One of our favorite springtime blooms here at Belle Fiori is the Orchid. Represented by several varieties and colors, this beautiful little flower can make a great gift, houseplant, or office decoration by adding a bright spot to any space. Often times, these little potted beauties are even sold locally in grocery stores or at boutique businesses.
Check out some helpful information on how to maintain orchids, and read further to find out some fun facts about orchid symbolism!
How To Take Care Of An Orchid Plant
Taking care of an orchid plant is sometimes thought of as difficult. Some may feel that they can not grow these flowers in their home. This is a common misconception as they are very easy to grow.
By following a few simple tips, any plant will grow and bloom better. These tips are ideal for those new to caring for orchids at home. They may also be used by those who are more experienced with plants.
An Orchid Plant Requires Special Care
The orchid plant is one that does require some special care at home. Without it, the blooms may fade, or may refuse to reappear on plants. This makes it important to pay close attention to plant conditions.
Special care does not mean that this plant is harder to care for. It simply means that a few key things must always be looked after. These things include soil moisture, as well as available humidity.
By monitoring these things, it is possible to grow orchids easily. With experience, it is possible to grow them in an office at work. This creates an opportunity to get much needed color while at work.
Learn The Top Orchid Plant Care Tips For Home
One of the most important tips for orchid care is to watch the light. Too much or too little sunlight can cause the plant to wither or die. The lighting should also be adjusted depending on the growing cycle.
During peak growing cycle, diffused sunlight is crucial to growth. Indoors, this typically means an east facing window when possible. This will provide ample light while protecting plants from the sun.
Direct sunlight should never be allowed to touch leaves or petals. Too much direct sun can cause petals to wilt or brown and fall off. The leaves may likewise scorch or begin to die after too much sun.
Good moisture is another one of the top orchid plant care tips. This includes both soil moisture as well as the humidity for plants. These factors can be controlled through one of several methods.
To control humidity, a small pebble tray is typically added to pots. This tray is placed underneath the pot and filled with small pebbles. Water is then added to the halfway point to create more humidity.
Whenever the water levels look low, more water should be added. This water is in addition to the necessary watering the orchids need. A light misting from a sprayer is often sufficient for moist soil.
Keep An Orchid Alive And Blooming Longer
After giving the orchids sun and water, they will begin to grow. Many may come with blooms already in place, such as the phalaenopsis. This common blooming houseplant is typically sold already blooming.
To keep blooms flourishing, a fertilizer should be added regularly. Special fertilizers have been designed to keep orchids healthy. These should be added about every week when it is flowering.
A regular fertilizer schedule will encourage stronger blooming. Caution should be taken to avoid over-fertilizing plants, however. Too much fertilizer can lead to wilting, scorching or rotting.
The Symbolism and Meaning Behind Orchids
If you are an orchid lover, you’ll be glad to learn that these exotic flowers are a symbol of love, beauty, and innocence in most cultures around the world. Here’s more on the symbolism of the orchid flower …
Fertility
Orchids have long been associated with fertility and virility. In ancient Greece, it was believed that consuming the root tubers could determine the sex of the unborn fetus. If the father of the unborn child ate large tubers of the plant, his wife was likely to give birth to a boy. On the other hand, if the expecting mother ate small orchid tubers, she was most likely to give birth to a baby girl. Due to this widespread belief, orchids became popular gifts for expecting couples. In ancient China, orchids were said to represent many children.
Perfection and Beauty
Because of their symmetry, and the straight lines on their petals, orchids represent beauty in symmetry, and are considered epitomes of rare beauty. In Victorian England, these lovely flowers were likened to a beautiful woman. Interestingly, even a woman’s attire during the era had a striking resemblance to the flower. The people of ancient China considered these flowers as ‘Lan Hua’, or the epitome of human perfection.
Love
Orchids are considered symbols of love because of the fact that the plants grow easily, and bloom under most conditions. During the Victorian era, it was a custom to gift exotic and rare flowers to show love and affection. It was even believed that rarer the flower you chose as a gift, deeper was your love. In parts of Europe, orchids were used as a key ingredient in love potions.
Luxury and Opulence
Well, it seems that the people of England during the Victorian era did attach a lot of significance to the orchid flowers, as they were also considered symbols of luxury. This was probably because these were rare flowers found only in the Tropics, and so only the rich could afford them. In ancient Japan, the flowers were treasured by the royalty, and were considered symbols of wealth.
Colors
•A blue orchid is rare and hence, symbolizes rarity. Blue orchids also stand for spirituality and meditation.
•A white orchid stands for innocence, beauty, and elegance. You can gift one to a person dear to you.
•A pink orchid represents joy, happiness, and innocence. It is also the gift for the 14th and 28th wedding anniversary.
•A yellow orchid stands for friendship and new beginnings. You can gift one to your special friend.
•A lavender orchid is a symbol of grace, elegance, and feminine beauty. You can gift one to your mother.
•A purple orchid symbolizes royalty, admiration, and respect. You can gift one to someone you look up to.
Source: Buzzle.com
Source: Ava’s Flowers