Actually? I am supposed to remember these names, where they grow, how they grow, and which silk orchids I might want to put in my silk flower arrangements. This memorizing isn’t my cup of tea, you’re thinking.

That’s okay, the main things to come out of this two part series are 1) the silk orchids are modeled after real living orchids that live amazing lives in amazing places, and 2) when you place your beautiful silk orchid arrangements In the Right Place Remember the “real ones” that have miraculously thrived in the right place for those perfect conditions to produce unbelievably fabulous blooms that are now beautifully recreated on your own silk orchids. Enjoy the joy.

With more than 1,200 species, Dendrobium is the largest and most diverse genus of orchids. Coming in a variety of colors (a silk orchid lover’s dream), den grows in a variety of habitats, from the high altitudes of the Himalayan mountains to lowland rainforests and Australian deserts. Ranging from less than half an inch long to around 10 feet, dendrobiums are native to China, Japan, India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, New Guinea, Vietnam, and many Pacific islands. Papua, New Guinea has over 500 species of Dendrobium orchids. They are mainly epiphytic (grow on trees) with some lithophytic (rock-growing) varieties (see part 1 for further explanation of these terms). Some Dendrobium orchids are cultivated for their medicinal uses. Silk flower arrangements include many different varieties of Dendrobium silk orchids, and they seem to be a favorite in popular Thai restaurants today.

Cymbidiums, easier to remember as Boat Orchids (wow, I think I can remember this one) have been depicted in drawings and poetry for over two thousand years. They grow native to tropical and subtropical Asia and northern Australia. Boat orchids can be grown outdoors in the warmer climate states of the United States. Although many bloom only once a year, the huge explosion of blooms is well worth the wait. These orchids also come in a variety of showy colors and last a long time, 2-3 months, in cut flower arrangements. Cymbidium’s popularity comes from the big show it puts on with up to 30 flowers on a stem, and from its many culinary uses (certain varieties only), such as in curries and stews. Often found in beautiful pots as silk flower arrangements, silk Cymbidium orchids are among some of the most popular.

The Cattleya orchid is the one that often comes to mind when we think of the traditional special bouquet; a beautiful large long-lasting flower, often white, lavender, and various other shades of purple. Now domestically grown in many colors and sizes, Cattleyas are often used as a benchmark for growing other orchid varieties. They are native to Central and tropical South America. Cattleyas are rarely mentioned without their interesting domestic beginnings. Apparently a moss and lichen collector in Brazil picked up some hardy leaves at random as packing material to ship his collection back to England. William Cattley received this diseased plant mass and nursed it back to health. When it flowered a few years later, it caused a great deal of fury around the world and was named Cattleya after the man with amazing patience. Many beautiful Cattleyas can be found in numerous silk flower arrangements.

With around 700 genera, 25,000 species and over 100,000 hybrids, there are many striking models for our silk orchids today. Only 6 different varieties of orchids commonly found in silk flower arrangements are mentioned in this 2-part series. Hopefully you’ll be inspired to learn even more about the remarkable “royals” that are modeled after their silk orchids, and expand your collection to include many of these fabulous orchid varieties. And again, enjoy the joy.