Heather Floral » Orchids http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog A Unique, Upscale, New York City Florist in the Heart of Midtown Manhattan Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:23:36 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 A NYC Florist Praises the Phalaenopsis Orchid Plant http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/a-nyc-florist-praises-the-phalaenopsis-orchid-plant/ http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/a-nyc-florist-praises-the-phalaenopsis-orchid-plant/#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:23:27 +0000 Heather Floral http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/?p=534 If you walked into a florist in NYC 20 years ago you would rarely come across orchid plants. Nowadays orchid plants have become so popular that even stores like Costco sell them from time to time.

When you first give or receive a phalaenopsis, it will usually have several open buds and several that are not. Depending on the size, some plants have several stems, each with a bunch of flowers/buds.

Although the plant is originally native to Southeast Asia, In recent years many growers started growing them in different parts of the world, hence the year round availability as well as the wide popularity.

I love to check from time to time what other florists in NYC have in their windows. I must admit many of my colleagues have come a long way, while others have remained frozen it time. And although at Heather Floral Company we proud ourselves for having one of the largest, if not the largest, selection of orchid plants – some of my colleagues and competition have caught up nicely.

There is nothing as beautiful as a multi-stemmed Phalaenopsis orchid plant that is potted in a nice, rustic  container, covered with moss and have a few twigs of curly willow pointing North. That last item lands a bit more movement and grace to your plant.

Did you know that for the price of a dozen, high quality,  long stemmed roses in any of the better Florist in NYC you can get a good looking Phalaenopsis orchid plant? Moreover, while roses usually last for several days, this lovely orchid can potentially lasts for years to come.

Here are some interesting facts about Phalaenopsis

Name: Phalaenopsis
Native to: Southeast Asia
Availability – Year Round.
Longevity – Up to 3 months per blooming cycle.
Varieties – Popular varieties include the Clown Alley, the Phalaenopsis Mambo, the orange lip and the red lip.
Handling and Care - Fertilizing is important. To prevent wilting of your plant, fertilize your plant every season. This particular plant grows better when left in indirect sunlight. It’s optimum temperature is between 70 to 80 degrees F. Water your plant early in the morning but do not water daily. Water every 4 to 7 days. After it has flowered the first time, cut the stem just above the node where the first flower bloomed.

Fun Facts - Phalaenopsis is Greek for Phalluna meaning the word “moth” and “opsis” meaning resembling.  Thus the name Moth Orchid came out of the Greek derivation.

Next time, when you walk into any Florist in NYC to buy a floral gift for a birthday, anniversary or any other occasion – think Phalaenopsis Orchid.

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]]> http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/a-nyc-florist-praises-the-phalaenopsis-orchid-plant/feed/ 0 What are the ideal conditions for orchids to grow? http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/what-are-the-ideal-conditions-for-orchids-to-grow/ http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/what-are-the-ideal-conditions-for-orchids-to-grow/#comments Thu, 25 Aug 2011 01:21:55 +0000 Heather Floral http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/orchids/what-are-the-ideal-conditions-for-orchids-to-grow I would like to find out what the ideal conditions are for orchids to grow. This question comes in 4 parts:

1) What is the recommended pH for orchids to grow well?
2) Which temperature do orchids grow best at?
3) What is the recommended salinity of water for orchids to grow? (Unit: ppt)
4) What is the recommended amount of dissolved oxygen for orchids to grow? (Unit: mg/L)

If possible, please state the sources where you had your answers from.

Most of what the first respondent wrote is ok. However, keep in mind not all orchids are tropical or epiphytes. The lady slipper orchids grow in water logged soils that can be quite acidic and more moderate temperatures. Epiphytes need a medium for their roots that dries out after being watered on a daily basis. So if your are trying to grow your own orchids, you need to determine the specific growing conditions for the orchids you want to grow. A good book on orchids would be a good starting point.

]]> http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/what-are-the-ideal-conditions-for-orchids-to-grow/feed/ 2 How do orchids get up into a tree to grow? http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/how-do-orchids-get-up-into-a-tree-to-grow/ http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/how-do-orchids-get-up-into-a-tree-to-grow/#comments Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:39:25 +0000 Heather Floral http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/orchids/how-do-orchids-get-up-into-a-tree-to-grow I love epiphytes. Bromeliads and Orchids, especially.

I know in the wild they grow up in the rainforest canopy in trees. But how do they get up there in the first place?

That’s a very good question. Is you have ever seen orchid seeds, they are very small, almost dust-like. The wind carries them everywhere, including up to the tree tops. They are also carried by insects and birds.

