Archive for the ‘orchids’ Category

Why Silk Orchids Are Better Than The Real Thing

Sunday, June 13th, 2010

If you ask 100 people which flower is the most beautiful, 90 of them will probably answer the orchid. But if you ask them, if they have one in their home, most of them will say no. The reason is that it is a very difficult flower to take care of. The solution: the silk orchid.

Silk orchids can be used for many purposes. They can be potted or displayed in a vase. Or they can be used at special occasions like weddings. They can be placed several together in a bouquet or used separately as a stem. No matter how you use artificial orchids they will be a beautiful decoration.

The two most popular artificial orchid species are Phalaenopsis and Cymbidium. The reason for that is probably that they also are the most popular real orchid species. But also species like Vanda and Dendrobium are well-liked. And you can always buy them; also if they are normally only found in Vietnam in the winter.

The quality of faux orchids today is really astonishing. Instead of the old flowers made of clothes with plastic stems and leaves, you will get an amazing copy made of silk, nylon and other similar products that makes it very difficult to distinguish from the real thing.

Different Kinds Of Canadian Flowers

Sunday, December 20th, 2009

Canadian Flowers are found on the sides of country roads and in meadows as well. They are all very beautiful and are definite things to snap a picture of in its natural environment.

A rare beauty that grows in the Saskatchewan area is called the Western red Lily. These flourish in the meadows of the countrysides and in areas that are forested but smaller. Their color is very noticeable as it is a bright red with tine flecks of golden centers to draw your attention in to them.

Spread over the miles between Quebec and British Columbia you will spy dazzling Wild Roses. These are found in many lovely colors and are mostly seen in roadsides and forests naturally.

Did you know that instead of a country flower the Canadians use the brilliance of the Maple Leaf to signify their country and it adorns everything from flags, hats, shirts and even tags for cars.

On the exquisite Island of Prince Edward you will spy dainty Lady’s Slippers which are in full array in the spring seasons. These grow in shady places and in the forests of the island. The petals of this flower look like delicate slippers a lady might wear, hence its name.

Orchids – Everyone Loves Them

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

While you may already have a certain flower that attracts you, orchids offer a variety that appeals to anyone. For more than one hundred years since it’s introduction to Victorian society, orchids have become one of the most exquisite choices in flowers available.

Orchids are available in four different varieties. Epiphytes – cling to the tree as they grow Lithophytes – known for growing on rocks. Saprophytes – grow in leaf litter. Terrestrials – grows in sand.Between these four categories, you will discover that there is an abundant number of distinct plants.

Native orchid species number more than 20,000 known species, which leaves us to believe that may be many not discovered yet. In addition to the native species, over 100,000 hybrids have been created artificially with cultivators. It has been a busy one hundred years for the orchid family.

Orchids have long had a reputation for being high maintenance and hard to grow. This isn’t necessarily true. Some varieties do need more attention, but there are many varieties that are hardy. Some orchid varieties prefer heat and humidity that is the popular belief for this plant, but there are some that thrive in cool, dry conditions. The differences in light, temperature and the best growing condition is another example of the varieties of natural areas where they grow.

Orchids Light Levels

Thursday, February 19th, 2009

Orchids are shade-loving plants, and while they are growing they need the equivalent of the dappled sunlight they would receive growing in the tree canopy of their natural home. Too much light during the summer will harm the plants by turning the foliage a light green-yellow.

In more severe cases, direct sun will burn the leaves, causing black areas where the sun’s rays have destroyed the leaf cells.

Insufficient light, on the other hand, will create dark green leaves that can become over-extended and limp. The aim should be to give your orchids just enough light to produce a good mid-green, healthy foliage and pseudo bulbs that will develop flower spikes at the right time.

After flowering and before the new growth starts, Calanthe pseudobulbs can be taken out of their pot and left to dry until the new growth is seen.

Thunias are among the very few orchids that produce an autumn display when their leaves change colour before being shed. The leafless canes remain dormant for the winter.