In these pressing economic times, many people are getting creative about still living a good life- but with frugality. In my home, I love to be surrounded by plants and flowers. I believe adding plants to your décor is not only good for feng shui, but it’s a fantastic way to breathe life into your environment. Having fresh flowers all the time, however, is quite a luxury. I am not lucky enough to have my own garden (just a humble balcony with geraniums in pots) so growing my own flowers is out of the question. Instead, I turn to the orchid- that fantastic, exotic flower that adds a touch of mystery and luxe to any room. The amazing thing about orchids is not only are they strikingly beautiful, but, if cared for properly, their blooms can last for months on end- allowing you to be surrounded by beautiful flowers, but not breaking your budget. I’ve even had some blooms last as long as four months! This orchid in our guest bedroom, pictured below, has provided these beautiful blooms for about three months now…
Depending on where you go, orchids can really range in prices. Orchids tend to be quite pricey at a florists shop… If you can find an orchid wholesaler in your area, they tend to be much more affordable. I go to Pac8 Orchids in Los Angeles. It is orchid heaven- an entire warehouse filled to the brim with gorgeous blooms at wholesale prices.
Last week I bought this purple phalaenopsis orchid at Trader Joe’s (pictured on my dining room table, above) for only $12.99...
My secret to keeping them alive and beautiful for months on end? I water my orchids once a week and let them sit in the sink for about a half hour until the water has completely drained through the plant. This way, the water does not become stagnant and the roots stay moist and healthy. Also, I keep them out of direct sunlight and give them plenty of love with monthly “feedings”. Most orchid enthusiasts have their own secret to keeping their plants gorgeous… what’s yours?
Pac 8 orchids is located at 3532 Overland Ave., Los Angeles, CA
For information on Trader Joe’s, please visit: www.traderjoes.com
6 comments:
I love orchids, and I am NOT a fussy plant person.
Trader Joe's is the most common source for me, though there is a local grower who offers plants at farmer's markets, and they are a good, inexpensive source as well.
As for care, I also water once a week, a good soak and then a full drain. My blooms frequently last for months, and they really do prefer INDIRECT light--after all, they grow in the leaf canopy of the rainforest.
Best advice? Buy a healthy plant! :)
Hi Scent- YES that is a huge factor that I forgot to include in this posting- a healthy plant. Also, I try to pick ones that have only half bloomed so I know the blooms will last longer...
Oh man do I wish I could keep plants, but trust me on this, I have the black plague thumb of gardening. I killed rosemary in California! Still the boyfriend got me flowers when I had my wisdom teeth taken out.
Jena- lol! Well it's pretty hard to kill rosemary in California but I still think you should give orchids a try. Once you get the hang of it they are easy to keep and you just might surprise yourself! Hope you feel better...
Orchids are so beautiful aren't they. You sound like you're very good with them. I have had a couple that lasted a long time but one that died after a couple of weeks. I think if they have been kept in the cold before you get them it's quite hopeless.
Your home look lovely by the way!
Thanks Rose- I think I share the same passion in interiors that you do :)
Yes, temperature definitely affects the orchid... sometimes you don't know what you are getting if it has had to endure several temperature changes...
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