|
|
Overcome the fear factor, and enjoy this
gorgeous flower throughout the holidays.
Christmas abounds with
blooms-poinsettias, paper whites, and
amaryllis are all traditional staples.
However, another flower waiting in the
wings to become a holiday favorite may
come as a surprise. Orchids are the new
seasonal darling. Affordable, easy to
care for, and long-lasting, these plants
adapt to a number of styles. You can
dress one up in supreme elegance or take
it in a more casual direction.
What was once an exclusive,
exotic, hard-to-find
plant now has a new image. Notice these
changes, and before you know it, you'll
be hooked.
Orchids are abundant. Look for them at
mass-market retailers, garden shops,
florists, and grocery stores. Choose
from many selections with myriad flower
shapes, sizes, and colors.
Orchids are inexpensive. You can find
small 4-inch pots for as little as $12,
and 6-inch containers begin at around
$18. While this may seem like more than
pocket change, remember that they will
bloom for at least two months. Few other
flowers perform so beautifully for so
long. |
Easy Care
Orchids are some of the best blooming
houseplants a novice can try-delicate,
dainty flowers belie this plant's
tough-as-nails nature. Follow these
steps, and discover how simple they are.*
Place orchids in bright light-not
direct sun, but somewhere you can
comfortably read during the day without
extra illumination.
* Avoid cold drafts. A brisk breeze
doesn't readily damage open flowers but
does cause unopened buds to drop.
* Give the plants a
thorough drink once a week with
room-temperature water. Place
the pots in the sink, and drench
the soil. Mist the leaves, and
shake the plants to shed excess
moisture. When the orchids have
completely drained, put them back in
their decorative containers.
Holiday Decor
Personal Christmas styles tap into
family traditions, memories, regional
attitudes, and budgets. Orchids adapt to
a wide range of fashions, depending on
the preferred look.
They make wonderful companions to
silver. Line your bowl or compote with
plastic for moisture protection, put the
orchid's pot in place, and fill in
around the top with Spanish moss. Wind
sparkling glass-bead garland around the
top for another decorative layer,
draping it over the edge.
For a different approach, group an
orchid assortment on your mantel. When a
casual look is appropriate, cover the
potting medium with lush green moss.
Attach some around the pot's rim with a
glue gun, and add a few glass ornaments
around the leaves. Remove the plant
stake supporting the bloom, and
introduce a pine or fir branch in its
place. Additional cut greenery, potted
ferns such as maidenhair, and ornaments
on the mantel pull this easygoing yet
lush look together.
Guilt-Free Goodbye
After the holidays, we're accustomed to
disposing of poinsettias and some forced
bulbs when they've given their all. The
only difference with orchids is that the
flowers last well into January and
February. But once they're through, if
you cannot imagine hanging on to your
plants until next year, pass them along
to a friend who might enjoy making them
rebloom.
Give yourself a treat, and try this
genial, glorious plant. It offers a
great holiday look with no fuss and
blooms right into the New Year, by
Riley, Ellen Ruoff
|
