Brooklyn Orchids

Subscribe to Brooklyn Orchids + Let’s Get Social

July 12, 2014 No Comments

In the coming weeks you may notice some tweaks to my site here and there, such as the new “subscribe” feature (thanks to Lindsey from punkadotamus.com for the suggestion!). In the box on the sidebar you’ll see a box that says SIGN UP FOR EMAIL UPDATES. Enter your email address, click subscribe, and you’ll receive an email every time I publish a new post!

Now on to the main reason for this post: I’m happy to announce that you can now follow Brooklyn Orchids on a variety of social media networks! Obviously there are a million and one of these sites out there, but for now I’ve chosen the ones that I feel most comfortable with using (and have the most fun with, too!).

Facebook: Brooklyn Orchids (http://www.facebook.com/brooklynorchids)

Pinterest: BrooklynOrchids (http://www.pinterest.com/brooklynorchids/)

Instagram: BrooklynOrchids (http://instagram.com/brooklynorchids)

Twitter: @BrooklynOrchids (https://twitter.com/BrooklynOrchids)

My Twitter account has been rather…ahem…inactive as of late, but I’ll be working to remedy that.

You’ll also notice that I’ve added a Pinterest “Pin It” button to all of the images on my website. The button will appear when you hover over an image, and you can click it and pin it to any of your Pinterest boards! Speaking of Pinterest, I’m working on adding more content to my boards, but right now my own favorite boards are Orchids Terrariums + Display Cases and Whimsical Orchids.

Please do follow me on your favorite social networks for updates when I publish new blog posts and more fun orchid-related things (and probably pictures of cats, because they’re awesome)!

One last note: I’m playing around with some new features and ways of displaying things, so if you see anything weird please let me know! (Also, if you see ads on my site that you hate please tell me the link and I may block them—last week I was getting served ads on my own website from a major religious organization. NO THANK YOU.)

Have a great weekend, everyone!

How-To, Orchid Beginner Tips

How Do I Get My Orchid to Bloom Again?

July 10, 2014 4 Comments

This orchid has bloomed several times for me!

I’m willing to bet that most orchid growers are introduced to the hobby through Phalaenopsis orchids (aka moth orchids) that are already in bloom. Phals are attractive houseplants even when they’re not in bloom, but let’s be honest: when was the last time you fell in love with an out-of-bloom Phal in the store and just had to have it?

With some basic care, it’s not hard to keep a Phal alive through its blooming cycle, but once those pretty blooms fade and you cut the flower spike, how do you get an orchid to bloom again? Too many people feel intimidated at the thought and just toss the “dead” plant away. Please, I beg of you: do not throw your no-longer-blooming orchid in the garbage! Getting an orchid to re-bloom can feel challenging, but once you get the hang of it and your orchid flowers again for you, it’s SO worth the bit of work you put in. You CAN get a healthy orchid to re-bloom! Here are the basics…

Off Topic

Orchid Jewelry by Koni Creations (+ A Special Offer)

July 3, 2014 2 Comments

We orchid lovers just can’t get enough of our favorite flowers. Recently, I wrote about some of the orchid clothing that has begun to accumulate in my closet, and I now have a couple beautiful orchid accessories to add to my collection. New online jewelry company Koni Creations was kind enough to send me this lovely pair of Dendrobium Sonia earrings*, which were created by dipping orchid petals in resin:

Dendrobium Sonia Earrings by Koni Creations

How-To, Orchid Beginner Tips

What Are Aerial Roots and What Should I Do with Them?

June 28, 2014 1 Comment

If you’ve asked the question above, you are not alone! Let’s first geek out a little about words and define “aerial roots.” The prefix “aer-” is derived from the Latin word aer, which means air. So the word aerial itself is the key to unlocking the meaning. In orchids (as well as many other plants), aerial roots are roots that grow from the base of the plant upward, or out into the air, rather than down into the soil or inside the pot.

What is the purpose of aerial roots? Well, a great many types of orchids, including the most popular household orchids—Phalaenopsis—are epiphytes, as are Dendrobium, Oncidium, Vanda, Cattleya, and many many more. This term is used to describe plants that grow attached to other plants, trees, branches, stumps; in other words, epiphytes do not grow in soil. Rather, an epiphyte’s roots are exposed to the air (hence the term “aerial roots”) and cling to the surface of tree trunks and other organic matter while soaking up water and nutrients from the plant’s environment. These roots form the building blocks of the orchid and are absolutely vital to its ability to thrive.

Off Topic

Girlie Moment: Orchid Dress + Other Orchid Apparel

June 24, 2014 2 Comments

I need to take a second to talk about the fact that I’ve officially become that person who wears clothing items related to my hobby. Like many, I subscribe to several of those “flash sale” websites and occasionally I’ll spend a little time browsing for a good deal. Not long ago, I found a Jack by BB Dakota dress on Hautelook that was covered in a pretty orchid print, and I knew I had to have it. I had clicked on that particular brand’s sale because my wedding dress was BB Dakota and the fit was perfect, so I figured I’d see what else they had to offer. And this dress did not disappoint! It’s covered in Paphs and Dendrobiums, which of course only orchid nerds would really appreciate. : )

In early June, my husband and I attended the opening night gala for Celebrate Brooklyn in Prospect Park, and the dress code was “summer cocktail party.” I could not have found a more perfect dress for the event! I’ll be wearing it at another summer party tomorrow night…[Shamless plug for my husband’s business in 3…2…1…] Brooklyn Winery’s sold-out Summer Rosé Party.

Travel

First Visit to U.S. Botanic Garden + My Latest Orchid Blooms

June 7, 2014 1 Comment

Well, here I am again with yet another apology for having neglected my blog. But I have some lovely orchid photos to share with you, so hopefully I’ll be forgiven. 🙂

Over Memorial Day weekend, my husband and I went down to D.C. for a little weekend getaway and some sightseeing. Our first destination was the United States Botanic Garden, which was the first-ever visit there for the both of us. And it was oh so glorious! First of all, it was a gorgeous day, and we strolled around the outdoor rose garden, sniffing the heavily scented blooms. From there, we went on into the Conservatory, which is just a wonderland for plant lovers. While we enjoyed every part of the Conservatory, you know what my favorite portion was. I spent quite a bit of time in the orchid room, marveling at the displays of orchids both familiar and unfamiliar to me.

Of course, I took tons of pictures so I could share them with you. Here are some of my favorites: