Veldkamp’s Garden Center
Orchids
Orchids are one of the most popular flowers in the world. There are a number of different Orchid varieties. We sell Cymbidium Orchids, Dendrobium Orchids, Phalaenopsis Orchids and on occasion Cattleya Orchids. Orchids are simply stunning. They are always one of the most frequently sold products in the flower shop. The Cymbidiums and Dendrobiums are great for use in luxurious, upscale floral bouquets. We also use them in our wedding and event flower designs. The Phalaenopsis Orchids are the most frequently purchased orchid in the garden center. Our garden center always has a great selection of Orchid potted flowering plants.
Cattleya, Cymbidium, Dendrobium and Phalaenopsis Orchids are members of the Orchidaceae family. Costa Rica is one area in the world where orchids tend to thrive. In fact, there are over 113 known species of orchids that come from Costa Rica and areas in South America. The Cattleya Orchids is an epiphyte, or air plant. They grow naturally high in the canopy of trees, in the South American tropical rain forests.
Orchids are a favorite of many who love flowers. People seem to really love the gorgeous, large blooms. Orchids have long stems, and the flowers put out a wonderful aromatic scent. Each orchid bloom usually contains 3 outer sepals, along with 3 inner petals. Two of the petals are generally alike and the third inner petal, called the lip, is usually enlarged with different markings and a frilly border. The cattleya orchid has a beautiful apple green color. The most popular color of Cymbidum, Dendrobium and Phalaenopsis orchids tends to be white, green or lavender. When your petal color is off, or the leaves seem to droop, that could be a sign that your orchid plant is not getting enough sunlight. If the petals are turning yellow or brown, that might mean that the plant is actually getting too much direct sunlight. Orchids grow best in diffused sunlight.
Veldkamp’s Flowers uses orchids in all kinds of ways. Many of our traditional fresh flower bouquets include orchids. Orchids work great as an accent bloom in some of our higher end floral designs. They are a sophisticated flower, perfect in ultra modern floral bouquets. Customers seem to really love our floral designs that include orchids. Even after cut, Orchids are a long lasting bloom. Blooms will generally hold together at least 5 to 7 days, in a fresh flower arrangement. Orchids are luxurious, upscale flowers. They do cost us more to procure and thus cost a bit more in the fresh flower arrangements that we use them in. We usually have many gorgeous fresh flower bouquets on our website that include orchids. If you don’t see the exact design you want, contact our flower shop. Our award winning designers will custom design a beautiful floral arrangement for you.
Growing and Care Recommendations
Most varieties of orchids are relatively easy to grow. The majority of orchid varieties have one big growth spurt each year, generally blooming during that growing season. The different orchid varieties often have slightly different growing cycles. Some grow in late summer. Others grow during the colder times of year. All are generally easy to grow in a greenhouse environment, and much more challenging to grow in an outdoor environment. Orchid blooms generally last about three weeks. After blooming, the plant rests for a time before growing again. It is during this rest period that repotting is most successful. Do not divide the plant until it has at least 6 mature pseudobulbs. During the growing season, water the plant each week. Be careful not to allow the plants roots to sit in water though. Orchids have a unique root system. The roots are designed to effectively provide nutrients and moisture for the plant. Too much water can overwhelm the root system. Cut back on watering after the flowers emerge from their sheaths.
