Many people are surprised when they discover that the wonderful vanilla beans and flavoring actually come from orchids.  The flower, known as the Vanilla Orchid, grows primarily in parts of tropical Asia, South America, Africa, and New Guinea.  The Vanilla Orchid grows in a similar fashion to a vine, as it climbs trees and other sturdy structures as it grows.  As a monopod, it only grows a single vine which may be quite thick.  It’s green, round leaves grow alternately and may be very thick, depending on the particular type of Vanilla Orchid.  In the proper settings, vanilla orchid plants is not difficult.  However, the rarity of the flower and limited harvests is what makes vanilla prices so high.

The plant can grow up to forty meters long, with proper vanilla orchid plants, and can span all the way to the top of a tree.  Like many other species of orchids, their roots are a type known as aerial roots which grow from nodes along the plant.  In some species of Vanilla Orchids, the stems perform photosynthesis as well.  This explains why many plants may have few or no leaves.  Proper vanilla orchid plants involves nurturing the entire plant for this reason.

vanilla orchid plants: Flowers

The Vanilla Orchid may have a wide variety of flower colors.  Typical hues range from white to green to a pale yellow.  The reason vanilla orchid plants and harvest can be so difficult is that the flowers are short lived — they bloom in the morning for just one day during the blooming season, and have closed by late afternoon.  If the flower is pollinated during this short window, it will begin to develop into a vanilla bean.  However, if the flower is not pollinated it will wilt and drop off the plant.

Flowers of the Vanilla Orchid have a similar appearance to other orchids, although there are some minor differences.  The tube is more elongated and is capped with a greater bell shape.  Both the petals and sepals are very much alike in the Vanilla Orchid.  The flowers have a wonderful, sweet aroma during their short bloom.  Different species will have different variations of their color, spread, and size and so will require slightly different vanilla orchid plants.

vanilla orchid plants: Seed Pods

With proper vanilla orchid plants or natural settings, the seed pods will develop from pollinated flowers.  These pods are what is turned into vanilla extract or sold as vanilla beans.  The pods begin as an elongated green pod, but grow darker as they mature until they end up almost black.  The sticky pods give off a smell that will remind you of vanilla.  There can be up to one thousand small seeds in each seed pod.  The seed pods tend to be similar from one species to another, and hang from the plant.

While all other orchid species are used as decoration only, the Vanilla Orchid remains the only one used for food and cosmetic purposes.  With the proper vanilla orchid plants, this flower has provided a wonderful flavor compound.

Vanilla Orchid Plants is a post from: The Orchid Website

Vanilla Orchid Plants is from The Orchid Website

A common plant to find in Great Britain, Mediterranean Europe, and Northern Africa is the Early Purple Orchid tree.  This is a beautiful species of orchid that grows in a slightly different medium than most tropical orchids.  The Early Purple Orchid tree grows in soil, versus on vines or other trees like many orchids.  They thrive in a broadleaved woodland environment and also prefers calcareous and neutral soils.  Early Purple Orchid trees can flourish in a variety of environments, from limestone to calcareous grasslands to coastal cliffs or even roadside areas.

The plant has earned its name of the Early Purple Orchid tree because it is one of the first flowers to bloom at the end of the United Kingdom winter.  While it has differences in its basal and stalk leaves, it otherwise is very similar to another orchid species, known as the green winged orchid.  The beautiful plant shares many of the unique qualities of other northern-dwelling orchids.

Description of the Early Purple Orchid Tree

The Early Purple Orchid tree tends to have a basal cluster that ranges from a normal five blunt tipped leaves to as many as eight, which is more unusual.  These leaves have an oblong shape and a shiny, smooth texture.  The stalk of the plant will have two or more protruding stem leaves, which can have some visible spotting.  The amount of spots depends on which sub-species of the Early Purple Orchid tree it is.  Some types of Early Purple Orchid tree may not have any of the characteristic spotting on their basal leaves.

