Give an orchid this Valentine’s Day

While roses may be the traditional choice when Valentine’s Day rolls around, I’ve found that orchids offer something even more meaningful -- a living reminder of love that returns year after year.

I’ve been gifted several orchids over the years, and they bring me joy every time they bloom.

Phalaenopsis orchids, often called moth orchids, are the most popular Valentine’s Day choice.

A favorite orchid in my collection is a Beallara Big Shot called Hilo Sparkle. It blooms at Valentine’s Day, making it a good choice as a gift.

Hilo Sparkle’s bold, star-shaped flowers are a rich blend of deep burgundy and purple, heavily splashed and speckled with bright white. These crisp white markings brushed with hints of lavender give each bloom an almost hand-painted look.

Another orchid that never fails to delight me is an Oncidium hybrid that blooms each Christmas and lasts through February.

Its slender, arching flower spikes are lined with richly colored, star-shaped blooms in deep burgundy and wine tones. Each bloom is accented by a dramatic splash of white and raspberry.

The flowers of Oncidium hybrid are delicate, hovering above the foliage like tiny ornaments on display. When in bloom, this orchid becomes a festive centerpiece in my home.

With colors ranging from classic white and soft pinks to rich purples and sunny yellows, there is an orchid to suit every Valentine.

While you may worry that your sweetheart will find its care intimidating, orchids are actually much easier to maintain than many people realize. This is especially true of the selections commonly found in garden centers this time of year.

Orchids thrive indoors, prefer bright, indirect light and typically need watering only about once a week. I put my orchids in my kitchen sink to soak up water for a couple of minutes. Once the water drains, I put them back in my kitchen window.

Here in the South, our naturally humid air gives orchids an added advantage, helping them feel right at home, even indoors.

When selecting an orchid as a Valentine’s gift, look for firm roots and healthy green leaves with no signs of yellowing or spotting. Choose one with a mix of open blooms and unopened buds to give weeks of flowers.

One of the greatest joys of having an orchid is watching it rebloom, often at the same time each year. Once the orchid has finished blooming, cut the plant off at the base and a new plant will sprout.

Most orchids prefer thorough watering every seven to 10 days followed by complete drainage. Fertilize year-round using a balanced, orchid fertilizer at half strength every two to four weeks. On occasion, flush the soil with plain water to prevent fertilizer salts from building up in the pot.

This Valentine’s Day, consider giving an orchid instead of cut flowers.

It is a gift that grows, lasts and blooms again, much like love itself. In my experience, an orchid is a living memory that continues to brighten my life long after the holiday has passed.