Caring for Fresh Orchids

DID YOU KNOW ? - IN THE MEANING OF FLOWERS

THE ORCHID IS A FLOWER OF MAGNIFICENCE - it sends a message of LOVE, RARE BEAUTY, REFINEMENT, BEAUTIFUL LADY, LONG LIFE and also IS THE CHINESE SYMBOL FOR MANY CHILDREN

Cutting Orchids
Orchids are the diamonds of the flower industry. When choosing flowers for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays anniversaries then there is no finer flower to honour the occasion.

Not all orchids are suited to being cut flowers. The length of time that an orchid will remain in top condition depends very much on the care and use that the blooms receive. All the varieties of cut orchids that are supplied by Orchids for You have been specially selected to give you maximum enjoyment from their beauty and longevity. They should be long lasting, open quickly, should not fade, and should not bruise or spot easily. Some orchids are thick and heavy, almost waxy in texture; these will generally last longer than more delicate blooms. This is especially true if you will be using single blooms for button holes or bouquets.

Caring For Your Cut Orchids
Most cut orchids will last longer as stems than as single blooms. Flowers should be as fresh as possible. If they appear a little wilted, the submerge the stems (not the blooms) in warm water (around 100°f or 37°c) for a few minutes. After stems are purchased and brought home, 1/2 inch (approximately 2 cm) should be cut from the base of the stem with a sharp knife—if possible while the stem is submerged in water—then place the stems in a vase. Blooms should be kept away from direct sunlight and heat sources. They will last longer at cooler room temperatures, but will suffer from cool drafts. A cool draft is moving air that is cooler than the ambient temperature, such as air from an open window on a cool day.

Cymbidium and Anthurium will last 4 to 6 weeks as stems and can be used for cut arrangements as well as for button holes and bouquets. Phalaenopsis, Oncidium, Paphiopedilum, Mokara and Aranthera can also be used in a variety of ways and will last 1 to 2 weeks on the stem. Cattleya and Odontoglossum will last up to 7 days and are best used in button holes and bouquets.

Quick Care For Your Cut Orchids & Anthuriums
Upon receiving your package, open boxes immediately and put flowers in a cool place. Best storing temperature is 50°-60° Fahrenheit.

Dendrobium, Mokara, Aranda, Aranthera and Anthuriums:
After removing wrapping sleeve, refresh blooms with a spray of water mist. Then cut 1/4 inch (approximately 1 cm) from stems, put them in a clean vase of warm (100°F) water, and arrange.

Cymbidium, Oncidium, Cattleya, Phalaenopsis, and Paphiopedilum:
Simply remove wrapping sleeve, cut 1/4 inch (approximately 1 cm) from the stem, put in clean vase of warm (100°F ) water, and arrange.

For Cymbidium it is especially important that the stem be supported in a tall, slender vase. If the stem is not supported, the life expectancy of the plant is significantly reduced due to lack of water to the flowers.