Orchids to dye for

This spring, Gertens Greenhouse is showing off its stunning display of Water Color Orchids from Just Add Ice Orchids.


Julianne Mobilian

Published March 11, 2021
Gertens Greenhouse in Minnesota is sharing the beauty of Watercolor Orchids, a patented process created by Just Add Ice Orchids. Gertens expert Teri Knight shares some of the details behind these showstopping plants here.
A safe, floral-grade dye is injected into a small hole in the stem of the plant, and once the process is complete, the hole is covered with wax.
ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF TERI KNIGHT AND LIZZIE DANICH
Blooms begin to change color within 24 hours, Knight says. All of the orchids pictured are specifically from the Phalaenopsis genus.
Once the dyed blossoms are finished blooming, the new flowers come back as the color of the original orchid, which are white. Their specific process doesn’t harm the plant, she says.
Color variations vary with each flower on each plant, Knight says. The blooms last for weeks, and even months, in some cases. Knight adds that Watercolor Orchids complement any décor with varied shades of green, blue, orange, purple and pink.
The orchids come in 5-inch pots and are priced at $39.99. They require watering about once a week and must be placed in bright, indirect light.
Read Next

No flower, no problem

March 2021
Explore the March 2021 Issue

Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.

Latest from Garden Center

More from Garden Center

Voting now open for National Garden Bureau's 2026 Green Thumb Award Winners

2025 Native Plant Market Report

The Growth Industry Episode 8: From NFL guard to expert gardener with Chuck Hutchison

[WATCH] Beyond the holidays: Finding success with unique seasonal events

Influencers in the aisles

Master Nursery Garden Centers releases Bumper Crop Organic Raised Bed Mix for home gardeners

More from this author