The Early Purple Orchid trees tend to bloom in a spike formation, which can stand as tall as 60 centimeters.  Each spike can consist of as many as 20 to 50 flowers.  While they are typically purple in color, giving the plant its name, the shades can range in intensity and can even reach an almost white color.  The flowers maintain a similar look to most orchid species, with several sepals and a lip to compliment the “true” petals of the flower.  Like other orchid species, the center of the lip tends to be paler in color than the rest of the flower.

A newly bloomed Early Purple Orchid tree has a slightly sweet smell to the flowers, however the fragrance changes after the flower is pollinated.  The changed smell can almost be likened to urine.  Several species of bees pollinate the Early Purple Orchid tree.  There are claims that this orchid has medicinal value in addition to its beauty.  The roots can be ground into a powder, called salep, which is then either drank or added to other foods to increase their nutritional value.

These unique orchids are a common flower in Europe, but unusual in other parts of the world.  The Early Purple Orchid tree is well known thanks to its beauty and the sweet smell of the unpollinated blooms.

Purple Orchid Tree is a post from: The Orchid Website

Purple Orchid Tree is from The Orchid Website

One of the most beautiful, dramatic flowers to cultivate is the orchid.  While propagating orchids used to be a hobby solely for society’s elite, there is now a wide selection and availability of beautiful varieties of orchids.  Any gardener can enjoy the colorful blooms in their own house.  Many people still think that propagating orchids is a difficult task, but more and more enthusiasts have discovered that with a few simple tips, they can easily grow these plants in their own homes.  It is vital that you have the proper set-up, with the correct light and growing medium, in order for your orchids to thrive and bloom.

Propagating Orchids: Growing Mediums

One of the most important things to learn when you decide to begin propagating orchids is that most varieties do not require soil.  Orchids frequently grow in other substances, such as sand or pebbles, or even on the sides of trees.  Many novice gardeners mistakenly place these plants in a pot of soil and expect them to thrive, however the plants often die quickly in this setting.  Contact your local nursery or extension office to find the best medium to grow your orchid variety, and you will be much more successful at propagating orchids.  Information can also be found online regarding almost every variety.

The orchid varieties that are naturally found attached to tree trunks will often grown best if they are allowed to attach to bark, or even a piece of cork.  Another great resource for people propagating orchids are commercial mediums to grow your plant in.  These substances are made from such items as bark, charcoal, or volcanic rock.  Do your research before attempting to grow a new variety of orchid.  Talking to an expert about the best medium to grow your plant in will do much towards making it a success.  Orchid organizations often have information available for the novice grower.

Propagating Orchids: Proper Lighting

Different plants require different amounts of light to thrive, and orchids are no exception.  Find out how much light the particular species will need when you begin propagating orchids.  Most varieties require some shade.  An available southern window may provide it the perfect blend of bright, filtered light and shade.  Depending on the type of orchid and its natural habitat, varieties may require more or less.  Again, you may wish to consult an expert before propagating orchids of a specific species.  Know the exact type so that the details they will provide you with are correct.  If your orchid does not get enough light, it may not flower.  Since most gardeners are interested in this exotic flower for their beautiful blooms, an inappropriate environment will do you a disservice.

Any type of home décor can benefit from the beauty of orchid blooms.  If you follow these simple tips and communicate with an expert before propagating orchids, you will ensure that your beautiful plant thrives.

Propagating Orchids is a post from: The Orchid Website

Propagating Orchids is from The Orchid Website

With the large number of orchid species available to grow at home, it is amazing to consider where these plants come from.  Orchid wholesalers and growers are select groups who help to nurture and care for these popular flowers.  Orchids are a beautiful and diverse species of flower that is popular among amateurs and seasoned gardeners.  Orchid wholesalers are an important part of the chain.  Orchids are such a unique and prized species that an entire college has been developed which specializes in the growing of these tropical flowers.

The School

To get into the University of Orchid Growing, there are some very specific requirements.  Like anywhere prestigious, anyone can apply but only a select number will be accepted.  Having a green thumb is a must — not a purple or red thumb, just green.  Orchid wholesalers do not always have the skill and training of these talented growers.  You can tell someone who has a passion and drive for orchids by the sparkle they get in their eyes when they converse about the flowers.  Novice gardeners may want to forgo shopping with orchid wholesalers and look for local nurseries or orchid shops with a resident expert.  By finding places like this to shop, you will always have someone to turn to with your orchid questions.

