Posted by Just Add Ice Orchids... It's Just That Simple. on Mon, Apr 15, 2013
Words that describe a “veil” are: a mask, a disguise, and something that covers, separates, screens, or conceals. The tradition of a bride wearing a wedding veil is believed to be introduced as far back as ancient Rome. The bridal veil covered the brides face so that her features would be confused by evil spirits that were attracted to the bride. In Medieval times, the veil was used as a symbol of modesty, purity, and chastity. Another idea of where the bride’s veil came from was for those who would partake in arranged marriages. Many believe that the veil was used as a way of hiding what the bride looked like from the groom so that he would not back out before the I do’s were complete.
Getting with the Modern Times
Fast forward to 2013 and many women are saying goodbye to ancient traditions of the past and some are giving up the veil completely once they decide to marry. Not wanting to have hair without decoration on their wedding day, many women are turning to other types of fun hair pieces to show off their lovely locks.
Brides are finding that you don’t need to have a tropical themed wedding to use beautiful orchid flowers in their hair. Plastic flowers, of course, are a bit taboo, but brides can choose from a variety of elegant flowers that will make them look spectacular.
Simply Elegant
The Phalaenopsis orchid is a splendid choice for brides that are looking for something chic and elegant to decorate their hair. Orchids will lend an artistic and classy flair for day and nighttime wedding events. When Phalaenopsis orchids are in full bloom, the colorful flowers can easily be snipped at the stem and clipped into the hair. These smaller flowers can be placed in clusters or alone just inches apart for an exquisite wedding day look.
As a special gift for the bride, the Phalaenopsis orchid that is used for her wedding day should be given as a special gift of remembrance. Each year as new buds and flowers form, the bride will be reminded of her wedding day and the people who helped make it special.
Posted by Just Add Ice Orchids... It's Just That Simple. on Fri, Apr 12, 2013
Many people who are new to owning orchids are astounded by their amazing beauty. The flowers of a Phalaenopsis orchid look elegant regardless if they are a deep and vibrant fuchsia pink or a hint of color in the blushing pink orchid. The beautiful Phalaenopsis orchid lasts longer than many other types of flowers, but for those who have never owned an orchid, having a once flourishing plant suddenly look empty as it loses its gorgeous flowers can be alarming.
The question is often asked to orchid experts…Did I do something to make the Phalaenopsis orchid lose its flowers or is my orchid dying?
The great news is that in most instances, there is actually nothing wrong with the Phalaenopsis orchid plant that loses its flowers after months of blooming!
What is Actually Happening with Your Orchid
As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end…which includes the lovely blooms of an orchid. The flowering of an orchid will last anywhere from one month to three months depending on a few different factors. After an orchid has finished its flowering cycle, the Phalaenopsis orchid plant will go into a period of dormancy. During the dormancy time, the plant will conserve and build up its energy reserves as it readies itself for the next flowering season.
Once the Phalaenopsis orchid loses its blooms, it is time to give the plant a trim. New orchid buds will never grow on a stem that is brown or yellow so snipping the stem is required to help in the regrowth process. You can also choose to help the re-blooming process of the Phalaenopsis orchid by trimming healthy green stems back to a node, or by removing the entire flower spike one inch from the base of the plant so that important energy is returned to the roots and leaves for a stronger plant base.
Posted by Just Add Ice Orchids... It's Just That Simple. on Thu, Apr 11, 2013
In our previous blog post, we discussed how mini Phalaenopsis orchids can brighten up a terrarium display. Today, we will go over how you can create your very own!
To build a mini orchid terrarium display:
Step One…
Wash the terrarium tank thoroughly before to ensure that any left-over salts or diseases are removed.
Step Two…
Decide which types of plants will be able to co-exist with your mini Phalaenopsis orchids. Miniatures Phalaenopsis orchids will do well in small terrariums, and small ivy, fibrous-rooted begonia and small ferns can be grown with the Phalaenopsis orchids since they all enjoy the humidity that exists within a terrarium.
