The Sill, one of the largest online houseplant retailers in the US, say orchids are the new Valentine's Day flower after data reveals sales have skyrocketed in the last year, 'driven by shoppers who want gifts that last longer than a few days.'
The report reveals orchid sales are up 51% year-on-year as consumers seek long-lasting gifts over disposable bouquets. Paris Lalicata, plant expert at The Sill, notes orchids are more meaningful than romantic spring flowers and 'turn a gift into an experience, not a one-day moment.'
As well as having romantic flair, Paris notes orchids 'last weeks (and often rebloom)' and 'feel modern and sculptural' compared to more 'dated' Valentine's Day flowers, like cut roses. Plus, there are so many different types of orchids for Valentine's Day to choose from – not just the classic moth orchid (like this pink one from Amazon) – all with unique colors and shapes, so there really is one for every plant lover.
6 Beautiful (and Easy) Orchids to Gift for Valentine's Day
Even though orchids aren't on the list of houseplants with heart-shaped leaves, their delicate flowers and exotic beauty make them gorgeous gifts for loved ones.
With so many different types of orchids to choose from, it can be hard to know which to pick. That's why we've collated six of the most beautiful orchids for Valentine's Day, plus tips on how to care for them.
Bonus: they all fall on the list of easiest orchids to grow, making them great gifts for beginners.
The Sunset Orchid has mesmerizing 2-tone orange and pink petals, reminiscent of a sunset. It's a moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) and one of the easiest to care for in the home. Just take care to provide plenty of bright light and high humidity to encourage abundant flowers and keep your orchid blooming for longer. This is a smaller orchid, reaching a height between 5-12" tall.
This cattleya orchid is a hybrid variety with gorgeous yellow-pink petals. Cattleya orchids are loved for their large, sweet-fragranced flowers, and ruffled petals. It's 10-12” tall at time of delivery, and does best in a well-draining growing medium like orchid bark or a DIY orchid potting mix.
This Double Orchid has two pink moth orchids in one. It comes in a matching pink planter, though it should be noted it doesn't have drainage holes, for decorative purposes. But, so long as you water orchids correctly, i.e. only when their aerial roots appear silver and not green, this isn't a problem.
For something timeless and classic, opt for a white moth orchid. Simple, yet sophisticated, it's an orchid that doesn't fail to impress. It's 10-12" tall at time of delivery and comes in a 3" decorative clay pot, ready to display instantly. Once it finishes flowering, you can get an orchid to rebloom by keeping it warm, hydrated, and in a bright position.
This blue moth orchid is a blue houseplant with a striking appearance. This artificial hue is achieved using a natural dye, providing a watercolor look. When the flowers fade and the orchid begins its flowering cycle again, the flowers will return to their natural white or light pink color. It arrives at a height of 18-30" tall and comes in a ceramic planter.
This charming hybrid moth orchid has a unique pink spotted petal pattern. It arrives in bud form, soon blooming after unboxing. The plant arrives around 16" tall and comes in a white and blue ceramic planter to display.
If you or your loved ones are a little nervous about caring for orchids, it might just be that you've fallen for orchid myths. Spoiler: they're a lot easier to keep alive than you probably think.
Shop Orchid Accessories
Gift this ceramic orchid planter alongside an orchid this Valentine's Day. It has a drainage hole and saucer for excess water to drain out, and decorative holes for aerial roots to grow through.