To get into this fictional University of Orchid Growing requires all the tools that help make an orchid thrive.  While many orchid wholesalers have information available at their stores or online, a passionate orchid expert can provide the type of help you will get nowhere else.  Orchids require a specific technique for growing.  It is important to water them precisely and keep them in a location where they will receive plenty of light, but not too directly.  It is also imperative that they never be exposed to a freeze or other drastic temperatures.  Each species of this tropical plant has a different requirement for how they are best grown, so you should check with your orchid wholesalers or grower.

Degree Plans

It can take time to learn everything about the type of orchid that you decide to grow in your home.  Checking with orchid wholesalers, growers, and websites can help you decide on things like potting mixtures, climates, and watering schedules.  The orchid is a rewarding flower to grow, and in no time you will discover its beautiful hues make a wonderful addition to any home or garden.

Orchids may seem like an intimidating plant to grow, but all it takes is a little knowledge and a lot of patience.  While shopping at discount orchid wholesalers, you may save money but you will be missing out on the advice and aid of experts.  By growing your orchids in the proper conditions, you will ensure that the blooms remain on the plant for the maximum amount of time and that you have this beautiful addition for years to come.

Orchid Wholesalers is a post from: The Orchid Website

Orchid Wholesalers is from The Orchid Website

One of the most popular, beautiful flowers for any occasion is the orchid.  These flowers have a devoted following of people who love to grow and admire them.  Enthusiasts have sprung up around the nation, acquiring a love for these beautiful flowers and competing to produce the very best.  Couples in the midst of planning a wedding may want to consider an orchid flower arrangements theme.  By crafting a beautiful bouquet for the bride out of these flowers, many of the other decorating choices can fall into place.  Orchids make wonderful centerpieces for the tables because of their unique appearance and beautiful colors.  If you plan an orchid flower arrangements, it will provide a beautiful backdrop for your special day.

orchid flower arrangements Colors

One of the best parts of using an orchid flower arrangements theme is that the flowers come in a myriad of colors.  Whatever colors you envision your wedding to be, you will find an appropriate orchid in that shade or a complimenting one.  However, not all orchids are available during all seasons.  It is important to check with your florist about what colors will be most readily available at the time of year you are getting married, but indoor growing techniques are allowing many of the varieties to be grown year round.  orchid flower arrangements colors can include anything from lavender, pick, yellow, burgundy, green, and multicolored.  Talking to your florist ahead of time can help you coordinate other colors with the flowers that are available and preferential to you and your fiancé.

orchid flower arrangements Decorations

The elegance of the orchid flower makes it an excellent central theme to the décor of a wedding.  orchid flower arrangementss can feature large floral displays of the colorful flowers.  Large vases can be used to display the orchids, which can stand as tall as three feet in some species.  Other decorations to compliment the flowers can include ribbons, bows, greenery, and candles.  While many people are tempted to overdo it with the additional decorations, the simple elegance of an orchid flower arrangements theme should be emphasized with moderation in the other additions.  The flowers will provide plenty of color and beauty with a minimum of additional items.

orchid flower arrangements Floral Design

Any respectable florist will be knowledgeable about using orchids for a wedding and should be able to provide at least several pictures of options available to the couple.  Orchids can be used individually or combined to form the orchid flower arrangements decorations.  Orchids are well complimented by greenery, simple ribbons, or small filler flowers such as hydrangea.  For the orchid enthusiast, the flower will make the perfect choice for a wedding theme.  If you grow orchids in your home, you may be able to reduce the costs by producing some of the necessary items yourself.  Orchids are also a durable flower, and arrangements can often be made several days before the wedding and refrigerated until needed.

Orchid Flower Arrangements is a post from: The Orchid Website

Orchid Flower Arrangements is from The Orchid Website

Orchids are known for the variety and definitely for their beauty. The meaning of an orchid varies. Some of those meanings are love, luxury and strength.

There are about 25,000 different varieties of orchids. More and more are being discovered every year. Growing orchids for beginners can be quite easy. There are particular steps that are necessary to get the best quality orchids.

