Wild orchids can be found in different parts of the world, on almost any continent, except that such luxury is not found in Antarctica. And everywhere people consider her the personification of the most beautiful feelings and qualities. Until recently, this beauty was just a dream for most gardeners, but today, despite its whimsicality and capriciousness, it is found among many lovers of house plants.
But an orchid is not only a plant with unusual, delicate flowers created by nature. For centuries people have believed in its unearthly origin, composed legends and tales, and associated it with mysticism. It is not surprising that today modern flower growers are confident that the shape, appearance and even color of an orchid are important and should be taken into account when choosing a pet - for the home or as a gift.
Orchid flower meaning
If you look into the scientific literature, it turns out that this plant is a representative of the orchid family, belongs to the class of monocots and the type of asparagus. In Russian, the family that includes this incredibly luxurious flower, recognized throughout the world as an aristocrat among other plants, is called more than trivially - orchis. Actually, the translation of the name of the flower from ancient Greek cannot be called beautiful either - “orchis” means “testicle”, so it was named because of its rounded rhizomes. But in Latin, “orchid” sounds much more noble - “originating from God.”
Of course, both names have a right to exist, but what the orchid symbolizes in Latin - and this is no more, no less, but “the highest perfection” - does not at all fit with a simple “testicle”.
In different countries, the orchid flower has different meanings related to cultural characteristics:
Vietnam
In the country, the time of blooming of these luxurious flowers coincides with the celebration of the New Year according to the lunar calendar. This period occurs at the beginning of spring and the orchid is a symbol of warmth, love, and renewal for the Vietnamese. Its incredible aroma intoxicates, causes passion and boiling in the blood.
European countries
Here the orchid is innocence itself, a symbol of perfection and elegance.
Latin American countries
In many states, the flower not only has a huge symbolic load, but it also acts as a national symbol. It was and continues to be used in rituals, for making amulets and amulets.
China
The Chinese associate the main meaning of the orchid with its ability to disperse dark forces and protect against them. Archaeologists have discovered images of a flower dating back to 500 BC. e. Around the same time, Confucius, in one of his treatises, compared “the words of beloved friends to the most delicate aroma of orchids.”
Greece
For the Greeks there was no more sacred plant than the orchid. It becomes clear that the orchid was not just a part of many cultures, but occupied a significant place in them.
The meaning of flowers of different colors
To bring love and beauty is the main meaning of an orchid in the modern world, however, as it turns out, the meaning of a plant is influenced by its color.
- White is a symbol of creativity; it helps people clearly perceive the benefits and harms of their own words and actions. In addition, a white flower is associated with concepts such as purity, innocence and tenderness.
- Red and ruby shades - associated with purity of thoughts and passion. Its roots have long been used for rituals associated with attracting the attention of a significant other. As ancient beliefs say, a flower with red petals will definitely help you achieve mutual love and push you to take decisive action, even if a person is rather lazy and leisurely.
- Pink - its goal is to fill a person’s life with beauty, pleasure and get rid of all sorts of problems and troubles.
- Yellow and orange - awakens people to action - decisive, without unnecessary thoughts and doubts. Flowers of sunny shades can inspire a person and help in creative endeavors.
- Blue and blue - rare species of orchids, originally obtained through selection by Dutch and American flower growers, are the personification of spirituality and contemplation.
- Purple is a symbol of deification, admiration and veneration.
- Green is a delicate plant that brings happiness, prosperity and luck. It also promises good health, a long and fruitful life.
Regardless of color, any of the orchids is capable of influencing a person’s mood and desires, but this is done delicately and unobtrusively.
Symbolism of colors
Considering the meaning of an orchid flower, it is worth noting that each shade can symbolize something different.
Blue, blue - uniqueness and originality, since this flower is very rare (given to parents, chosen ones).
Red – passion, fire (given to loved ones).
Motley - passion (unspoken meaning - a man offers a serious relationship).
Green – happiness, good luck.
Orange – courage, enthusiasm (suitable for any event).
Yellow – positive (suitable for colleagues, friends).
Is an orchid a female flower?