Step Three…
Be careful where the mini Phalaenopsis orchid terrarium is placed. Direct sunlight will act as an oven for any size terrarium. Colder area placement of a Phalaenopsis orchid terrarium is not good as the orchids must be kept warm but not hot. Mid-level light levels along with moderate temperatures are best for terrariums with Phalaenopsis orchids.
Step Four…
Add two inches of stones to the bottom of the well cleaned and rinsed terrarium. All stones placed in the terrarium must be thoroughly cleaned to ensure that nothing harmful will be transferred to the elegant mini Phalaenopsis orchids. Placing one inch of water in the rocks will create a humid environment for the orchids to live within. Be sure that the roots of the orchids are not placed in any standing water as they will rot. Note: Some people choose to use soil at the bottom of their terrarium. While pretty to look at, it is easy for disease to be introduced to a terrarium when soil is used as the substrate.
Step Five…
Leaving the mini Phalaenopsis orchids in their original clear grower pot is the best way to ensure proper growth and the least amount of damage to the bright and beautiful plants. After the bottom stones are in place, set one or two mini Phalaenopsis orchids inside of the terrarium. Using sphagnum moss to hide the potted plants will not only give a finished touch, the moss will give a fantastic looking dimension to the terrarium.
Step Six…
If the terrarium happens to look dry, just add ice to add some moisture and humidity into their self- contained environment. If the terrarium looks continuously wet along the walls, open for short periods of time to help eliminate some of the humidity. Be mindful of cold areas, cold breezes, or hot areas that will damage the Phalaenopsis orchids.
You will find that with a little work and minimal attention, a spectacular and uplifting terrarium can be created with our colorful mini Phalaenopsis orchids. You can view another way to make a terrarium in a different post.
Photo credit: Little Pheasant via photopin cc
Posted by Just Add Ice Orchids... It's Just That Simple. on Wed, Apr 10, 2013
If you are looking for a charming way to display your miniature Phalaenopsis orchid, consider making a terrarium its new home. Terrariums with mini Phalaenopsis orchids are charming and provide an excellent way to brighten up any type of room. Phalaenopsis orchids are offered in a variety of colors to suit all color pallets and tastes which make them a great gift idea for Mother’s Day, get well gifts, new Mom gifts, bridal showers, or Celebration of Life gifts.
Because the mini Just Add Ice Phalaenopsis orchids are simple to maintain after they are placed in a terrarium, they make the perfect gift for residents who are living in a nursing or retirement home. What better way to brighten up the day of someone who is not able to visit outdoors than to bring the vibrant colors of mini Phalaenopsis orchids right into their room? Terrariums are a closed eco-system that does not typically require care as they continually recycle oxygen, carbon dioxide, and moisture to maintain the living environment. If the mini Phalaenopsis orchid appears to be dry, the simple step of placing one ice cube inside at the orchid site per week means that nursing home residents, family members, visitors and even staff will easily be able to help maintain these most beautiful plants.
Phalaenopsis orchids are an allgery-free choice which makes them the perfect addition for all types of indoor environments.
Terrariums can be made either large or small depending on a persons need and preference. Here are the instructions for a simple terrarium that can contain two mini Phalaenopsis orchid plants, which will be gorgeous and a beautiful gift of love to share.
Check back for our next blog where we will discuss how to create your very own orchid terrarium display!
Posted by Just Add Ice Orchids... It's Just That Simple. on Tue, Apr 02, 2013
If someone you love is having a baby girl, you’re probably on the lookout for a meaningful, pink-themed gift. Want to wow the mother-to-be with a one-of-a-kind present? Take a tip from the Ancient Greeks: get her an orchid!
Here’s why: In Ancient Greece, it was believed that orchids had the power to determine a baby’s gender. Fathers would eat a large tuber if a male child was desired or mothers would eat a smaller tuber in hopes of a daughter. Pink orchids, in particular, were associated with affection.
More Than the Greeks
It wasn’t just the Ancient Greeks that looked to orchids as a symbol and sign of fertility. The Chinese believed orchids encouraged couples in producing more than one offspring. If you go with the gift of orchids, you might consider attaching a note that explains the details of the either culture’s beliefs; wishing the expectant parents well in building their family!
