The elegance of an orchid has always enchanted me; however, for some time its mystique and allure kept me at bay as I was worried I wouldn’t provide it with the proper care. So when I ventured to finish my home and create a truly “grown-up” space as I discussed in this post, I put my apprehensions aside and vowed to care for the plant I have longed to welcome into my home.

Upon realizing an orchid symbolizes of love, luxury and beauty, I became determined to finesse my green thumb in order to properly care for this gem of Mother Nature.

Did you know that orchids existed in the wild while the dinosaurs roamed the Earth? And as so many plants, along with the dinosaurs, vanished never to exist again, the orchid remained and continued to adapt and thrive. Serious orchid collecting, however, didn’t begin until the 18th century, and to possess one was to reveal one’s wealth as they were very rare and quite expensive.

Without question, the orchid is an invest when it comes to a houseplant, but for as little as $50 you can welcome the outdoors into your home and feel as though a touch of luxury is gracing your interiors. With more than 35,000 orchid species, bedecked in an array of colors and sizes, if you are in the market for an orchid, you can buy them online or speak to your local florist and they can buy one for you.

 ~see the entire dining room here, including shopping details~

I am so happy with what Holly’s Flowers found for me. Stretching tall for more than three feet, the white classic phalaenopsis that holds its own in the corner of my dining room exceeds my decor expectations. Below are basic care instructions for properly pampering your new orchid.

How to Care for an Orchid:

1. Watering – water every 5-12 days as you do not want root rot.

2. Fertilizing – look for products that contain nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), along with trace elements such as iron.

3. Light – Light is crucial for growing a vibrant plant. Avoid direct sunlight, but make sure it does receive light otherwise the plant may not produce flowers. Ideally, place behind curtains or window binds in order for the plant to receive indirect light or filtered sunshine.

4. Temperature – a day/night differentiation of temperatures should be at least 10 degrees (Fahrenheit). Ideal temperatures for flowering plants: night – 55-65 (60-62 is ideal), day – 70-80 degrees (90-95 is too hot).

5.  Fertilizing – When the flowers are no longer blooming, and you still have a very healthy plant (the leaves are thick and green and are not becoming wrinkled or drooping), in order to promote more flowers from growing and blooming, cut the old flower stem up high, just above a node (a distinct joint or notch on an inflorescence, stem, or pseudobulb from which a flower stem, leaves, or roots can emerge). Have patience and continue to care for your plant, and in time, you will see your plant flower again.

6. Roots – ventiliation for the roots is necessary to void root rot. My florist, actually advised placing the styrofoam popcorn in the bottom of the pot and then placing the plant and roots on top as the “popcorn” absorbs excess water. And I’ll tell you a quick secret, I didn’t have “popcorn”, so I used old corks.

~Note: for more detailed care instructions and a look at a variety of different orchids, click here.

~PETIT PLAISIRS FROM THE ARCHIVES:

~No. 11 . . . my favorite simple luxury for simple “me time”

~No. 8 . . . a simple, yet luxurious way to welcome flowers into your home

~No. 7 . . . a chocolate lover’s recipe