There is a common belief that this is an exclusively “female” flower, but this is not entirely true. Although she is the patroness of the fair sex and helps them make the world more beautiful, brighter and cleaner, orchid is not contraindicated for men.
To say more, this plant often acts as a talisman for long-term love relationships. And bouquets of these luxurious flowers are considered an ideal wedding talisman, enhancing the feelings of the groom - he is literally re-enchanted by his beloved holding delicate petals in her hands.
Watering phalaenopsis
Regardless of whether orchids are yellow or white, they all love moisture, but this does not mean that the substrate should be turned into a swamp. You need to let it dry completely, then wait another day or two and only then water it. When the roots are full of moisture, they are green; when they are already dry, they are gray. The intensity of watering depends on the air temperature and lighting, everything is strictly individual, adapt to your conditions.
The best air humidity for orchids is in the range of 60-80%, the extreme acceptable norm is 40%. Use wet gravel or expanded clay in a tray or spray, but avoid getting excess moisture on the leaves and especially the flowers.
Why is the orchid considered an insidious plant?
Considering the centuries-old history of the flower, it is not surprising that there are a lot of rumors and speculation surrounding it. Some of them literally discourage any desire to have such exotic vegetation in the house and, at the same time, most often do not have any evidence behind them.
For example, the flower has acquired the reputation of an “energy vampire”, which literally draws “all the juices” out of the inhabitants of the house. Moreover, even Taoist teaching does not dispute this theory, although it encourages the breeding of various flowers. Plant growers have studied this phenomenon in detail and found out that in certain types of orchids, pollen has a mild sedative, soothing effect.
The second reason for the appearance of the ominous nickname is the ability of some orchids to grow without soil - on the trunk and branches of trees, cobblestones, and clods of dry grass. They feed thanks to an aerial root system. The same species include the phalaenopsis orchid - the most unpretentious and frequently occurring flower of this species. It seemed to people that the plant could “parasitize” living organisms in this way - people and animals, feeding on juices and energy. Naturally, the flower does not have such abilities.
But you can also hear how this representative of the orchid family is called “husband”. Yes, it is considered a female plant, supporting the beauty and attractiveness of women, but it does not drive away the stronger sex... However, there is a bad omen - it is believed that the orchid makes men and boys effeminate, weak, and effeminate.
Actually, if the gardener is embarrassed by this superstition, you should not completely abandon such beauty; it is enough not to place the flower in the married bedroom and sons’ nursery. The owner of an exotic plant should be wary if the plant withers and gets sick - this is a sure signal that a significant crisis is coming in the family. But you shouldn’t think that in this way the orchid spreads negative energy; on the contrary, it warns of possible problems.
Feeding with fertilizers
Fertilizers must be applied during the period of most intensive growth. Use special complex preparations that are created for orchids. If they are not available, then you can use any other fertilizer for flowering indoor plants. But the concentration should be reduced by 2 or 3 times. Do not water very young plants or those that have recently been transplanted with fertilizer. Keep in mind that nitrogen promotes green growth, while potassium and phosphorus help with flower bud formation and flowering.
The relationship of Taoist practice to orchids
The teachings of Feng Shui positively evaluate these plants; according to the recommendations of the Taoists, it is possible to grow orchids in your home, but by following some rules and taking into account a number of nuances. Naturally, it is important to care for fastidious beauties so that they become home decorations and effective talismans and amulets.
A sick, wasting orchid will not be able to provide the inhabitants of the home with positive energy, or be a symbol of youth and good mood. To do this, she needs to be healthy, strong, blooming.
In addition, according to Feng Shui, the orchid should be located in a certain place in the room:
- in the southeastern part - to success and financial well-being, the orchid will help to achieve the favor of fortune;
- in the southwest - ideal for a family home; the flower will help restore subsided feelings and passions, will be a talisman for calm, friendly relations and mutual understanding between spouses; It is better to give preference to red and ruby orchids;
- in the east - it is recommended to place an orchid in this part of the house for people who care about health - their own and those of their loved ones; many ancient peoples believed that the orchid could improve well-being, give strength to fight diseases, give vigor and strength; for these purposes, it is better to choose flowers that are white or any light shade;
- in the northern part - as a rule, this direction is used for business meetings, which means the flower should help make the right decision and tune in to the appropriate wave; It is believed that an orchid is a symbol of prosperity, stable income, and a successful career;
- northwestern side - a plant located in this way will help improve damaged relationships with relatives and loved ones.
