Blue Orchid | Real or Fake | 5 Major Types | All Related Questions Answered

Orchards are symbols of wealth, luxury, and beauty. Among these orchids, blue orchids are the rarest, most beautiful, and unique. In a world, full of wonders, few creations capture the imagination like the “blue flowers”.

The blue colour is striking and the most popular colour. This makes them one of the most demanding items. These are the Phalaenopsis orchids which come in a wide range of colours. These are fake and artificially made.

The History of the Blue Orchid Flower

Blue is not a common colour in flowers and was first reported in 2011 when Blue colour was introduced in the common white flower orchid, P. amabilis. This was made possible by injecting dye solution into the spikes of flowers.

How to Inject Dye?

As these orchids are created artificially by injecting coloured dye, there is an important question, how to inject dye? The dye is injected through the xylem (water and mineral conducting channel). The dye moves to the flowers and gives them colour. However, you need to keep the flower moist to enjoy the blue shade for a long time.

Moreover, you can dye the flowers by adding dye to the water. The water must be in deep containers. Immersing orchids into the dye for 15 minutes will be sufficient to dye the orchids. This method has advantages as it does not puncture the orchids, keeping them safe from viruses.

The depth of the colour of the flower thus produced depends upon the time of injecting the dye solution. Injecting hue in a fully open flower resulted in deep blue colour, while, a flower at the bud stage resulted in a light shade. Some blue-flowered phalaenopsis orchids were commercially made in Japan in 2013.

After the dyed flower falls off, the plant will re-sprout white flowers (original). However, at the superstore, you can find Blue Phalaenopsis as they get a higher price.

Is the Dye harmful?

The colour is blue due to the injected dye, a chemical that might be harmful. To be on the safe side, keep animals and kids away from the Blue Flowers.

Are They True and Real?

There is always a debate about the blue orchid being real or fake. They are real and exists in nature. They are true however, they are a few. Here, we will reveal to you the real orchid’s story, from its fascinating history to the mesmerizing varieties that grace our world today. They produce curiosity in the minds of the beholders.

The discussion above reveals that these Orchids are not real and hard to find. However, due to the preference of the customers, blue dye is injected to get the desired coloured orchids. In the world, hardly 10% of flowers are blue. Whenever the blue flower would fall, the orchid will produce a white flower, keep it in your mind.

Where Blue Orchids are found?

You may have come across these orchids in a box store, grocery store, or florist. As they are hard to grow, they are hard to find as well. They are expensive too. However, the American Orchid Society has shared a list of trusted Blue Orchid Sellers.

Blue Flowers as Gift

Giving flowers as a gift is a symbol of love. However, giving blue flowers as a gift is a rare and precious gift. They have special colour, texture, and aroma. Go to a flower shop and get the one you like the most. Add those to brown or orange Vas and see the astonishing beauty.

Why Do We Love Blue Flowers?

It is human nature that he loves the race thing and has the curiosity to explore more and more about them. Likewise, this is true about the blue flowers. This blue pigment is rare in flowers. The flowers that look blue are purple-shaded.

They are rare as the pigment Delphinidin occurs rarely in nature. This pigment is present in some cranberries, grapes, and pomegranates only. Moreover, the blue orchid may also be produced by genetic hybridization and crossing over. However, in the wilds, the blue-coloured orchid may not be blue forever.

Economic and Aesthetic Importance

Following are the benefits of these flowers;

• They have blue striking colours and thus used as aesthetic elements.
• They can be sent and present as a gift to the loved ones.
• Oil is extracted from them and is helpful to reduce the chances of dehydration.

Types of Blue Orchids

Blue colour Orchids belong to the Orchidaceae family, the second-largest family of flowering plants with almost 30,000 species. They are found in diverse climates with a history of more than 112 million years. There are a few species that are blue by nature, all others are artificial, made with blue dye.

Of this second-largest family of flowering plants, only 10% are blue orchids. Following are the real species of this wonder of nature;

The Blue Aganisia Orchid (Aganisia cyanea)

These are epiphytes that love to live in hot and moist environments. Sepals are pale blue with dark margins. Petals also share the same colour and thus a wavy pattern forms. The whole leaf is 2-2.5 inches wide that grows at 10-12 inches long stem. Leaves are green, glossy, and ovate.

Plant Care

Following plant care must be considered;

Water – this species is water-loving. Apply mist 2 times a day in summer while in winter, you can give watering twice a week. To keep the moisture for long in dry, sunny areas, you must cover to produce shady conditions.

Light – Medium sunlight is fine for this species.

Temperature – the favourable temperature range is 80-90 Degrees Fahrenheit (day) and 68-75 Degrees Fahrenheit (night).

Soil and Fertilizers – Well-drained soil is necessary as it requires frequent irrigation. Soil medium can be prepared using chopped tree fibres and charcoal in a 1:1 ratio. However, they may live as epiphytes on the hardwood trees.

Region – Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. Their native environment is the Amazon River.

The Blue Lady Orchid (Thelymitra crinita): Queen of Elegance – Sun Orchids

It is the most beautiful flower with a vivid blue hue. They are known as sun orchids as they bloom after exposure to sunlight. There are 80 species of this genus (Thelymitra).

Bright blue flowers that bloom from early morning till afternoon. The flowers are with equal-sized sepals and petals. The stem may be 8-30 inches (20-70 cm) long and bear 2-15 flowers. Each flower is 1-2 inches wide.

Plant Care

They are native to Australia and so, can be grown well only there. If you want to try these elsewhere, it would be not beginner friendly.

Water – As the name shows, they love sunny days. They are drought tolerant and love to inhibit in areas with dry summers and wet winters. However, they need a constant supply of water during active growth periods (late spring).

