Decorating with Orchids in My Home

January 27, 2018

Whenever I entertain, I always fill my home with beautiful houseplants.

Houseplants bring life to any room. I love all kinds of container plants, and over the years I have amassed quite a collection of specimens, including a wide-ranging group of orchids - all the vibrant colors and variations in shape and size make me so happy. Most of my potted plants are kept in the greenhouse, where they can be nurtured properly, especially during colder seasons and times when I’m traveling. Yesterday, Ryan selected a lovely collection of orchids and topiaries to welcome my guests this weekend.

Here are some photos - enjoy. And be sure to visit my blog Monday when I share photos from my newest book, “Martha’s Flowers, A Practical Guide to Growing, Gathering, and Enjoying”.

: My large orchid collection takes up space on two long tables in the greenhouse. Most orchid genera are epiphytic, meaning they grow on trees and rocks rather than in soil. Orchid roots need to breathe and therefore cannot live buried in dirt.

: Orchid pots with holes on the sides are specially designed to allow air to circulate through the loose medium and around the leaves and roots.

: Ryan selected these plants to decorate my home for the weekend.

: Before bringing them into the house, Ryan cleans up the leaves of each plant – water, calcium deposits and dust can often make the leaves look dull.

: He uses Pokon Leaf Shine which is made with vegetable oils and is easy to spray. Products like this are easy to find at garden supply stores.

: Ryan is careful not to get any spray on the flowers – only the leaves. These sprays are generally suitable for all foliage plants with the exception of those with soft downy leaves, ferns, and succulents.

: Once applied, the plants need a few minutes to dry, and they’re ready to move – no need to wipe individual leaves.

: This is a beautiful heirloom Cattleya – Blc. Dan O’Neil ‘Jubilee’. Cattleya is a genus with more than 100-species and numerous hybrids, which range in bloom size, color, and smell.

: Here is another one on the other side of the fireplace in my Green Parlor. Cattleyas generally bloom once a year and the blooms can last anywhere from one to three weeks or more.

: This is Dendrobium ‘Aussie chip’ x. Dendronbium atroviolaceum ‘Pygmy’ x. Dendrobium atroviolacrum ‘H&R’. Dendrobiums need lots of light, but not direct sun. A lightly shaded south window is best.

: This is a “slipper orchid” – one of my favorites. The key to growing these plants is to keep the root systems strong and healthy. These plants have no bulbs or stems to store moisture and nutrients, so it is important to maintain their roots.

: I also love decorating with topiaries – Myrtus communis ‘Compacta’ is a dwarf myrtle native to the Mediterranean region of southern Europe.

: Here is another on a side table in my “bird” room.

: I bought this orchid at the NYBG Rare Orchid Sale. It is called Cymbidium Midnight Tracey ‘Moonwalker’. Cymbidiums need a constant supply of moisture, with more during spring and summer. In winter, it should be kept barely moist.

: I just love these stunning bronze blooms – some are still waiting to open.

: Here’s a bright yellow Lady’s slipper sitting in my servery.

: I also have some cut orchid blooms on the island in my servery.

: Oncidium orchids are popular indoor orchids because of their large sprays of flowers. On the right is Oncostele Hilo ‘Firecracker’. Oncostele should be kept in medium to bright light. It also prefers warmer conditions – ideally, temperatures between 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.