Wherever blue orchids set the scene on the window sill, they cast a spell over us. Since the color in this radiance is not of natural origin, resourceful breeders reach into their bag of tricks and drive the purchase price to dizzying heights. Read here how you can easily color an orchid yourself.

White orchids are easy to color with food coloring

Instructions for coloring - This is how it becomes (not) a blue miracle

The necessary materials are quickly procured. You will need blue food coloring such as Brilliant Blue FCF (E133), an infusion set with a container and a white Phalaenopsis orchid. The buds must not have opened yet when you start coloring. If the plant is already in full bloom, you will be bitterly disappointed with the result. How to do it right:

  • Pour the blue color into the infusion container and hang it slightly elevated next to the orchid
  • Insert the syringe at a slight downward angle into the flower stalk, but do not puncture it
  • Secure the syringe to the handle with scotch tape

In order for the orchid to absorb the color, it should be diluted with lime-free water if necessary. When buying food coloring, please note that it is a water-soluble product. Refill the infusion container regularly. The addition of color must not be interrupted for the buds to actually open in a rich blue.

Blue color lasts one season

Orchids only boast blue flowers for one season. The next buds unfold again in innocent white. This applies regardless of whether the plant was colored by a breeder or by you. The rare, blue-flowering Vanda orchids (Vanda coerulea) are an exception. These floral rarities retain their blue color for the life of the plant, although not with the intensity of a colored Phalaenopsis.

Dye orchids in the vase blue - It's that easy

Unlike coloring potted orchids, ink can be used in the vase. The questionable ingredients are dissolved in the flower water to such an extent that they can be used as a color for the cut flowers. Please use cartridges for school fountain pens, as this ink is usually non-toxic. The individual dosage depends on the amount of water and the number of orchid panicles.

Incidentally, you can color numerous other cut flowers in this way, such as carnations, tulips, amaryllis or dahlias. The color is not limited to blue. Any commercially available ink colors will turn the flowers into the desired tone.

tips

Coloring an orchid does not require modifications in care. Water, fertilize and spray your blue orchid as usual. To what extent the addition of blue food coloring to the irrigation water ensures that the radiance is retained for a long time is a matter of controversial debate among experts.

Category:

Indoor plants