An orchid is a multifaceted source of energy that can release its power by sharing it with others. Of course, if you help the plant and place it in the “right” place. The orchid pot can be placed in the bathroom if there is a source of natural light and in the living room. It would be a good idea for a yellow and orange flower to have a place in a creative workshop - it will maintain the appropriate atmosphere and encourage the owner to undertake unconventional and bold experiments.
Orchid - when and to whom can you give it?
Undoubtedly, when an orchid is given as a gift, it delights the recipient. However, various kinds of superstitions and signs make many people doubt whether this flower is an appropriate gift? In fact, if you take into account some features, the plant will turn out to be not just good, but a wonderful, memorable gift:
- blue or blue orchid - you can present your mother or lady with hearts, thereby confirming that they are unique and inimitable, like this rare flower;
- red - a color that signals passion and is given as a declaration of love;
- pink - an excellent gift for a woman or girl for any occasion, perfect for wedding bouquets;
- white - appropriate to give to mommy for the birth of a baby; and also suitable for creative individuals - artists, musicians, poets, whose works are not devoid of sadness and melancholy;
- purple is a symbol of respect and admiration, therefore, it can be given to a colleague, mentor, parents and other people who evoke similar feelings; not suitable for young girls;
- yellow - a good, cheerful and positive gift for colleagues, friends, buddies;
- orange - suitable as gifts for any positive event, symbolizes courage, pride, enthusiasm;
- green - with it happiness and good luck come to the house, therefore, you can present it to people who want to wish it with all your heart;
- motley - it screams about the passion of the giver, it is considered an unspoken proposal for a more serious relationship.
As you can see, this flower can be given as a gift - it sometimes turns out to be more eloquent than words.
Errors when leaving
- The leaves of the orchid have become darker, growth has slowed down greatly, and flower stalks are not formed. These are signs of a lack of light; it is necessary to move the flower to a more illuminated place, but without direct sunlight.
- If the orchid is yellow (peduncle or leaves in varying degrees of severity) and grows poorly, then this indicates a lack of mineral and organic substances, it’s time to feed it.
- Orchid flowers have drooped or the buds are falling off without even opening. There may be several reasons: poor aeration (the room needs to be ventilated), strong temperature changes between day and night.
- The orchid grows slowly, and the leaves fall off while still small. The reason is too high temperatures at night.
- The orchid leaves have drooped and lost turgor, the pseudobulb is strongly wrinkled. There can be two options - excess or lack of moisture. Carefully inspect the roots: if they are dense, increase watering. If they are soft and jelly-like, then stop watering, remove the blackened areas and replant the plant in a drier substrate.
Don't believe prejudices and ridiculous rumors. A bouquet of yellow orchids or a potted plant would make a wonderful gift. And in China they are generally presented to the closest people, loved ones and friends. Charming sun-colored orchids are now very actively used in wedding bouquets. It always looks very bright, festive and life-affirming.
Bouquet with orchids
Most often, these beautiful flowers act “solo” - they are completely self-sufficient and do not need a spectacular addition. However, they also look good with other representatives of the flower world:
- with freesia - a fragile and sophisticated orchid goes well with an elegant and aristocratic freesia; in a bouquet it is better to use flowers with long stems;
- with roses - such a bouquet will look royally luxurious, but not pretentious, a girl can walk down the aisle with this, bringing both wisdom and innocence into the newly created family;
- with peonies - these large, round flowers add volume to the bouquet; this combination will be an excellent option for a bride dressed in a lush princess outfit; florists recommend not to be afraid to play with contrasts, combining bright flowers with light ones, for example, snow-white orchids with crimson peonies;
- with callas - two flowers with an unusual shape together create incredibly spectacular, harmonious bouquets; if you take plants of the same shades, the bouquet can look almost uniform; if you experiment with contrasts, the combination can turn out to be daring and playful;
- with alstroemeria - a combination for brave, strong-willed people with an active lifestyle.