Check out other uses and symbol of the orchid in a related article.
Posted by Just Add Ice Orchids... It's Just That Simple. on Mon, Mar 25, 2013
The health of your Phalaenopsis orchid is very much dependent on the health of its root system. An orchid with healthy roots will grow well and produce beautiful flowers, while one that has bad roots will not survive for long. Proper watering and choosing the right potting material are essential to keeping the roots of your orchid strong and healthy.
Follow these instructions to help your Phalaenopsis orchid grow healthy roots:
- First of all, you have to choose a light potting material for your Phal, such as peat moss, sphagnum moss, or bark chips. A light potting material has sufficient water holding capacity to enable the orchid to stay healthy and provides enough aeration for the roots.
- If the leaves of your orchid are becoming a little crinkled or its pods are shrinking, it means that it needs watering. It is important to know that an orchid is better off being too dry than too wet. Overwatering can result in root rot.
- Keep watering your orchid until the potting material is completely moist. The quantity of water and the frequency of watering may vary depending on the potting material used and the temperature and humidity in the growing area.
- Use filtered water containing as little salt as possible to moisten your orchid. The roots of your orchid can break if they take in too much salt, resulting in discoloration or death.
- Morning is the best time to water your orchid, especially if you are growing it outdoors. Watering in the morning enables excess water to be drained or evaporated before the temperature becomes colder.
Visit our Orchid Care section to learn how to care for the roots of your orchid.
Posted by Just Add Ice Orchids... It's Just That Simple. on Fri, Mar 22, 2013
Many people love cats. Many people love orchids. To paraphrase the late Rodney King, “Can’t they all get along?”
Short answer: If you have Phalaenopsis Orchids, yes they can!
Many people still believe that nibbling on a beautiful orchid is toxic to Kitty. While it’s never a good idea for your cat to nibble on most plants, these orchids (which are also known as Moth Orchids) are non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
Most Houseplants Aren’t Toxic
Some houseplants definitely are dangerous to your family pet, but most are not. Common houseplants or cut flowers we use to beautify our homes can be dangerous to pets should they eat them. Daffodils, aloe vera and baby’s breath are three.
But most houseplants pose no danger to your pets. Safe plants commonly seen in homes include (according to ASPCA.com) the Christmas cactus, bamboo, areca or golden palm, the button fern, and more.
For a searchable list of toxic and non-toxic houseplants, check out the ASPCA’s searchable database.
Still, it’s wise to keep your cat and dog away from all plants, including your orchids. Pesticides and fertilizers may have been used on the plant even if you make every effort to keep the fertilizer/pesticide as far away from the leaves as possible (the leaves generally are what cats go for; try misting the leaves and sprinkling them with either cinnamon or cayenne pepper).
Either keep your orchid in a spot that’s inaccessible to your pets, or keep a sharp eye out on your four-legged family members and shoo them away when they draw near.
Are you thinking of adding orchids to your home? Phalaenopsis Orchids are easy to care for, are non-toxic and can warm a room with their beauty for months at a time (they can bloom for several weeks). In fact, if your orchid’s blooms have fallen, we offer a free guide to orchid reblooming that can help you get them quickly back to blooming. Download it now!
Posted by Just Add Ice Orchids... It's Just That Simple. on Wed, Mar 20, 2013
Potting materials have a significant effect on the growth of orchids, and therefore, it is essential that you select the right potting material for your Phalaenopsis orchids. There are two kinds of potting materials that are commonly used for growing Phalaenopsis orchids, and they are sphagnum moss and bark.
Before we discuss the pros and cons of sphagnum moss and bark, let us take a look at the properties and functions of an ideal potting material for Phalaenopsis orchids.
