It is a majestic plant, which sits naturally on a table, a shelf or a windowsill.
The orchid requires a lot of attention but its slender appearance makes it a perfect gift.
Still, don't get the color wrong.
Follow our guide.
What is the history of the orchid?
From the Orchidaceae family and from Asia, the orchid is a tropical and subtropical indoor plant whose etymological origin comes from the Latin word
orchis
, itself borrowed from the Greek
orchidion,
in French testicle, in reference to the shape of some protruding roots.
The orchid represents fertility.
On the maintenance side, it requires a non-direct sunny exposure.
Its roots should preferably be placed in a transparent pot and in calcareous soil watered about once a week, avoiding stagnant water.
With its large intense green leaves and its long stem on which several buds unfurl, revealing butterfly-shaped flowers, the orchid is an impressive indoor plant.
According to the National Museum of Natural History, there are over
30,000 wild species and over 100,000
man-made hybrids.
The most common species is the Phalaenopsis orchid, nicknamed "butterfly orchid" because of the shape of its flowers.
Did you know ?
The smallest model orchid, the
bulbophyllum minutissimum
, measures about four millimeters.
When and to whom to offer an orchid?
Symbol of love and purity, the orchid, with its slender and refined look, is an ideal gift, less classic than roses or tulips.
It can be offered on different occasions: invitations to dinner, birth, visit of a sick person...
To celebrate
55 years of marriage, orchid weddings
, it is perfect.
In bereavement, according to Best Funeral Directors, a composition of white and red orchids symbolizes "a final tribute."
Read alsoOrchids: 10 mistakes to avoid
What color of orchid to offer?
Plain, two-tone, speckled… there are many varieties of orchids, not to mention hybrids.
An original species, the jewel orchid owes its name to the beauty of its leaves more than to its flowering.
The bamboo orchid is a collection plant that must be kept in a greenhouse.
To make the best choice, the language of flowers can help you.
white orchid
Like a dove, this color symbolizes purity, elegance and serenity, pure love, but also joy.
Fuchsia or pink orchid
It represents a message of tenderness, sweetness, elegance, seduction.
purple orchid
Its soft and subtle color delivers a statement of respect or admiration.
yellow orchid
Like a sun, it represents joy, enthusiastic friendship, a new beginning.
orange orchid
Less frequent than the other shades, it has the function of conveying a more particular notification, of pride or audacity.
blue orchid
Its color is not natural but due to chemical manipulation, with artificial coloring.
It evokes hope after a friendship or a love story that would have ended, a reconciliation.
