Flowers are arguably one of the most beautiful things in the world. They are so beautiful that they are usually involved in every large event in our lives, from funerals to weddings. Orchids are particularly very popular, and if you know a thing or two about them, you must have seen that they are sold in different colors.
However, today our primary focus will be white orchid flowers. We will be talking about the meaning and value that this flower holds as well as ways on how you can grow this wonderful white flower! Keep reading to know more about white orchid flowers!
What is White Orchid Flower?
White orchids are not rare flowers unlike blue orchid flowers. They are made readily available by florists because of their high demand, so we are sure you have seen them before. Common white orchid flowers also go by the name phalaenopsis orchids. While there are many types of orchids in the world, this variation is by far the most popular, and rightfully so.
Phalaenopsis orchids are often white, but they also come in different colors. Another common name for them would be moth orchids, and the abbreviation for this flower is Phal. They come from the Orchidaceae family, and their subfamily is called Epidendroideae.
White orchids also have hundreds of tribes, but Phalaenopsis orchids, which is the most popular type, are from the Vandeae tribe. Most white orchids grow in a single direction and have one stem. So, most of them are monopodial. Some other common orchids are Cymbidium white and yellow overnight orchids and Dendrobium White orchids.
As you can tell from the name, the Cymbidium white and yellow overnight orchid does have a slight yellow to it, but it is quite subtle, so looks quite pretty. If you are looking for the whitest orchid, then the Dendrobium white orchid would be a great option for you to consider.
Orchids have been around for thousands of years, and humans have been using them for different purposes. Yes, you read that right, THOUSANDS! These flowers were first mentioned somewhere around 300 B.C. The Chinese were the first to cultivate orchids approximately 4,000 years ago.
However, after doing some research, scientists have concluded that the origin of this flower dates back to 120 MILLION years ago!
The Meaning
You may be surprised to know that there is a lot of meaning behind the white orchid flower, and it represents many things. While orchids come in various colors, the pristine white color allows you to appreciate the beauty of the flower completely and not be overwhelmed by the color itself.
This white color represents many things, and among them, purity stands out the most. The white colors, along with the flower’s lovely structure, look simple yet lovely and elegant. This beauty in the simplicity of the flower represents innocence and purity. White orchids are also often associated with beauty and humility.
You may have come across the phrase ‘the wisdom of the white orchid’ once or twice in your life. This phrase emphasizes the thought that these flowers bring wisdom to our world by making our souls purer. A lot of people consider white orchid flowers to be one of the most beautiful flowers in the world because of their wonderful meaning.
Are White Orchids Natural?
Orchids come in a variety of colors, but the truth is sometimes they are not natural. The flower plants’ stems are placed in a concentrated dye solution, and the dye then travels up to the petals and changes their color.
Hearing this might lead you to wonder whether white orchids are natural. White orchids are natural flowers, and as we have said, they have been around for millions and millions of years.
Although there are many types of white orchids that you may find, the most common three, as we have mentioned before, are Phalaenopsis orchids, Cymbidium white and yellow overnight orchids, and Dendrobium White orchids. No one makes artificial white orchids because, considering how easy it is to naturally grow them, there is no logic behind it.
How Can You Grow It?
Regardless of looking very pristine and delicate, these flowers are quite sturdy, which is why they are not very difficult to grow. They bloom all year round and are found on every continent besides Antarctica, where the weather is freezing cold.
Since Phalaenopsis orchids are the most popular type, we will give our advice to you in regards to that you will also be planting them. However, the following advice can be applied to other types of orchids as well.
Step 1: Remove the Orchid plant from the pot you bought it in
Most people buy their orchid plants from a store, and they usually come in a very small plastic pot. Therefore, you will most probably be re-potting it. When you are removing the plant from its original pot, be careful so you don’t damage it in any way. Try your best to get rid of the moss that may be on the plant.
