The world's first blue orchid

[Brotherly Monkey]

Originally Posted by tucker85

I see those around alot lately. They look beautiful but unfortunately they are not real. I don't know the exact process but one orchid vendor told me that the growers have a dye that the plant will take up. I assume that it's put in the water used to water the plant. I don't know if they do it continuously or one time but they certainly get good results. It is pretty though, so enjoy.

actually it's injected into the spike

[nlm2951]

It happened to me too. When I first saw it I went crazy, but when the second spike opened, they were white. I got it in Miami, and at the Tamiami Festival they were selling fast , if they knew, but at least I enjoy them while they last.

[camille1585]

I actually find those blue phals kind of pretty. The unreal shade of blue reminds me of a species of Gentiana growing in the Alps which really is that color. I don't know if I would actually buy one since I'd rather keep the space for other orchids (since the blue ones revert to plain boring white) Enjoy those blooms while they last!

I wonder if the dye injecting is something easy to do, like injecting food coloring for example. Could be a fun experiment on a poor unsuspecting white phal.

[Jeff9]

This should be forbidden, i think its a disgraceful thing and it´s hideous. Sorry to say it.

[Brotherly Monkey]

Originally Posted by Jeff9

This should be forbidden, i think its a disgraceful thing and it´s hideous. Sorry to say it.

it a plant, and a type that is so massively over produced that I really fail to understand such outrage


PS and no, it's something I wouldn't personally buy

[Amanda L]

I could be wrong, I've been known to be wrong from time to time. But, I thought I read that they were using some sort of silver solution to make them blue. I can't find the information anymore, you know how Google searches are!

[Brotherly Monkey]

Originally Posted by Amanda L

I could be wrong, I've been known to be wrong from time to time. But, I thought I read that they were using some sort of silver solution to make them blue. I can't find the information anymore, you know how Google searches are!

that's what I remember reading, as well. But can't recall where I saw such stated, so can't speak for it's validity

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Brotherly Monkey

that's what I remember reading, as well. But can't recall where I saw such stated, so can't speak for it's validity

I had read something about that too - while silver could certainly cause a bluish color - I'm not sure if it would be this vivid, but I'm certainly not an expert. If it is from silver, it's possible the plant could continue to bloom blue

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by fredr

I just saw my first blue orchid and didn't ask for the price. It simply followed me to the car at HD. 'Blue Mystique' from Silver Vase, Inc in Homestead. Don't know if this is old news here but I thought someone had spraypainted a white phal. It looked unreal but was real nevertheless.

please let us know what this plant does in the future - I'm curious if it will bloom blue or be white

[Brotherly Monkey]

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

I had read something about that too - while silver could certainly cause a bluish color - I'm not sure if it would be this vivid, but I'm certainly not an expert. If it is from silver, it's possible the plant could continue to bloom blue

I also heard the plant will "leak" the dye. That, combined with the fact that they inject into the spike, directly, makes me think it will last more than one blooming