Subscribe to Blog by Email

Your email:
Win Free Orchids Watch Free Orchid Videos

Most Popular Posts

Latest Posts

Posts By Category

Give Simple Care Orchids

Orchid Care Blog

Current Articles | RSS Feed RSS Feed

Orchids and Their Effect on the Body

Posted by Just Add Ice Orchids... It's Just That Simple. on Tue, Nov 24, 2009
 

Several ancient societies used orchids for medicinal purposesOur friends at The North of England Orchid Society shared some interesting ideas from the past about the effect that orchids could have on the human body. Not only did ancient civilizations love the beauty of orchids but several ancient societies used orchid bulbs for medicinal purposes.

In Europe, two specific types of terrestrial orchids, The Pink Butterfly and The Long Spurred, have pseudo bulbs. The bulbs and medicines created from these two orchids were often selected by early physicians as a "cure" for several female conditions.

It seems the orchid's effects are not limited to early medicinal use, but were loved and admired for their beauty as well. The ancient Chinese were one of the first people to use orchids as medicine as well as for beautiful accents in their artwork. Some of the earliest paintings of orchids can be found on the oldest of Chinese vases.

In India in the 1800's, a nutritious drink made from the roots of several orchid species was produced and known by the name of Salep or Saloop. Today, one of our most popular flavourings Vanilla is derived from the seed pods of orchids.

At Just Add Ice, we think orchids are stunning, and can add so much to our experience just by being in view.

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Comments

I decided to "treat" myself to a Just Add Ice orchid, I had just resigned from my job and with the grey winter days ahead here in NW PA I went and bought one and I am enjoying it greatly, just got done "watering" it with three ice cubes. My Mom was over at Thanksgiving and really liked it she may be getting one for Christmas rather than an amaryllis that has a short one month blooming period. Now I am wanting to learn more about them and I have the orchid on my kitchen table where I can have flowers to brighten all our meals. Thanks for a plant that makes the winter days a little more bearable as we wait for spring.
Posted @ Wednesday, December 02, 2009 2:59 PM by Margie
do orchids that are going to be outside for the summer need pots with drainage holes?
Posted @ Thursday, June 24, 2010 1:12 AM by al spaude
Al,  
Regardless of where you place your orchid, it will always need proper drainage. The clear growing pot is equipped with holes on the bottom to provide water drainage. Orchids hate to sit in water, so discard any standing water at the bottom of the ceramic pot after watering.
Posted @ Tuesday, June 29, 2010 2:24 PM by Just Add Ice Support
I have a 3 ice cube orchid..I left the stem on after it quit blooming in hopes that it would bloom again..however, I do have a surprise..It is making a new orchid plant on the stem, instead..in the day lily world this is called a proliferation..how do I save this plant to a new container??..any help appreciated as I am a novice orchid grower!!
Posted @ Tuesday, August 31, 2010 12:25 PM by Renee Held
Renee,  
What you are describing sounds like a keiki, which is a new orchid plant growing off of the mother plant. Continue to let the new orchid grow until it has established 2 to 3 roots. The keiki can then be cut off the flower spike with a sterile knife or scissors about 1 inch above and under the keiki. The keiki can then be planted in orchid media and watered to promote root growth.  
Posted @ Wednesday, September 01, 2010 12:58 PM by Just Add Ice Support
It was a cold, snowy day in northern Illinois when I received a Just Add Ice orchid as a Christmas gift from my neighbor. Looking at the orchid reminded me of the warm, sunny tropics. A pleasant feeling came over me. Taking care of the orchid and enjoying its beauty makes it more bearable to wait till spring, when I can be outside in my garden.
Posted @ Sunday, January 16, 2011 10:16 PM by Linda O'Connor
where do I find bark for my orchid. so I can repot it when its ready. and when I do repot it. do I use a larger pot or stay the same size?
Posted @ Saturday, January 29, 2011 12:00 PM by val
Val,  
Orchid media is made up of large particles, like bark and moss. When looking to purchase this media, be sure to look for a soil that is specific to orchids. Orchid media can be purchased at retailers and garden centers that carry orchids and orchid supplies. You will want to repot your Just Add Ice Orchid in a larger pot. For repotting instructions, you may want to check out "Repotting Orchids" on the website.  
http://justaddiceorchids.com/repotting
Posted @ Monday, January 31, 2011 8:54 AM by Just Add Ice Support
I just recieved my first "just add ice orchid" as a valentines day gift from my husband. I've never had an orchid before. I've been reading a lot on line about everything from ice watering to repotting. It makes sense to me that orchids are a tropical plant and not a plant liking cold so I can't help wonder how long it would live with the ice cube method of watering. Also it is in a 3" clear pot and about18" tall. It was extreamly dry with white roots. Before reading anything I took it to the sink and watered it with lukewarm water saturating the soil. The roots have turned a light green and although they don't seem to be over crowded in the pot there is one root extending out of one of the drainage holes in the bottom of the clear plastic pot. I am wondring if I should cut it off. Also I am wondering if I should repot it in a bigger pot in the spring. This is a beautiful plant and I'd like to keep it alive for ever if possible, or at least keep other plants growing off from this one. I will keep reading and looking for helpful info.
Posted @ Monday, February 14, 2011 12:30 PM by Dona
Dona,  
You may cut the root growing out of the drainage hole. Also, Just Add Ice Orchids should be repotted every one to two years. For more information on orchid roots and repotting, you may want to check out the "Care" section on the website.
Posted @ Saturday, February 19, 2011 2:54 PM by Just Add Ice Support
Comments have been closed for this article.