Once you have removed the plant, you should see sturdy-looking white roots. Take a good look at the roots, and if you see any rotten parts that have blackened, make sure to snip them off with a pair of scissors.
Step 2: Re-pot the Plant
We actually would suggest you keep your orchid plant in a plastic pot because if you decide to change its pots again, then removing it will be much easier. Place the plant in the partially soil-covered pot, and then fill it up with soil.
The orchid plant should feel sturdy but not completely anchored. You don’t have to worry about that because as the roots grow, they will anchor the plant. After that, all you have to do is take good care of the plant so that orchids bloom.
Step 3: Place the Orchid plant in a Well-lit Spot and Water it Routinely
Orchids bloom well in brightly light spots, but extremely aggressive sunlight is not suitable. Hence, it would be recommended to place the orchid plant near an east-facing window.
This plant can handle drought much better than you would expect, so underwatering would not be the biggest concern. Instead, overwatering it would cause its roots to rot quickly and would stop the plant’s growth.
You should be watering your orchid plant once a week so that the soil is moist and the orchids thrive properly.
How to Care for the Flower
Now that you know how to grow white orchids, it’s time for you to know how to take care of them, so they bloom year after year. We will be giving you some general tips in this section that can be applied to all types of white orchids.
Keep it in a Brightly Lit Spot.
We’ve said this before in the previous section, but a bright environment is essential for the growth of white orchids. Keep them near East facing windows, and you should be fine. Remember to keep them out of harsh lighting because that can damage the flowers.
Water them Once every Week
Orchid plants do not need to be watered a lot, and watering them too much can cause their roots to rot. So, sparingly watering them once every week is perfect.
Try to Keep the Environment Humid
It turns out that orchids grow the best in humidity levels from 60 – 80%. So, if you live in a place where the air is dry, consider getting a humidifier. The humidifier will be great for the plant, especially in winter because that is when the humidity levels usually fall the most.
Change the Pot and Potting Mixture Every Other Year
You don’t have to get a huge pot for your white orchid plant, just make sure it’s a decent size, and if it’s plastic then it’s even better. Use a potting mixture that is manufactured for orchids, or else you won’t get the beautiful bloom you want.
Make sure to re-pot your orchid every other year along with the potting mix, so the plant blooms for several years.
Occasions where you can Give White Orchids as Gifts
There is a lot of symbolism that goes behind gifting someone white orchids. The gift-giver is showing affection and admiration for the gift recipient as they give them these flowers. It also means that you are wishing them peace and love and are showing them your pure intentions.
Oftentimes, white orchids are given to people outside of a romantic relationship. You may give them to your friends or family members as a token of admiration as well.
Because this flower has such a deep and lovely meaning, they are often used in wedding decorations. They show a sign of sophistication, and more importantly, they represent the purity, beauty, and harmony of souls.
Why do People Like White Orchids?
After reading so much about white orchids, this answer should be partially answered for you. Most certainly, people appreciate the beauty of simplicity that white orchids hold. If you have a bunch of blooming white orchids in your room, it will elevate the aesthetics of the place.
However, people like this flower more for the symbolism behind it. When someone is giving you white orchids, and as the recipient, if you know the meaning behind it, you will feel good when you get them because you will know the giver admires you.
Conclusion
As we conclude, we must agree with the statement that white orchid flowers are one of the most beautiful flowers in the world. Everything about it, starting from its appearance to its meaning, holds so much beauty.
We hope you have found our tips on how to grow orchids useful, so now you can make your house more beautiful with your own orchids. Since you know so much about this flower now, we hope you understand what it means the next time someone gives you white orchids!
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Sources for the Article:
https://www.verdissimo.com/en/news/the-wisdom-of-the-white-orchid
https://orchidrepublic.com/blogs/news/top-10-types-white-flowers
https://orchidrepublic.com/blogs/about-orchids/phalaenopsis-orchid
https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/growing-orchids/5072.html
https://www.thespruce.com/grow-orchids-indoors-1902818