The most popular orchid is the Phalaenopsis. They are an indoor plant and are the best growing orchid for beginners to grow. One of the main reasons for this is because they can handle the central heat.

They will bloom on and on months at a time if they are in a warm room and only need to be watered lightly. Be careful not to let too much water settle in the middle. Growing orchids for beginners can be easy because there is minimal maintenance.

Pruning Your Orchid

When you notice small nodes protruding through the main stem you need to cut it off at above the highest node. There will still be sap there although all of the flowers have died. If you wait to long to do this, the stem may die.

Then eventually you will notice the node beginning to produce a flower. When this happens, wait awhile for the stem to become strong and then you can pot in fine bark.

Keep them fairly warm at a temperature of about 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit. They don’t need direct light as there is a danger it will scorch the leaves. During the winter they will need as much light as possible.

The free draining bark needs to be moist all year long. The best thing to do is place in the sink or bath tub and allow the water to go through the pot.  Another tip is to wait for the bark to dry just a little before watering again. You can add fertilizer after every third watering. This shows that growing orchids for beginners is quite easy when done correctly.

Re-potting is simple as well. When the orchid gets too big for its pot remove the entire plant from the pot and shake off the old clumps. Then use a pair of sharp scissors and trim the roots. The roots should be about 10cm. If they are healthy, they will be white or green. Not to mention bulgy as well. Usually if they are over watered you will notice that they are brown. After you have done that prune the plant by removing old dried leaves.

Place the orchid in the centre of a clean pot and fill with fresh compost. It needs to have a lot of drain holes so it doesn’t get water logged. Fill it until it is just below the top, packing it down as you go. You only have to water once every one to two weeks. When you see a new leaf emerging, you will know that soon after that the flowers will blossom.

Growing Orchids For Beginners is a post from: The Orchid Website

Growing Orchids For Beginners is from The Orchid Website

Looking at a beautiful orchid, it can be intimidating to imagine growing orchids at home. These beautiful, tropical flowers may have specific requirements that they need to thrive, but it can be easy to begin growing orchids at home with some basic information and commitment to detail from the gardener.  If you enjoy raising plants and love the beautiful, colorful orchid flowers, you should take the opportunity to lean about them.  Orchids make a wonderful addition to any home or garden.

Containers And Soil For growing orchids at home

All plants require a careful selection of the pot and soil they will be planted in, and orchids are no exception to the rule.  Wild orchids have very specific environments that they thrive in and containers should mimic these natural conditions.  If you choose clay or hanging pots for your orchids, they will require more frequent watering.  Plastic pots need to be watched carefully because it is easy to give an orchid too much water.  If you live in a dry environment, consider placing the pot on top of a container of water soaked pebbles.  These stones will provide extra humidity for the orchids.

The soil for growing orchids at home should be firm enough to support the stem, but still light enough that the delicate roots can take hold.  It can also be helpful for bark and pebbles to be added so that the soil drains well.  Each species of orchid has specific requirements, so research the type of flower you are purchasing.  growing orchids at home requires that the gardener repot the plants approximately every two years.

Light And Temperature For growing orchids at home

Gardeners should keep in mind that most species will require plenty of light, but not too much direct sun, when growing orchids at home.  Orchids tend to do well in a window that has some shielding from the direct sunlight, particularly during the hottest parts of the day.  Even dark environments can be appropriate with the proper fluorescent lights.  Leaving them on for approximately twelve hours a day will give the orchids proper lighting.

Most orchids do well at a temperature of between 60 and 70 degrees, however research the particular species that you have purchased to find out if it should be slighting cooler or hotter.  Never allow your flowers to reach freezing temperatures whether growing orchids at home or outdoors.  When the temperature drops outdoors, you may want to move your plants away from the windows and towards warmer parts of the home.

Watering growing orchids at home

As orchids are a tropical plant, they need enough water and humidity.  However, do not allow your orchids to soak for too long as the roots can rot or fungus can grow which will kill the orchids.  When the soil is dry to the touch, it is time to water the orchids again.  As long as there is proper drainage, the plants may be watered generously.

