Orchids

Most people are intimidated by the thought of owning and caring for an orchid because of their delicate and intricate appearance. Don't be! Orchids are just like any other houseplant, all they need is water, light and a little TLC.

About Orchids:

Orchids are the largest group of flowering plants with around 30,000 species and 800 genera. Although most varieties of orchids are grown in tropical regions, like Asia, South America and Central America, they do grow in a variety of other regions, like the Arctic Circle and Patagonia as well. Because there are so many different varieties, it is sometimes hard to identify an orchid species, making it even more complicated in differentiating between the species that are endangered, and those that aren't.

Selecting An Orchid:

In selecting an orchid for your home or office, keep in mind the conditions that you are providing for your plant. Different varities of orchids require different levels of light and temperature. If you are a first time orchid buyer, consider the phalaenopsis (or moth) orchid. It requires less light and does well in average household temperatures. Below are some other common orchid varieties to fit a variety of conditions:

• Dendrobium orchids do well in bright light and produce lots of flowers.
• Paphiopedilum (Lady Slipper) orchids do well in moderate light and mild temperatures.
• Miltonia (Pansy) orchids do well in medium light.
• Oncidium (Butterfly) orchids do best in bright light.

Caring For Orchids:

• Place your orchid in the appropriate light as listed above.
• Keep your orchid evenly moist, the roots should never be dry. Water once or twice a week, but be sure that the roots are not soggy. Take the orchid out of basket or cachepot to water and drain.
• Orchids require 40-50% humidity. Misting the leaves or placing a tray filled with rocks and a small amount of water under the orchid will help increase humidity.
• Fertilize once a month with a balanced orchid food at ½ strength.
• If the roots of your orchid look overcrowded in its current pot, or the pot looks too big for the plant, you will need to repot the orchid in an appropriately sized pot. Most garden stores sell specific pots for orchids. Be sure to repot your orchid in orchid-specific potting mix.

Winter Blues? Order Flowers Now!

Every February 2nd as we hear the news that Punxsutawney Phil has once again been startled by his shadow, we find ourselves asking, “just when will winter finally release its chilly grip?” Trading winter wonderlands for sunny shores becomes not a want, but a need, and we venture to faraway places for an essential dose of summer and the warmer days we so anxiously await.

Escaping the winter blues is indeed a must this time of year, but such travels needn’t mean scads of suitcases and a timely itinerary. This year, as the symptoms of cabin fever set in, we invite you to take a virtual vacation via the beauty of botanicals. Anthuriums ~ Captivating with eye-popping shades like melon green and flamingo pink, these spectacular flowers take you straight to the tranquility of the tropics. Hydrangeas ~ Known for their large, multi-blossom blooms and lush, dark green foliage, hydrangeas recall a quaint cottage in the country unlike any other. Ecuadorian Roses ~ Ranging in shades from sunshine yellow to scarlet, these large, picture-perfect roses re-energize with the romance and radiance of a South American sunset. Orchids ~ Exotic and intriguing, orchids embody the beauty of the Orient and set minds free on a journey to the South China Sea. Tulips ~ Blanketing acres of Dutch countryside, these quintessential springtime flowers delight with their pastel palette and send onlookers on a trip to picturesque Holland. Filling a room with beauty and brightness, a stunning selection of the most brilliant blooms can transport its beholder to any place he or she desires. So as spring approaches, fill your home with fresh-cut flowers and bid winter woes farewell. When introduced to European botanists in 1788, the hydrangea was inordinately mysterious, changing hues from pink to blue. It was later discovered that this change was caused by the soil’s pH level. Share Kindness in Your Day by... brushing the new-fallen snow from a family member’s, roommate’s, or coworker’s car.