- Supplies water and nutrients to orchids
- Maintains adequate aeration around the roots
- Provides sufficient room for root development
- Allows good root anchorage
- Free of toxic materials
- Absorbs water quickly and allows adequate drainage
- Absorbs nutrients well and release them slowly
- Should not decompose too quickly
No potting material can meet all these requirements, but sphagnum moss and bark are more suitable for Phalaenopsis orchids than other types of potting materials. Sphagnum moss is a fine substrate, and it can hold water better than bark. Its water retention ability makes it an excellent potting material for young orchids. However, it cannot provide proper aeration for root respiration. It can also be difficult to transplant an orchid that is potted in sphagnum moss. Bark, on the other hand, provides good aeration for the roots and helps produce larger cavities, but it has poor water holding ability. Phalaenopsis orchids can grow well in bark because their roots have photosynthetic ability and can absorb moisture from the air.
Choosing between sphagnum moss and bark can be difficult because they both have their pros and cons. The best thing to do is to use a mixture of sphagnum moss and bark.
Check out our Orchid Care Videos to learn more orchid potting tips.
Posted by Just Add Ice Orchids... It's Just That Simple. on Tue, Mar 19, 2013
Orchids are known for their aesthetic qualities, and they are often used as decorative items in homes, offices, and public places. While most people admire them for their good looks, others have found practical uses for them. Since a long time ago, people from various parts of the world have used orchids for medicinal purposes. However, the use of orchids in medicine has declined over the years because not enough research has been done to determine their effectiveness and adverse effects.
Orchids in Chinese Medicine
The medicinal properties of orchids were first discovered by the Chinese. Emperor Shen Nung, the “Father of Chinese Medicine”, mentioned a dendrobium species and bletilla striata in his medical writings in the 28th century BC. The Chinese continues to use orchids for medicinal purposes until today, most commonly in the form of medicinal tea. Dried dendrobium is believed to possess medicinal properties that can help treat cancer, strengthen the immune system, and improve eyesight.
Orchid Beverage in Turkey
In Turkey, orchids are used for making a traditional beverage called Salep. Salep is a type of flour that is produced by grinding tubers of orchis militaris, orchis mascula, and other kinds of orchids with ovoid tubers. This beverage is also consumed in Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Iran, and it was popular during the time of the Ottoman Empire. It is said to be effective in curing sore throat, digestive problems, diarrhea, and gum disease.
Orchids with Medicinal Properties
Other types of orchids that may possess medicinal properties include orchis latifolia, eulophia campestris, vanda tessellate, and vanda roxburghii. It is believed that these orchids have certain antibacterial substances and phytochemicals that can help in the treatment of certain illnesses.
Read other articles in our website to learn more about the history of orchids.
Posted by Just Add Ice Orchids... It's Just That Simple. on Thu, Mar 14, 2013
As spring approaches, orchids are at greater risk of developing a virus-like condition called mesophyll cell collapse. This condition results from the collapse of the leaves’ mesophyll cells due to exposure to overly low temperatures, and it is more likely to occur in early spring or late autumn.
Mesophyll Cell Collapse in Phalaenopsis Orchids
Mesophyll cell collapse usually affects developing leaves, especially those in Phalaenopsis orchids. Damage may occur after just two hours of exposure to 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and it may be more severe if the temperature is lower. However, Phals with mature leaves can withstand a maximum of 8 hours of exposure to 35 degrees.
What Causes Mesophyll Cell Collapse?
Mesophyll refers to a soft tissue that is located between the upper and lower epidermis in a leaf, and it functions to facilitate photosynthesis. Also known as green parenchyma, it consists of unspecialized thin-walled cells separated by air spaces. When orchids are exposed to temperatures that are too low, their mesophyll cells may collapse. This usually happens on nights with the lowest temperatures. Symptoms of mesophyll collapse may not appear until weeks after the condition has developed.
How to Prevent Mesophyll Collapse?
Once mesophyll cell collapse has occurred, the damage is irreversible. As such, you should take the necessary precautions to prevent the problem. You can reduce the risk of mesophyll collapse in your Phalaenopsis orchids by making sure that the temperatures around them are at least 50 degrees. Using heaters and providing protection against cold winds can also help prevent the condition. If one of your orchids is affected by mesophyll cell collapse, you should segregate it from other plants.
Check out our orchid care section to learn more about orchid diseases.
