Orchids in commerce

One orchid genus, Vanilla, is commercially important, used as a foodstuff flavoring, the source of vanilla. The underground tubers of terrestrial orchids are ground to a powder and used for cooking, such as in the hot beverage salep or the so-called "fox-testicle ice cream". The scent of orchids is frequently used by perfumists to identify potential fragrance chemicals. With these exceptions, orchids have virtually no commercial value other than for the enjoyment of the flowers.

There are a great number of tropical and subtropical orchids, and these are the most commonly known, as they are available at nurseries and through orchid clubs across the world. There are also quite a few orchids which grow in colder climates, although these are less often seen on the market. Temperate species available at nurseries include bee orchid, fragrant orchid, pyramidal orchid and common spotted orchid.

The family of orchids is remarkably diverse. The plants found in "casual" culture represent a tiny fraction of the thousands of species of orchids. Also within the Orchidaceae are "leafless" orchids, which often appear as nothing more than masses of roots, achlorophyllous orchids that are entirely reliant upon their mycorrhizal symbiont for their nutrition, "jewel" orchids with foliage that is as pretty as their flowers, and so many others that are capable of affecting the most dedicated of growers very deeply.

The Secret Language of flowers

Learn the language of flowers and unlock the mystery! Many popular flowers have a unique meaning, below we've listed several. Now you can easily create a gift with that extra thoughtful touch.

Amaryllis - Pastoral poetry.
Aster - Daintiness & love. Fidelity.
Azalea - Take care of yourself for me. Fragile passion.
Bells of Ireland - Good luck.
Bittersweet - Truth.
Cactus - Endurance.
Camellia - Admiration. Perfection.
Carnation (general) - Fascination. Love. Distinction.
Carnation (red) - Deep love & affection.
Carnation (pink) - I'll never forget you. A mother's undying love.
Carnation (purple) - Capriciousness.
Carnation (green) - Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Carnation (white) - Sweet & lovely. Innocence. Pure love. Good luck.
Cattail - Peace. Prosperity.
Chrysanthemum - Cheerfulness & rest. You're a wonderful friend.
Chrysanthemum (red) - Love. Good luck & best wishes.
Chrysanthemum (white) - Truth.
Chrysanthemum (yellow) - Slighted love.
Daffodil - Regard. You're the only one.
Daisy - Innocence. Purity. Gentleness. Loyal love.
Delphinium - Open heart. Ardent attachment.
Gardenia - You're lovely. Secret love.
Gladiolus - Remembrance. Sincerity.
Heather - Admiration. Solitude.
Hyacinth (purple) - I'm sorry. Please forgive me.
Hyacinth (pink) - Play.
Hyacinth (white) - Loveliness. I'll pray for you.
Hydrangea - Thank you for understanding.
Iris - Faith. Hope. Wisdom & valor. My compliments.
Ivy - Wedded love. Fidelity. Affection.
Larkspur - Lightness & swiftness.
Lily (general) - Purity of the heart.
Lily (calla) - Beauty.
Lily (tiger) - Wealth.
Lily (white) - Innocence & purity. Sweetness. Majesty.
Lily (yellow) - Gratitude & gaiety.
Lily of the Valley - Sweetness. Return to happiness. Humility.
Magnolia - Nobility.
Mistletoe - Kiss me. Affection. To surmount difficulties.
Orchid - Love. Beauty. Refinement. Wisdom.
Orchid (cattleya) - Mature charm.
Peony - Happy marriage.
Petunia - Your presence soothes me.
Poppy - Eternal sleep. Imagination.
Primrose - I can't live without you.
Rose (bridal) - Happy love.
Rose (coral) - Desire.
Rose (dark pink) - Thankfulness.
Rose (dark crimson) - Mourning.
Rose (lavender) - Enchantment. Love at first sight.
Rose (peach) - Modesty.
Rose (orange) - Fascination. Enthusiasm.
Rose (red) - I love you. Respect.
Rose (pale pink) - Grace. Joy. Admiration.
Rose (white) - Innocence. Spiritual love & purity.
Rose (yellow) - Joy & gladness. Friendship.
Snapdragon - Gracious. Fascinating. Protection from evil.
Stock - Bonds of affection. Promptness.
Stephanotis - Happiness in marriage. Desire to travel.
Sunflower - Power. Warmth. Nourishment.
Tulip (general) - Gift from a perfect lover. Love.
Tulip (red) - Irresistible love. Believe me. Declaration of love.
Tulip (yellow) - Hopeless love.
Violet - Faithfulness. Modesty.
Zinnia (mixed) - Thinking of an absent friend.

Flower Care

Light: Flowering plants thrive on sunshine, so the more you can provide the better they like it. If you have the option, place them near an easterly or southerly facing window.
Temperature: Most flowering plants prefer temperatures in the 55 - 70 degree range (Fahrenheit).
Watering: Inspect soil daily and add water when the soil feels dry to the touch. When watering, wet the soil all the way through.
Fertilizing: If you keep your flowering plants longer than 5 weeks, plant food/fertilizer should be added. Most garden centres can recommend a suitable fertilizer.

Lily of the Valley:

Common Names: Lily of the Valley, May Lily, Convallaria, Our Lady's Tears, Convall-Lily, Lily Constancy, Ladder-to-Heaven, Jacob's Ladder, Male Lily

Description: The Lily of the Valley has broad, spear-like foliage and fragrant little white bell-shaped flowers. While it’s a popular garden perennial, the Lily of the Valley has seen increasing popularity as a cut flower, especially in wedding bouquets.

Orchid:

Common Names: Orchid, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Oncidium, Cattleya, Phalaenopsis

Description: Throughout the world, more than 17,000 species are known, and varieties vary in size and shape. Oncidium blossoms are 1 1/2 to 1 inch and are usually yellow with orange-red markings. Cattleya blossoms are large, ruffled and usually 5 to 6 inches across in white or purple with contrasting throats. Phalaenopsis have moth- or butterfly-shaped flowers in colors such as white, pink, purple and bicolors. Cymbidium and dendrobium flowers have a butterfly-like shape and are 3 to 4 inches acress. The larger of the two, cymbidiums are white, yellow, green or lavender with pink or red lips, while dendrobiums are often white or lavender.