Orchid

Ornamental Orchids

The Orchid is perhaps one of the best-known ornamental flowers we know in the Netherlands. Originally, this houseplant comes from Southeast Asia and Australia. Nowadays, there are between 25,000 and 30,000 different varieties. These species differ from each other by colour, size, their flowering frequency and the way they grow.
In nature, this easy houseplant grows mainly in trees, crevices and rocks. These species are called air plants or, epiphytes, they get all their nutrition from the environment through their aerial roots. It is thought that the Orchid is a difficult plant to take care of, but this is not true! When placed in the right spot, this orchid can last for years.

Watering the Orchid

There are many different types of Orchids, which means they also need different care. However, the same care applies to most of these houseplants. Despite the beautiful flowers of the Orchid, this houseplant doesn't need much water. However, the Orchid's potting soil should always be slightly moist. However, avoid getting a layer of water in the pot, as this is not conducive to the Orchid's health.
We recommend you always pour the water on the substrate and not on the plant itself. It is also better to water this houseplant with rainwater. This is because tap water contains lime and the Orchid doesn't like that. It is not necessary but it will have a positive effect on the Orchid.
The best way of watering is to take the plant out of its pot (if possible) and put the entire root ball in the water for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the roots to absorb the water well and also prevents the plant from standing in a layer of water. Let the plant leak out well afterwards, otherwise there will still be a layer of water at the bottom of the pot.
When you water your Orchid, we advise you to do it in the morning, so the plant has all day to absorb the water.

The best location for an Orchid

The position is important for an Orchid, it prefers a place with lots of light but without direct sunlight. If this houseplant gets too much sunlight, it will turn a duller colour and its leaves will be damaged. This tropical appearance does not like a place in a draught or close to a heater. These two factors can cause damage to the plant and an increased risk of pests.
It is also better not to put the Orchid near your fruit bowl, as the gases released from ripening fruit are not conducive to the Orchid. These gases cause the Orchid to age faster, which is a shame!

Repotting the Orchid

Orchids are best repotted once every two to three years. This houseplant likes to be tight in the pot so don't repot it too early/quickly. We advise you to repot this houseplant in spring, when it is at its strongest and can make up for any damage. When repotting, only use special potting soil for Orchids. This is because this potting soil is light so the roots can find their way well.
Always make sure the new pot is 20% bigger than its predecessor, so the plant has enough room to develop.

Feeding the Orchid

Orchids do not need extra nutrition for the first two months after purchase. It can still rely on the nutrition from fresh potting soil from the grower. During spring and summer you can give the Orchid an extra ‘food boost’. Only use special nutrition for Orchids and never give more than is prescribed. In autumn and winter it is better not to give this houseplant any extra nutrition. In these periods the Orchid is at rest and extra nutrition can only damage it.

The leaves of my Orchid are discoloured

The leaves of the Orchid can discolour due to several factors, often it is a warning. If the Orchid drops its buds it is due to cold, too much water or too little light. The minimum daily temperature is 16 degrees Celsius, below this 16 degrees the roots are no longer active so the buds will drop out.
Too much sunlight can make the gloss of the leaves disappear and can even burn them. Do the leaves turn dark green? Then the Orchid gets too little light, in this case move the plant.

Flowering of the Orchid

The vast majority of the Orchid family blooms once a year and for 6 to 10 weeks. When the Orchid has finished flowering, it is best to cut off the spent branch. Of course, you want to enjoy this bloom one more time. After you have cut off the faded branch, it is best to give it less water for a few months and put the houseplant in a less warm place. Because of these factors, the Orchid will become ‘afraid’ of dying and will grow new shoots. In nature, they would do this to provide offspring. As soon as you see the new shoots coming, you can put the houseplant back in its familiar spot. You can also then give the Orchid the usual amount of water again. From here, the Orchid will develop and new buds will appear automatically. Patience is a virtue!

Is the Orchid a poisonous houseplant?

Although there are many varieties of Orchids, there is almost no poisonous variety. Still, we advise you not to eat the flowers.

Common diseases in Orchids

Orchids are sensitive to mealy bugs. A proper location will help a lot, make sure the Orchid is not in a draught. Spraying the Orchid regularly helps prevent these insects, as they are not very resistant to moisture. If you still suffer from pests on your houseplant, we advise you to fight them with a biological or chemical pest control.

Types of orchids at Green Bubble

At Green Bubble we mainly sell Phalaenopsis orchids. In the Netherlands, the Phalaenopsis is also called the Butterfly Orchid. This is partly because of the appearance of the Orchid. The Dutch translation of Phalaenopsis also refers to this appearance, because ‘Phalaina’ means moth and ‘opsis’ means similar. Freely translated, it then becomes resembling a moth. The flowers therefore resemble a flying moth/butterfly.
With the right care, the Phalaenopsis can flower as many as 2-3 times a year in periods varying from 2 to 6 months. So you have a wonderfully colourful houseplant almost all year round.
Phalaenopsis come in many different colours from speckled to striped patterns. At Green Bubble we have more than 20 different varieties in our range. So plenty of choice!

Orchids as cut flowers

Would you like to put the flowers on the table or in another place but the plant is too big for that? Orchids in a vase also look great! Just cut off a branch with flowers and put it in the vase. You can easily enjoy them for three to four weeks. Again, don't put these flowers in full sun or in a draught.

Propagating the Orchid

Propagating an Orchid is a complicated process that requires knowledge and time. There are several methods by which you can propagate an Orchid. You can tear, sow and meristem this houseplant. However, the seeds of the Orchid are so fine that you can hardly see them. If you have already managed to secure a seed, it can take years before you have a flowering orchid.
You can also propagate the Orchid by keikis, which is the ‘easiest’ way. A keiki is a plant that grows from a dormant eye of the flower stem. You should then very carefully remove the top skin from the eye with tweezers. When you have removed the top skin, a tip remains from which the new Orchid emerges. After about 7 to 9 months when the keiki has its own roots of at least 6 cm, you can cut it from the plant and put it in its own pot.

Buying an Orchid at Green Bubble

Are you looking for a beautiful and healthy Orchid as a houseplant? Then you've come to the right place at Green Bubble! When you buy one of our Orchids, of course you want a beautiful and fresh plant. At Green Bubble we work directly with growers so we can guarantee the freshness of our houseplants. We strive to deliver healthy and high-quality plants to our customers every day. This ensures you get your houseplant delivered as fresh and good as possible!
Want to buy an Orchid but don't feel like going to your local garden shop? We understand that, which is why we send your Orchid directly to you, free of charge! Buying an Orchid is easy in our webshop, where you can buy different types of Orchids of the highest quality!
Easy ordering and great houseplants, that's what Green Bubble stands for. Want to buy a great palm? Join the Green Bubble!