Get the Best Orchids by for Your Home by Following these Tips

1. June 7, 2017 Get the Best Orchids by for Your Home by Following these Tips Looking for orchids to buy can seem like an easy task. However, there have been several occasions where people have blindly bought plants and flowers that they didn’t get to enjoy for very long just because they didn’t pick the right one. It is important to take steps to ensure you are purchasing the best and healthiest orchid--possibly one that will thrive and survive when placed in your garden or home setting. Here are some things you should do before selecting one. P a g e 1 | 3

2. Check the Roots The state of the roots will give you an idea of how healthy an orchid is. Ideally, this is the first thing you should investigate when looking for these flowers. Healthy roots should be firm and plump when touched and should be green or white in colour. If they are overly soft or have a mushy texture to them then this could mean that they have been overwatered. Smell and Look at Your Plant You can usually tell if a plant is unhealthy just by looking at it or smelling it, so carry out a test on your orchid. A foul odor is an indicator that the plant is going bad. Also, check to see that the flowers are radiant and positioned well on the foliage. They should have no blemishes or visible fungal presence either. Determining the health of your orchid by looking at the leaves can be tricky sometimes, especially because there are so many variations. Some orchids have thin leaves while others have fleshy ones. Variations like the ghost orchid don’t have any leaves at all. However, in general, leaves should have a light coloring with a yellowish-green hue and thick flesh. Find Out the Specific Name As trivial as this might sound, it might interest you to know exactly what type of plant you are growing to give it the best care. Always opt for plants labelled with its specie type and hybrid name, rather than just ‘orchid’. Different types of orchids may require specific care instructions. Take Note of the Blooms It can be tempting to buy orchids with every single one of its blooms already opened but it’s better to go for ones with unopened blooms. Some plant blooms tend to last for around a month or longer so if you purchase one with closed blooms, you can get to watch it gradually blossom. This also allows you to enjoy its beauty for much longer. Taking the time to carry out quick checks on the look and feel of your orchid, as well as smelling and analyzing the roots will give you a good indicator of how healthy your plant is. Your local florist will be able to tell you more about orchids P a g e 2 | 3

3. About River Oaks Plant House: We stock a range of beautiful flowers such as roses, orchids and more, which are perfect for different occasions. We provide services for weddings, corporate events, bar mitzvahs and general gifting. Our florist and landscaping services can be tailored to your needs, which makes us number one in Houston. Sources: TheSpruce.com, Shopping For Orchids Aos.org, What Should I Look For When I Buy An Orchid P a g e 3 | 3