Orchids come in just about every color of the rainbow, but there’s one shade that’s notoriously hard to find: true blue. Because blue orchids are such a rarity in nature, many growers and hobbyists have taken matters into their own hands by dyeing white orchids themselves. If you’ve ever wanted to add a pop of electric blue to your windowsill, here’s how you can create your own unique masterpiece.
The One Natural Blue Orchid
There is actually one orchid species that produces blue flowers all on its own: the rare Vanda orchid. Unlike DIY dyed orchids, a Vanda’s blooms stay blue for its entire life. However, keep in mind that natural blue is usually a softer, more lavender-toned shade compared to the vibrant, saturated look of a dyed flower.
Why White Orchids are the Best Canvas
If you’re planning to dye an orchid yourself, you definitely want to start with a white-flowering plant. White petals act like a blank canvas, soaking up the pigment much better than yellow or pale pink varieties. Timing is also key: you want the plant to have developed flower buds that haven’t opened yet. Once a flower has already bloomed, it won’t take up much (if any) of the dye.
How to Dye Your Orchids
To get started, you’ll need a few specific supplies:
- Blue food coloring (Brilliant Blue FCF works great).
- A basic IV starter kit or a small syringe with a thin needle.
Make sure your dye is water-soluble. If it seems too thick, thin it out with a little bit of distilled or filtered (lime-free) water so the plant can drink it up more easily.
Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Fill your container or syringe with the blue dye. If using a gravity-fed kit, hang it slightly higher than the plant.
- Carefully insert the needle into the flower spike (the stem holding the buds) at a slight downward angle. Be careful not to push it all the way through the stem!
- Secure the needle in place with a bit of clear tape. Leave it attached until the buds have fully taken on the blue color.
How Long Does the Color Last?
It’s important to remember that this makeover is temporary. The dyed flowers will keep their color for the current season, but any new buds that grow later will return to their natural white. If you want that blue look again next year, you’ll need to repeat the process with the new stems.
Dyeing Cut Flowers
You don’t have to limit yourself to potted orchids. You can also change the color of cut orchids in a vase!
For cut flowers, the process is even easier because you can use standard blue fountain pen ink. The ingredients in most common inks are diluted enough in the vase water that they won’t harm the plant. Just pop open a few ink cartridges and add them to the water. The exact “dosage” depends on the size of the orchid and how deep you want the blue to be, so feel free to experiment until you find the perfect shade.
Food Coloring in Irrigation Water
There’s a bit of a debate in the gardening world about whether adding blue food coloring to your regular watering routine helps maintain the color longer. Some gardeners swear by it, while others think it doesn’t make much of a difference. Since it’s harmless to the plant, feel free to give it a try and see if it works for your orchids!