Growing Orchids At Home is a post from: The Orchid Website

Growing Orchids At Home is from The Orchid Website

Blue is quite a rare colour for flowers, there are the obvious ones like blue bells, but equally when did you last see a blue rose?  The orchid in its extraordinary style offers us two blue flowers.  The coerulescens where by the sepals are white and the blue colour only shows on the lip.  The other blue orchid flower is a coerulea where the sepals are blue.

There is one known blue orchid flower.  The vanda coerulea (also called the vanda blue magic) comes from Northern India and this has a natural blue flower, which blossoms during October and November.  This blue orchid flower will often have as many as fifteens blossoms on each plant, with each flower being up to four inches in size.  Being from India, this blue orchid flower does not like the cold and needs to be in a temperature which does not drop below sixteen degrees centigrade.

The creation of a hybrid blue orchid flower has kept many an orchid grower busy, but has usually proved elusive to the weekend gardener or the hobbyist.

If you are going to try to create a hybrid blue orchid flower you need to first choose the plants you are going to use.  Some plants flower in a slightly different colour in different environments, so you are best to choose on where the petals are predominantly blue and not just at the edges or when in full bloom.  It is also best to choose an orchid which can be grown under normal circumstances as this will make any recreations easier.

There seems to be colour dominance when creating a different coloured orchid hybrid.  It is believed that using an orchid with a greenish colour will produce a hybrid with a bluish tone, however, if there is any orange in the plant the new hybrid seems to come out rather reddish in colour.

The colours in flowers occurs when a chemical reaction between the pigment anthocyanin and a co-pigment.  This chemical reaction will only cause the desired colour result if it happens at a specific pH level.  The scientists assure us that to achieve a blue orchid flower you will need the chemical reaction to take place in an alkaline environment and a more acidic environment will produce a redder colour.

As you can see, to produce a blue orchid flower hybrid you need a lot of things to be right, apart from the starting plants you need the correct chemical reaction, in the correct environment.  Even if this does produce a blue orchid flower you will need to establish the correct conditions for cultivating and reproducing your new hybrid.  It could certainly take a lifetime to refine one flower!

Blue Orchid Flower is a post from: The Orchid Website

Blue Orchid Flower is from The Orchid Website

Is there such a thing as a black orchid flower?  Flowers are associated with the gentle pastel colours of spring and summer, or the darker hue flowers associated with passion, symbolised by the red rose given as a valentines present.  But a black orchid flower?  There are many variations of orchids, often called species of orchid.  The wide range of species is forever increasing as new hybrids are being formed all the time, both naturally and specifically grown by gardeners.

A black flower has the association of something mystical, so the idea of a black orchid flower is hugely appealing to many people; to some people the black orchid flower is as magical a symbol as the unicorn.  Orchids have the association of being exotic, so if you could add to this image one of mystical powers the plant would become even more special.

It is believed that there are no truly black flowers in nature, there are some of such a dark shade of purple that they appear black, but up close they are not.  The idea of a black orchid flower has all the appeal of an orchid, with the mystical image of the black colour.  It is this idea which leads the black orchid flower to be the topic of so many other artistic ventures; the perfume by Tom Ford, comic super heroes, a Doctor Who episode, and of course song lyrics.

If a black orchid flower is ever found or a hybrid created there will be great demand, not only for the plant, but also for the ability to use the image as it already carries so many associations.  The image of a black orchid flower is so powerful that most people would be very surprised to discover that there is no such flower!!!

If you are looking to create your millions, if you could create a hybrid black orchid flower and sell it to the highest bidder you would probably be sitting pretty for a fair few years!!!  There are ways of colouring flowers; the obvious one is the put a cut flower into water which is dyed the desired colour.  However, due the way in which orchids absorb moisture (i.e through the exposed roots) this is not very successful.  Also when you artificially dye a flower there colour spreads through the veins of the petals and does not create a solid colour, this means that the petals would never get to be truly black, they would simply have threads of black running though the original colour of the flower; hence the only way to create a black orchid is by contacting one of the artificial flower companies, some of whom (for a price) will create any type of silk flower you would like.

Black Orchid Flower is a post from: The Orchid Website

Black Orchid Flower is from The Orchid Website