Light – They thrive in bright, direct sunlight. This exposure to light help in the initiation of the flowering stage like long-day plants.

Temperature – in the native regions of the Blue Lady (Australia), the temperature ranges from 85-90 Degrees Fahrenheit (summer days) and 40-50 Degrees Fahrenheit (winter days).

Soil and Fertilizers – A well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH (5.0-6.0 pH) is suitable. You can also make the media using 80% clay and 20% organic matter (old bark of the trees). Apply fertilizers once a month during summer (inactive period) and once a month in winter (active growth period). However, you must stop water and fertilizers after flowering.

Region – Western Australia and New Zealand. They grow well in coastal areas and swampy areas. They may also be found in shaded forests and scrublands.

The Blue Vanda Orchid (Vanda coerulea): Lord Rothschild’s True Blue Treasure

Dr W. Griffith discovered them in 1837. They are small, bushy (almost 30 inches tall), and produce 4-inch violet-blue or purple-blue flowers (Blue and Purple Orchid). The outer whorl of sepals is round and large while the inner is relatively small. A plant bears almost 20 green leaves, 3-10 inches long. They are epiphytes.

Plant Care

They are easy to manage and simple. However, keep the following directions in mind before going to buy them.

Water – In summer, irrigate them regularly. Cut back to only watering once a week in winter.

Light – Blue vanda grows well on bright sunny days. You can guess the light response by the colour of the leaves. if the colour of the leaves is dark green, place the pots of Blue vanda orchids in the sun.

Soil and Fertilizers – Use water-soluble orchid fertilizer, high in Phosphorus and low in Nitrogen content. However, like water, cut back the application of fertilizers before the onset of winter. Add charcoal and perlite to prepare media for pots.

Region – China and India (Eastern Himalayas) Myanmar, and Thailand.

The Sun Orchid (Thelymitra cyanea): Veined Sun Orchid, Striped Sun Orchid

They love to live in a colony of 4 or more plants, they live in an area that burns regularly. They have a single, narrow, and striped leaf. Each item bear 4-6 flowers.

They are easier to grow. They don’t need any specification care. They are found in Australia and New Zealand, Swampy and Bog areas.

Slender Lady Orchid (Thelymitra pauciflora)

They bear long leaves (more than 11 inches long). The base of the leave is broad and purple. Stems bears a cluster of 12 flowers.

They are easier to grow. They don’t need any specification care. They are most common in Australia (light blue) and New Zealand (dark blue), Swampy and bog areas.

How to care for the Blue Orchids?

Caring for these flowers goes beyond simple and vertical gardening. Each step you take, from planting to blooming, contributes to the vibrant life of these delicate wonders.

• It is recommended to use potted soil mixed with charcoal and fir bark. This kind of mixed soil media gives better growth.
• Moist soil will be highly productive. Apply water for 15 seconds and let it drain properly for the next 15 minutes. The soil media may appear dry, but this is the most suitable moisture level.
• The most preferable range of temperature is 55-65 Degrees F (during the night) and 65-75 degrees F (during the day).
• They grow well in light but direct sunlight would be harmful. You can place the pot near the window but not facing the sun. if there is no sun on those days, you can use spectrum grow light.
• They love to grow in moist and boggy soils. You have seen that moth orchids grow well in moist and boggy soil. A humid microclimate would be sufficient so be careful in applying water.

Potential Threats to Blue Orchids

Following are some of the issues, a moth orchid may face;

Orchid Pests

Orchids are vulnerable to pests like mealy bugs. If this insect is reported, isolate your plant pot. Spray the pot and plant including roots, stems, leaves, and flowers with neem oil. Discard the soil and use virgin soil instead.

Scale insects and aphids are another threat. Aphids suck plant juice and leave scars, damaging the beauty of the flowers. They change the shape of the flower. Aphids produce “honeydew” a sweet juice that attracts ants, another problem.

Honeydew and moist conditions make it possible to grow moulds. Scotty moulds cover the plant and restrict the process of photosynthesis. The fungus may also develop. Most of these inspections and pests are due to moist conditions.

Thrips (sucking insects) pose great damage to the plants and stem. They along with whiteflies are enough to destroy the orchids. Whitefly is another sucking insect. Try to treat this insect with Beauvaria bassiania, an effective insecticide.

Orchid Diseases

In the section “how to inject dye” we have seen that there will be injured space on the plant body. These scars and holes are the entry point of viruses and thus will cause damage. Sucking and chewing insects also provide an entry place for viruses and it will cause damage.

Moreover, as these love moist and swampy places, rotting is a common disease. Roots and lowers parts are much affected while the above-ground parts remain safe.

Tips to keep Blue Flowers Healthy

Here are some of the useful tips;

• If there are symptoms of insects and diseases, isolate that pot of orchid.
• Quarantine your greenhouse or growth room for 10-15 days.
• Keep the greenhouse or the growing area clean. This will destroy the hidden places of insects.
• Sterilize your tools with water and bleach.
• Always buy this beautiful addition to your garden from a trusted seller.
• Doing quarantine practices for more than 15 days will make your farm clean and safe.

Conclusion

The blue orchids are rare but stunning and you can find them in the stores and at supermarkets. They were first found by William Griffith in 1837 in Assam, India. Their history traces back to India in 1837, while blue dye-enhanced blooms emerged later. Sometimes you may come across artificial blue flowers, dyed with blue colour. Some of the real blue-coloured orchids are Aganisia cyanea, Thelymitra crinite, and Vanda coerulea. They all need intensive care. Their care varies but entails proper moisture, light, and temperature. Orchid pests and diseases threaten their health, requiring vigilance. These are precious gift, rare and unique. While they may lose their color after re-blooming.

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