When search for a great Valentine ’s Day gift , you might consider the orchid . University of Florida experts say the flower last longer than many other plant , some emit a beautiful scent , they come in a wide smorgasbord of coloring material , many are low-cost , and the plant can be tote up to a landscape tree once the blossom slice .
For example , a Phalaenopsis orchid tends to be the most popular and readily useable . It will persist in bloom for up to three months , while some other flowering plants last seven to 10 days .
In add-on to their botanic value , orchids halt mysterious symbolisation and ethnical significance in many state . In Spanish - speaking regions , they are the interior flowers in Brazil , Colombia , Costa Rica and Panama . Beyond Latin America , orchids symbolize fertility and purity in places like China , Japan , Ancient Greece and the Aztec civilisation .
Phalaenopsis orchidaceous plant
" As a Valentine ’s Day giving , orchids symbolize passion , knockout and strength , " say Lorna Bravo , urban horticulture agent for UF / IFAS Extension Broward County . " Unlike traditional fragrance , potted orchidaceous plant can last months or even years with right maintenance , serve as a long - lasting admonisher of philia . "
" Their exotic allure - unique feature such as isobilateral symmetry and intricate bloom of youth - make them singular , " Bravo say . " Orchids are also allergy - friendly , making them a thoughtful choice for tender recipients . They can be incorporated into landscapes by mount them to tree or structure , in container garden and as feature of speech in patio garden . "
In Southwest Florida , cattleyas , dendrobiums , vandas and oncidiums grow well in backyard and lanais , said Twyla Leigh , director of UF / IFAS Extension Collier County .
Dendrobium
oncidium can have interesting fragrances with some smelling like deep brown ( Oncidium ' Sharry Baby ' ) or stinker ( Oncidium ' Nelly Isler ' ) .
" Typically , these plant can be purchased from specialty orchidaceous plant nursery and orchid shows , " Leigh say . " We ’re in orchid show season . It ’s worth looking online at such places as the American Orchid Society land site for a show near you . "
With about 30,000 species , orchidaceous plant volunteer a immense variety of vividness and patterns , said Wagner Vendrame , a UF / IFAS professor of environmental horticulture and orchid investigator .
" You ca n’t really go unseasonable by generate your bed one an orchid , " Vendrame enjoin . " I can not call back of anyone who would not care that . "
" All aboriginal orchid are deal either menace or endangered , so the technique we apply help not only spread them and increase population numbers , but also bring home the bacon a means for their conservation , " Vendrame said .
For more information : UF / IFASwww.ifas.ufl.edu
