Versatility in vibrant and exotic colors with unexpected shapes and textures
Orchids are one of those flowers that really deserve a category of their own. With a genus boasting over 25,000 species, they don’t exactly need to ask permission for any labels created by mere humans. There are tons upon tons of incredible species resembling everything from alien life forms to monkeys, birds, insects, butterflies, and lady’s slippers! Granted, only a fraction of that species list will ever see the inside of a flower studio as a cut stem, but in terms of variety, the appeal definitely carries over.
It’s likely that household cut flowers such as the rose or the daisy conjure up some pretty standard images in the minds of most people. Chances are, orchids evoke something different for everyone and if they don’t, they definitely should! If you’re one of the unfortunate souls who hasn’t yet become acquainted with the vast and varied world of orchids, let us paint the picture for you! Hint: the Crayola color Orchid is, shall we say…interpretive at best. In other words, it’s a laughable attempt by mortals to try to put the MIGHTY ORCHID into a puny and pathetic purple category.
Think blood red splatters of James Storei creating bold, splashy expressions of texture in your tall arrangements. Impressive stems of regal cymbidium orchids tumbling in a state of suspended animation like waterfalls into your foyer arrangements. Delightfully frilly fringes of mokara orchids in sweet and sour sorbet tones texturing your bridesmaid’s bouquets. Lush layers of flowers dripping with gobs of pristine phalaenopsis orchids that have become a symbol of west coast decadence. With so many different shapes, sizes, colors, and varieties, there is an orchid for virtually every taste. Ask your florist to introduce you to the possibilities and be sure peruse our Pinterest board for plenty of visual inspiration!
Orchid Tips and Facts:
Season: Year-round
Popular varieties: Phalaenopis, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Mokara, Oncidium, James Storei, Lady’s Slipper, Cattelya
Pairings: Aside from looking stunning on their own, most types of orchids pair well with many different styles of design, from classic to contemporary. The key is striking the right balance (whether simplistic or extravagant) and choosing the correct color palette, which shouldn’t be difficult because orchids come in nearly every color of the rainbow!
Colors: Stark to blush white, green, light to vibrant yellow warming up to deep orange, red, crimson, and burgundy. Light pink to fuchsia to purple, a bronze-y brown, and even a dye-achieved blue!
For more orchid opulence, check out our Pinterest board!
Bonus: Have a orchid plant that just won’t revive? Check out this article on how to practice tough love with your potted orchids.
