Corporate Flowers Par Excellence - Orchids For The Office
Orchids are the most magnificent of corporate flowers because they stay fresh for a long time (if cut), are beautifully structured, exude a feeling of lush exoticness and can be very successfully grown indoors.
Many of the most popular orchids are actually of the phalaenopsis genus, often referred to as the moth orchid, for the resemblance to moths in flight.
This type of orchid is "epiphytic" which means it grows on another plant in a symbiotic, non-parasitic way.
Phalaenopsis orchids get their nutrients from aerial roots and their leaves rather than through roots planted in soil; which is why plant nurseries grow orchids in clear plastic pots.
In a natural environment, this genus would grow in rain forests from South East Asia through to the Himalayas and Cape York, growing abundantly in shaded but warm locations.
This is what makes the species ideal for growing indoors.
And for corporate flowers, having an indoor living plant provides an ideal alternative to cut flowers.
The flowering duration of a well kept orchid can vary from a couple of months to up to nine months.
How long a plant blooms is very dependent on the maintenance and upkeep of the plant.
To many people, watering a plant is about all they can be bothered doing.
For an epiphytic orchid maintenance is different from other plants in several ways and requires more than just a quick watering.
Over-watering an orchid is the most common way of killing it.
For the phalaenopsis orchid the aerial roots and leaves are the only means for it to take in water.
The roots and leaves should be sprayed with water, around half a cup every two or three days - depending on the dryness of the environment in which the orchid is kept.
The purpose is to recreate the humid rainforest environment.
When the grey/whitish aerial roots turn to green then the plant has sufficient moisture.
Feeding the plant will ensure an abundance of blooms that can last up to nine months.
As the phalaenopsis orchid has a symbiotic relationship with bacteria, it needs some bacteria to maintain balanced health.
Organic fertilizers have a high level of bacteria and are the food of choice for orchids.
However, chemically-based fertilizers with no bacteria can be used if absolutely necessary, or even alternatively, with organic fertilizers, although the mixture should be a weak solution.
As with watering, the fertilizer should be sprayed onto the roots and leaves of the orchid.
Because the roots and leaves can absorb only so much at each application, fertilizer should be applied more frequently than for many other plants.
The orchid should be fertilized about weekly.
Although orchids growth under a rain forest canopy, they do prosper in a bright position, although not in direct sunlight.
One of the most ideal positions is a bathroom with natural light.
The combination of light and humidity suits an orchid perfectly.
But why hide a beautiful plant in the bathroom? A good alternative is a sheltered porch or sun room.
For an office environment, an orchid would be suited to a position near a window.
Many office reception areas are without natural light.
For this situation, moving the plant to a window for the weekends or after hours would ensure it receives the exposure to light it needs to maintain its glorious blossoms.
Taking care of an orchid, will give a great result and grace an office reception area with the best corporate flowers in the world.
Many of the most popular orchids are actually of the phalaenopsis genus, often referred to as the moth orchid, for the resemblance to moths in flight.
This type of orchid is "epiphytic" which means it grows on another plant in a symbiotic, non-parasitic way.
Phalaenopsis orchids get their nutrients from aerial roots and their leaves rather than through roots planted in soil; which is why plant nurseries grow orchids in clear plastic pots.
In a natural environment, this genus would grow in rain forests from South East Asia through to the Himalayas and Cape York, growing abundantly in shaded but warm locations.
This is what makes the species ideal for growing indoors.
And for corporate flowers, having an indoor living plant provides an ideal alternative to cut flowers.
The flowering duration of a well kept orchid can vary from a couple of months to up to nine months.
How long a plant blooms is very dependent on the maintenance and upkeep of the plant.
To many people, watering a plant is about all they can be bothered doing.
For an epiphytic orchid maintenance is different from other plants in several ways and requires more than just a quick watering.
Over-watering an orchid is the most common way of killing it.
For the phalaenopsis orchid the aerial roots and leaves are the only means for it to take in water.
The roots and leaves should be sprayed with water, around half a cup every two or three days - depending on the dryness of the environment in which the orchid is kept.
The purpose is to recreate the humid rainforest environment.
When the grey/whitish aerial roots turn to green then the plant has sufficient moisture.
Feeding the plant will ensure an abundance of blooms that can last up to nine months.
As the phalaenopsis orchid has a symbiotic relationship with bacteria, it needs some bacteria to maintain balanced health.
Organic fertilizers have a high level of bacteria and are the food of choice for orchids.
However, chemically-based fertilizers with no bacteria can be used if absolutely necessary, or even alternatively, with organic fertilizers, although the mixture should be a weak solution.
As with watering, the fertilizer should be sprayed onto the roots and leaves of the orchid.
Because the roots and leaves can absorb only so much at each application, fertilizer should be applied more frequently than for many other plants.
The orchid should be fertilized about weekly.
Although orchids growth under a rain forest canopy, they do prosper in a bright position, although not in direct sunlight.
One of the most ideal positions is a bathroom with natural light.
The combination of light and humidity suits an orchid perfectly.
But why hide a beautiful plant in the bathroom? A good alternative is a sheltered porch or sun room.
For an office environment, an orchid would be suited to a position near a window.
Many office reception areas are without natural light.
For this situation, moving the plant to a window for the weekends or after hours would ensure it receives the exposure to light it needs to maintain its glorious blossoms.
Taking care of an orchid, will give a great result and grace an office reception area with the best corporate flowers in the world.