]]> http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/how-do-orchids-get-up-into-a-tree-to-grow/feed/ 4 What is urdu name of phalaenopsis orchids and can phalaenopsis orchids grow from bulbs? http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/what-is-urdu-name-of-phalaenopsis-orchids-and-can-phalaenopsis-orchids-grow-from-bulbs/ http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/what-is-urdu-name-of-phalaenopsis-orchids-and-can-phalaenopsis-orchids-grow-from-bulbs/#comments Thu, 18 Aug 2011 05:54:58 +0000 Heather Floral http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/orchids/what-is-urdu-name-of-phalaenopsis-orchids-and-can-phalaenopsis-orchids-grow-from-bulbs Please tell me urdu name of phalaenopsis orchids. I had tried asking local gardeners by english name but they don,t understand. Also can phalaenopsis orchids be propogated from bulbs. And is it fragrant or not?

Can’t help you with Urdu name, but the common English name is "Butterfly Orchid." Perhaps if you took the Urdu words for Butterfly and orchid ???

On the other questions: Phalaenopsis and their relatives are amont the orchids which do NOT make pseudobulbs (like, say, Cymbidium orchids do), so obviously you can’t propagate then this way. Instead the flowering stems will often make baby plants (like spider pants) and you can carefully pot up the babies when roots begin to emerge from the base.

Fragrance: The overwhelming majority of Phalaenopsis and their hybrids are not fragrant. In nature only a handful (2 or 3 or 4) species have any fragrance, most notably P. violacea, and hybrids made with this species often have some slight but pleasant fragrance. But if you are looking for fragrance, Phalaenopsis is definitely NOT the best group of ocrchids for you.

]]> http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/what-is-urdu-name-of-phalaenopsis-orchids-and-can-phalaenopsis-orchids-grow-from-bulbs/feed/ 1 When do phalaenopsis orchids start showing new flowering spikes? http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/when-do-phalaenopsis-orchids-start-showing-new-flowering-spikes/ http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/when-do-phalaenopsis-orchids-start-showing-new-flowering-spikes/#comments Mon, 15 Aug 2011 22:39:14 +0000 Heather Floral http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/orchids/when-do-phalaenopsis-orchids-start-showing-new-flowering-spikes A week ago my orchid lost its last flower and I cut the stem. I read that orchids start growing their spikes in september, but when do they become visible?

It really depends on the plant and the kinds of conditions that you give it. plants can be forced to flower more often, but it is not the best for the plant’s health. orchids can be foreced into bloom for orchid shows 3-6 months in advance by altering the light cycles and other conditions to trick the orchids into flowering. However, usually under normal household conditions, they will flower once a year, especially for phalaenopsis. if your phalaenopsis is not in tip top shape and is on the verge of dying, it will try to flower continously, so to maximize its chances of making seed and propigating before dying. This is bad for your orchid, as it means that it is very weak, and if this happens, you should cut the stem off before it gets to bloom so that the plant can conserve envergy. Some kinds of orchids like masdevallias, can remain in bloom for almost half a year, but almost all orchid bloom once a year. You will see the spike emerge from the crown of the orchid, right where the leaves emerge, some time in september, or whenever your orchid thinks it’s the right time to flower. If you take care of it, it will find its own rythem and flower, ususally once a year, twice if you’re really lucky. just be patient, it will flower when it’s well taken care, for, regardless.

]]> http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/when-do-phalaenopsis-orchids-start-showing-new-flowering-spikes/feed/ 3 How long does cut orchids and cut calla lilies last in water? http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/how-long-does-cut-orchids-and-cut-calla-lilies-last-in-water/ http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/how-long-does-cut-orchids-and-cut-calla-lilies-last-in-water/#comments Sat, 13 Aug 2011 12:14:04 +0000 Heather Floral http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/orchids/how-long-does-cut-orchids-and-cut-calla-lilies-last-in-water What is the best way to take care of cut orchids and cut calla lilies? I am planning to pick up the orchids and lilies on a thursday and arranging them on a Saturday night for a Sunday reception. Anyone know if this is too long for orchids and lilies to last?

It could be a little iffy, but for the most part you should be ok. The orchids would be my biggest worry, but as long as you keep all the flowers in water and refrigerated, they should be okay. Another thing you should do is give them 1/2" – 1" trim on friday night before you go to bed.

]]> http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/how-long-does-cut-orchids-and-cut-calla-lilies-last-in-water/feed/ 1 Do orchids grow during the Fall season? http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/do-orchids-grow-during-the-fall-season/ http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/do-orchids-grow-during-the-fall-season/#comments Thu, 11 Aug 2011 07:23:24 +0000 Heather Floral http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/orchids/do-orchids-grow-during-the-fall-season My wedding is in November and I wanted to emphasize on orchids (mainly Dendrobium Orchids) but I don’t know if it’s available during this season. Do you know?

Yes – dendrobium phalaenopsis should be in bloom at that time.

See source for more info

]]> http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/do-orchids-grow-during-the-fall-season/feed/ 3 Orchid Care Repotting http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/orchid-care-repotting/ http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/orchid-care-repotting/#comments Sat, 26 Sep 2009 13:48:37 +0000 Heather Floral http://www.heatherfloral.com/blog/orchids/orchid-care-repotting What to do when your orchid is done blooming. How to repot an Orchid Phal.

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