WATERCOLOR ORCHIDS™ by

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

DYED FOR AN ARTISTIC TOUCH WATERCOLOR ORCHIDS™ by DYED FOR AN ARTISTIC TOUCH

You’ve likely seen them: brightly colored Phalaenopsis orchids with hues not normally seen among the usual whites, yellows, purples and pinks. These dyed hues can range from bright blue to green to orange and an even more vibrant pink than what naturally occurs in a Phalaenopsis orchid.

These premium orchids are called Watercolor Orchids™, and they are making their way to retailers, florists and gift shops across the country. But while beautiful, these blooms often come with a whole new set of questions than their non-dyed counterparts.

To unravel the mystery behind Watercolor Orchids™, we’ve put together this FAQ. Read on to learn how to care for them, how they’re colored, what happens when they rebloom, and much more.

2 About Watercolor Orchids™

How are Watercolor Orchids™ created?

There are many different processes for creating dyed orchids. Just Add Ice® Watercolor Orchids™ are created through a patented process that involves making a small hole in the stem of the plant and injecting dye into the hole. The dye is a special mixture that ensures the right concentration of color for each plant, which means that unlike other dyed orchid brands, the color concentration is equal among all the plant’s blooms. The hole is then covered with wax. Once the dye is injected, the blooms begin to change color within 24 hours.

The process uses the plant’s natural system of transporting water to the stem and blooms to distribute the dye.

Is the process of creating Watercolor Orchids™ harmful to the plant?

Dying an orchid is a labor-intensive job that requires very precise skills. Injecting dye into an orchid can harm the plant and affect its shelf life if not done correctly. During the dyeing process, the plant can also be more sensitive to environmental conditions, such as cold, drafts, etc., as well as drying soil. However, when done by professionals, the process and dye

are safe for the plant.

WATERCOLOR ORCHIDS™ by 3 DYED FOR AN ARTISTIC TOUCH How do I care for a Watercolor Orchid™?

Caring for a dyed orchid is just as simple as caring for a non-dyed orchid. Dyed orchids need more water than their regular counterparts, so instead of using three ice cubes once a week to water your plant, use five. If you’re not sure if your orchid is receiving enough water, check its roots, as a well-watered plant has shiny, green roots. Also, be sure to leave the wax covering the hole where the dye was injected in place.

You may find your dyed orchid also has some roots or part of a leaf that are the same color as the flowers. This has to do with the coloring process going through the veins of the plant, and the roots acting like a sponge for the dye. This is not harmful to the root or leaf. The dye can come off the roots or leaves, but don’t worry—it’s a water-based formula and will easily come off your hands or whatever it touches.

Does the color remain when the orchid reblooms?

When a dyed orchid reblooms, its flowers will be their original color. For example, if you have a white orchid that has been dyed blue, when the plant reblooms, the blooms will be white. The exception to this is if the flowers were in the bud stage during the dying process. These blooms will have the color of the dye, only a little lighter.

WATERCOLOR ORCHIDS™ by 4 DYED FOR AN ARTISTIC TOUCH My orchid has rebloomed in its original color. Can I dye it myself?

As we mentioned above, safely dying orchids is a labor- intensive and precise process. It is not recommended that you try to recreate a Watercolor Orchid™.

What orchid colors are used to make Watercolor Orchids™?

This is an ongoing process, but currently white, pink and unique varieties are dyed.

Phalaenopsis orchids produce beautiful, vibrant colors naturally. Why dye them?

While Phalaenopsis orchids do produce beautiful colors on their own, we have seen an increased demand for dyed blooms—blue in particular. And, believe it or not, dyed orchids have been around for quite some time. The dyed orchids are only a small part of the Just Add Ice® total orchid production, so the natural beauty you’ve grown accustomed to with our orchids is not going away.

WATERCOLOR ORCHIDS™ by 5 DYED FOR AN ARTISTIC TOUCH