“Are There Real Blue Orchids? A Complete Guide to These Rare and Beautiful Flowers”

6 min readJul 24, 2023

Blue orchids are one of the most sought-after flowers in the world, thanks to their striking color and exotic appearance. But are they really natural or are they artificially created? In this blog, we will explore the origin, types, and care of blue orchids, and reveal the truth behind these stunning flowers.

What are blue orchids?

Orchids are a diverse and widespread group of flowering plants that have over 28,000 species and 763 genera. They are known for their complex and intricate shapes, colors, and patterns, and are often cultivated for their ornamental value. Orchids can be found in almost every habitat and climate, from tropical rainforests to arctic tundra.

Blue orchids are a rare and coveted type of orchid that has a blue hue or tint in their petals. Blue is not a common color for flowers, as only a small proportion of all known plants around the world contain blue pigments. Blue flowers are usually produced by an organic compound called delphinidin, which is an anthocyanidin or plant pigment that also gives color to grapes, cranberries, and pomegranates.

Blue orchids are not only beautiful but also have some interesting facts and myths associated with them. For instance, did you know that:

Blue orchids are considered sacred in some cultures and religions
Blue orchids are believed to bring good luck and fortune
Blue orchids are said to represent peace, tranquility, and harmony
Blue orchids are sometimes used as a symbol of love and romance

Are there natural blue orchids?

The answer to this question is yes and no. There are very few orchid species that are blue in color, but they do exist. Most are very rare, meaning you won’t find them in your local garden center — if you ever come across them at all.

Some of the natural blue orchid varieties include:

Thelymitra Crinite: This is a terrestrial orchid that grows in Australia and New Zealand. It has a pure blue color and a distinctive fringed column that resembles a beard or a mop.
Vanda coerulea: This is an epiphytic orchid that grows in Southeast Asia. It has a bluish lilac color and large flat flowers that can measure up to 15 cm across.
Dendrobium bigibbum: This is another epiphytic orchid that grows in Australia and New Guinea. It has a violet-blue color and small clustered flowers that can vary in shape and size.

However, some botanists claim that blue orchids do not exist in nature and that they have bred true blue phalaenopsis. These are genetically modified orchids that have been patented and introduced in Japan in 2013. They have not yet become available on the market, and they are not the same as the blue phalaenopsis you see in the stores.

How are blue orchids dyed or painted?

Most of the blue orchids you see in the market are actually white orchids that have been dyed or painted with a blue pigment. This means that the blue color is not natural and will fade over time. The next time the orchid blooms, it will produce white flowers instead of blue ones.

There are different methods of dyeing or painting blue orchids, but they all involve injecting or spraying a blue solution into the stem or the petals of the orchid. The solution travels through the xylem or the vascular tissue of the plant and reaches the flowers, giving them a blue hue.

Some of the common types of blue solutions used for dyeing or painting blue orchids include:

Food coloring: This is a cheap and easy way of coloring white orchids, but it also produces low-quality results. The color tends to be uneven, blotchy, or faded, and it can also affect the health of the plant.
Ink: This is another inexpensive option for coloring white orchids, but it also has similar drawbacks as food coloring. The ink can stain other parts of the plant or your hands, clothes, or furniture. It can also be toxic to the plant or to humans and animals.
Patented dye: This is a more expensive and sophisticated way of coloring white orchids, but it also produces better results. The dye is specially formulated to match the natural pigments of the plant and to create a vibrant and uniform color. The dye is also eco-friendly and harmless to the plant or to humans and animals.

How to care for blue orchids?

Blue orchids require similar care as other types of orchids, but they also have some special needs due to their artificial coloration. Here are some tips on how to care for blue orchids:

Water: Blue orchids need to be watered regularly, but not too much or too little. Overwatering can cause root rot and fungal infections, while underwatering can cause dehydration and wilting. The best way to water blue orchids is to soak them in a bucket of water for 15 minutes once a week, and then let them drain completely. Avoid getting the flowers wet, as the dye can run and stain.
Light: Blue orchids need bright but indirect light to thrive. Too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves and fade the color, while too little light can cause poor growth and blooming. The ideal place for blue orchids is near a window with a sheer curtain or a shade cloth that filters the light.
Temperature: Blue orchids prefer warm and humid conditions, but they can also tolerate some variations. The ideal temperature range for blue orchids is between 18°C and 30°C, with a drop of 5°C at night. Avoid exposing blue orchids to extreme heat or cold, as this can stress the plant and affect its color.
Fertilizer: Blue orchids need regular feeding to maintain their health and color. Use a balanced orchid fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and follow the instructions on the label. Fertilize blue orchids once a month during the growing season, and once every two months during the dormant season. Avoid overfertilizing, as this can burn the roots and leaves.
Repotting: Blue orchids need to be repotted every two years or when the potting medium becomes soggy or decomposed. Use a fresh orchid mix that contains bark, perlite, charcoal, or sphagnum moss, and choose a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one. Remove any dead or damaged roots and leaves, and place the plant in the center of the new pot. Fill the gaps with the potting mix, and water thoroughly.

Where to buy blue orchids?

Blue orchids are widely available in many florists, garden centers, supermarkets, and online shops. However, not all blue orchids are created equal, and some may be of poor quality or misleadingly advertised. Here are some tips on how to buy blue orchids:

Check the label: Look for labels that indicate the type, origin, and color of the orchid. If the label says “natural blue”, “genetically modified”, or “patented”, it means that the orchid is a true blue variety. If the label says “dyed”, “painted”, “colored”, or “enhanced”, it means that the orchid is a white variety that has been artificially colored.
Check the price: Compare the prices of different blue orchids and look for reasonable offers. True blue orchids are usually more expensive than dyed or painted ones, but they are also more rare and valuable. Beware of cheap or discounted blue orchids, as they may be of low quality or fraudulent.
Check the quality: Examine the blue orchids carefully and look for signs of health and color. Healthy blue orchids should have firm roots, green leaves, and vibrant flowers. The color should be even, bright, and natural-looking. Avoid blue orchids that have brown roots, yellow leaves, or faded flowers. The color should not be blotchy, streaky, or unnatural looking.

Final Thoughts

Blue orchids are truly amazing flowers that can brighten up any space or occasion. However, they are also rare and often artificially colored, so you need to be careful when buying or caring for them. If you want to enjoy the beauty of blue orchids without harming the environment or your wallet, you can opt for natural blue orchid varieties like the Blue Vanda or the Thelymitra Crinite, or look for reputable sellers that use eco-friendly dyes or paints. Whether you choose real or fake blue orchids, you will surely love these stunning flowers.

Originally published at https://greenishecolife.blogspot.com on July 24, 2023.