The color palette of numerous genera of orchids is vast, a literal rainbow of colors from which to choose that include red, pink, white, green, purple, orange, white, and by far the rarest of orchid colors is blue. This seems ambiguous since ‘blue’ orchids are readily available at local retail and online merchants (courtesy: naturalplanet.com).
By: John Green, Orange, Texas’ Certified Expert Gardener
Orchids are a fascinating family of plants with more than 28,000 species that are grouped into hundreds of genera. The color palette of orchids is incredible being a literal rainbow of colors which include red, pink, white, green, purple, orange, white, and by far the rarest of orchid colors, blue. The only color missing from the color kaleidoscope is black.
Several years ago, I decided to explore the realm of orchids by diving headfirst, purchasing several orchids in an array of colors and different genera. They arrived from several online merchants in pristine condition with remarkable appearance at the height of inflorescence that lasted for many weeks. Naturally, I knew nothing of orchids, convincing myself I would learn growth and species specific handling requirements while they provided their aesthetic, seated in the kitchens’ windowsill. They each flourished and once the blooms faded, the bloom spikes (stems) were each cut back to viable nodes, the plants fertilized with diluted fertilizer weekly. The idea was to coax them ‘hopefully’ to begin another inflorescence cycle. It worked for each of the six orchids, they began developing new flower spikes and grew flower buds.
Once the blooms started opening, my enthusiasm increased especially while waiting for one Phalaenopsis orchid as it demonstrated a beautiful Mediterranean blue color known as “Waterfall”. Imagine my surprise as I was completely astonished (and dismayed) as the initial bloom of the second flush was pale yellow in color? How can this be possible, I thought? Did I incorrectly label each plant? After each Phalaenopsis orchids’ marker was checked and rechecked, more in-depth research detailed the issue of the ‘miracle’ orchid who “changed color”. I absolutely had to understand how this Phalaenopsis ‘phenomenon’ occurred and why but short answer is…it was not a spectacle at all but rather a clever and unfortunately common ‘industry’ practice which as a beginner orchid grower, I was not privy too!
Phalaenopsis (or moth orchids) come in a variety of gorgeous colors and are reasonably priced and readily available. For me the most striking color is “Waterfall” blue which is best stated as captivating and stunning flowers. What this gardener did not understand is that blue orchids receive a bit of help (human intervention) to create this color. There is no such variety color as a Blue Moth orchid…since the Blue moth orchid does not exist in nature!
At this point, you may ask yourself (as I did): if blue orchids are rare how are they readily available? As with everything touched by mankind the answer is ambiguous regarding the Blue Phalaenopsis orchid…of course it is! The physical orchid plant is real and exists in nature, yet the blue color does not exist naturally. How clever it is that Phalaenopsis orchids are expertly dyed by cultivators using a patented process, in effect tricking buyers (me included) into purchasing a plant which has been ‘color-enhanced’ or as if prefer to state “adulterated” and not a true specimen. Gardeners, I’m certain you have seen these magnificent orchids at large, local retailers listed for a reasonable price.
Fewer than 10% of blooming plants provide blue flowers. Blue orchids do exist in nature, but they are an extremely rare occurrence making them difficult to locate and costly. The issue becomes even more convoluted as merchants often claim that there are ‘true blue’ orchids, such as Vandas, which to me appear mostly purple (eye of the beholder kind of thing). When searching online, posted images which are supposed to depict “blue orchids” are clearly purple.
Tricks of the Trade
Orchid cultivators utilize differing methods to create blue Phalaenopsis orchids. One grower “Just Add Ice” uses a patented process to create blue orchids in their Watercolor Orchids line. In my opinion, this is unfortunate, since they also use dye to create green, orange, and ‘hot’ pink flowers.
The steps to create blue orchids is similar in that a blue dye is injected into a small hole created at the base of the orchids flower spike (stem). The hole is then covered with wax to seal the stem and maintain a barrier against pathogens. The dye begins affecting the flowers base color which is usually white or pale yellow within a 24-hr, the transformation occurs and begins to change the color of the flowers.
Second Round Inflorescence- Surprise!
As stated earlier, Surprise! Unfortunately, the second bloom and subsequent blooms will never be blue blowers. The orchid will return to the original color the flowers were before being dyed. In many cases, white or pale yellow orchids are used. So, when your orchid reblooms for you, the new blooms will not be blue and will likely be white. This is important to understand so you’re not disappointed!
Gardeners, let me share my experience since I reached out to online merchants who agreed that the blue orchids which I purchased didn’t provide clarity in the description, meaning my purchase was refunded. Know before you buy!
So long for now fellow gardeners! Let’s go out and grow ourselves a greener, more sustainable world, one plant at a time! Thank you for the questions & kind comments. Please continue sending gardening questions to: jongreene57gmail.com.
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