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Orchid

Quick facts

Throughout the world, more than 17,000 species are known, and varieties vary in size and shape.

Yellow striped phalaenopsis orchid spray
Photo: Allure Farms

Orchid at a glance

Also called
cymbidium, dendrobium, oncidium, cattleya, phalaenopsis

About orchids

Throughout the world, more than 17,000 species are known, and varieties vary in size and shape.

How to make orchids last

  1. Keep them cool until they are in water. Keep your flowers in a cool place until you can get them into a flower food solution.
  2. Fill a clean vase with water and flower food. Use a clean, deep vase and add the flower food from your florist, following the mixing directions on the packet.
  3. Remove leaves below the waterline. Leaves in water promote bacterial growth that can limit water uptake by the flower.
  4. Re-cut the stems. Remove one to two inches with a sharp knife or clippers that will not crush the stems, then place the flowers straight into the vase.
  5. Keep them in a cool spot. 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents and ceiling fans.

Care steps from SAF’s flower care tips. More flower care tips →

Orchids as a potted plant

Also called: orchid, cymbidium, dendrobium, oncidium, cattleya, phalaenopsis. Throughout the world, more than 17,000 species are known, and varieties vary in size and shape. Oncidium blossoms are 1/2 to 1 inch and are usually yellow with orange-red markings. Cattleya blossoms are large, ruffled and usually 5 to 6 inches across in white or purple with contrasting throats. Phalaenopsis have moth- or butterfly-shaped flowers in colors such as white, pink, purple and bicolors. Cymbidium and dendrobium flowers have a butterfly-like shape and are 3 to 4 inches acress. The larger of the two, cymbidiums are white, yellow, green or lavender with pink or red lips, while dendrobiums are often white or lavender.

Questions about orchids

How do you care for orchids?

Keep orchids cool until they are in water, use a clean vase with flower food, remove any leaves below the waterline, re-cut the stems by one to two inches and keep the vase at 65 to 72 degrees, away from direct sunlight and vents.

Where can I buy orchids?

From a local SAF member florist. Enter the recipient's ZIP code on this page to find florists near them.

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