There is no doubt that orchids are among the
most intriguing and beautiful flowers in the world. They can add an elegant touch to any room,
and have become very popular with interior designers who wish to add a stylish
finish to a design. They are available
in a variety of colours and sizes, so finding one to suit a particular room or
design theme should be easy. The
homeowner can choose cut flowers or an orchid plant. The advantage with a plant is that it will
last for a long time if properly cared for, whereas cut flowers do have a
limited life.
Why orchids?
The flowers on an orchid plant last for
different lengths of time depending on the particular species, but generally
orchids have a long blooming period.
This can range from one to three or four months, so the overall effect
can be enjoyed for a while, which makes them different to many other indoor
plants. In addition, despite the fact
they look very delicate, they are actually quite resilient. Properly cared for, an orchid plant will last
for a number of years. They do not
require constant watering so are actually much easier to care for than most
people might think.
Choosing the
right orchid
Think carefully about the location in the
room where the orchid is to be placed. A
steady temperature – not too hot and not too cold – is needed. Any area where there may be a draught should
be avoided, as orchids will not thrive here.
Attention should also be paid to lighting in the area. Some species of orchid are able to resist
strong light, but others will struggle.
Planning the
design
Think carefully about the overall effect
created by the finished room. The flower
that is chosen will need to complement the decor. For example, if the walls are to be white then
putting a white flower into the room will help to convey a minimalist
style. However, if a warm touch is
sought then a colourful flower should be introduced. Orchids are also a great choice for a room or
space where relaxation is a key theme.
An elegant looking plant is the perfect
accompaniment to high quality
furniture and soft furnishings. The
orchid can be used as the centrepiece on a table, or as a feature in a corner
of the room. Making sure it can be
clearly seen is important, and the orchid motif can be repeated in features
such as cushions and curtains. Creating
a feature wall is a popular choice these days, and to round off the room design
it is possible to get eye-catching wallpaper that carries an orchid pattern.
Hi Gaz, you already sound like an orchid specialist, hehe! But that is right, orchids alone or in combination always give elegant appeal. Hotels and special occasions always do that. I am amazed that Phalaenopsis perform well in your temperatures, being a tropical plant. It is easier here for them as they don't have to be treated so special to grow!
ReplyDeletePhalaenopsis seem to be very adaptable, and are one of the most common orchids in shops here sold especially as house plants where they can flower for long periods of time in less than ideal situations. From small garden centres to large supermarkets and DIY centres you can get these for fairly modest amounts of money. Many of them come from Holland where they breed new varieties and mass produce them for the European markets. The more unusual forms are not as easy to find, but specialist growers have many of the same ones you will be able to get but often they need specialist environments.
ReplyDelete