Flower library · Vase and office
Orchid
The cut orchid sold in most Indian cities is the Dendrobium, a long arching spray of purple, white or bicolour flowers. It is one of the longest-lasting cut flowers and is used widely in hotels, offices and weddings. Most stems are imported, though some are grown in India.
Dendrobium hybrids (the common cut orchid in India) · Dendrobium · Dendrobium orchid
Season
Year round, since most stems are imported and polyhouse production runs through the year.
Vase life
10–14 days in a vase
Colours
Purple, White, Pink, Bicolour purple and white, Green, Yellow
Grown in
Most cut orchids sold in India are imported, largely from Thailand. Some Dendrobium is grown in India, mainly in the North-East and in Kerala, with smaller polyhouse production elsewhere.
01
How to pick fresh
Family Orchidaceae
- aA Dendrobium spray has 6–12 flowers along a thin, arching stem of 40–60 cm, with buds at the tip. Each flower is 5–8 cm across with a distinct lip.
- bPick sprays with most of the lower flowers open and a few buds at the tip. The flowers should be firm and slightly waxy.
- cAvoid sprays with translucent, wrinkled or brown-edged flowers, or with dropped buds at the tip.
- dCut orchids are often sold with a small water tube on each stem. Check that the tube still holds water.
- eFresh flowers stand out from the stem. Flowers that hang limp or fold at the lip are old.
02
Keeping it fresh
- Take the stems out of their water tubes, recut 1–2 cm at an angle, and put them in a clean vase straight away.
- Change the water every two days and recut the stems each time.
- Keep orchids away from fruit bowls and cigarette smoke. Ethylene from ripening fruit causes buds to drop and flowers to wilt.
- Mist the flowers lightly in dry weather or in AC rooms, and keep them out of direct sun and draughts.
- Remove individual flowers as they fade; the rest of the spray keeps going.
03
Where it is used
- Orchids are used in hotel lobbies and office receptions for their long vase life and clean look.
- Weddings use them in stage décor, bridal bouquets and table centres.
- A few sprays in a slim vase work well on dining tables and consoles at home.
- They are a common choice for corporate gift bouquets.
- The home Weekly Flower Subscription includes orchids and lilies.
04
Orchid in your city
Pune's mild climate suits cut orchids, and sprays commonly last two weeks.
Delhi's dry air in summer and in heated winter rooms can wrinkle orchid flowers, so mist them lightly and keep them away from heaters.
Indore's dry summers call for light misting and daily water checks.
Chandigarh's cool winters give orchids a long vase life; keep them away from room heaters.
Orchids handle Mumbai's humidity well, and sprays often last longer there than in drier cities.
Bangalore's mild weather gives cut orchids a long vase life.
Hyderabad's summer heat and dry air shorten vase life; keep sprays in a cool room and mist them.
Ahmedabad's dry heat wrinkles the flowers, so keep orchids in an AC room away from the vent and mist lightly.
Orchids suit Kolkata's humidity, though the vase water should still be changed every two days.
05
Get it delivered
06
Questions
How long do cut orchids last?
About ten to fourteen days, often longer in mild weather. They are one of the longest-lasting cut flowers.
Why are the buds on my orchid dropping?
Bud drop is usually caused by ethylene from ripening fruit, smoke or exhaust, or by a sudden change of temperature. Move the vase away from fruit and draughts, and recut the stems.
Should I keep cut orchids in the small water tubes?
The tubes are meant for transport. Take the stems out, recut them and place them in a vase of clean water.
Where do cut orchids in India come from?
Most are imported, largely from Thailand. Some Dendrobium is grown in India, mainly in the North-East and Kerala.
Begin with a visit
Request a proposal
Tell us about the space, or send photos on WhatsApp. We send a written proposal with a fixed price.
hi@gardenandacre.com