{"id":3327,"date":"2010-05-06T21:13:24","date_gmt":"2010-05-07T05:13:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.aboutorchids.com\/blog\/?p=3327"},"modified":"2010-09-29T08:51:24","modified_gmt":"2010-09-29T16:51:24","slug":"choosing-a-gift-orchid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.aboutorchids.com\/blog\/2010\/05\/06\/choosing-a-gift-orchid\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing a Gift Orchid"},"content":{"rendered":"

With a bewildering variety of orchid choices for Mother’s Day, it helps to know some basics. Commonly sold orchids have varying charms and care needs, and you wanna pick what mama’s gonna like. For example, if mom likes bright colors, you might try Phals, or Moth Orchids<\/a>. They can delight with weeks or even months of blooms, and don’t mind low light<\/a>. Or, she may prefer bright yellow Oncidiums<\/a>, with masses of small flowers. The nickname “Dancing Lady Orchids” aptly describes their arching sprays of flowers moving in a breeze.<\/p>\n

\"Moth<\/a>\"Moth<\/a>\"Oncidium<\/a><\/p>\n

Maybe mom’s style is better suited for Paphs, or Lady Slippers<\/a>, which have solitary flowers that make a bold statement. They’re as exotic as they come, and can grow in low light. Epidendrums<\/a> also make bold statements with colorful balls of flowers, but they need brighter light.<\/p>\n

\"Lady<\/a>\"Lady<\/a>\"Epidendrum<\/a><\/p>\n

Does mom prefer fragrant flowers? Elegant Cattleyas<\/a> are the classic corsage orchids, with large blooms and sweet scents. Dendrobiums<\/a> offer exotic flowers in a wide range of dramatic shapes and colors, and some varieties are fragrant.<\/p>\n

\"Cattleya<\/a>\"Cattleya<\/a>\"Dendrobium<\/a><\/p>\n

Finally, if mom prefers really low maintenance, there are many beautiful orchid books<\/a>. A few of my favorites include:<\/p>\n