is best if they don’t eat it.
Which orchid color should I give?
White is the most elegant and works for almost anything, pink or fuchsia conveys affection and admiration, and purple is linked to respect. Bright blue does not exist in nature: it is dyed.
