Few plants bring such poise and serenity into a room as the orchid. With its graceful stems and delicately patterned blooms, the orchid family offers an unparalleled blend of exotic charm and architectural beauty.
At Boma, our collection features a stunning variety of Phalaenopsis orchids—the most beloved houseplant orchids for good reason—as well as other captivating types for seasoned enthusiasts and new admirers alike.
Orchids: Nature’s Living Sculpture
Orchids are not just beautiful plants—they’re botanical wonders. Many are epiphytes, meaning they grow on trees in the wild, anchoring themselves to bark and drawing moisture and nutrients from the air and rain.
Native to tropical rainforests across Asia, South America, and Africa, orchids flourish in dappled light, high humidity, and excellent air circulation. This natural heritage explains their preference for airy growing conditions indoors and their thick, exposed aerial roots.
Orchid Cultivation and Hybrid Beauty
Centuries of cultivation have transformed wild orchids into the extraordinary hybrids we see today. Breeders have carefully selected plants for their colour, fragrance, bloom longevity, and compact form, resulting in a dazzling array of varieties suitable for life on our windowsills. While Phalaenopsis remain the most popular, Boma also occasionally stocks Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Oncidium, Epidendrum and Paphiopedilum orchids—each with their own personality and charm.
Orchids in Stock at Boma
Our curated collection includes both full-sized and compact Phalaenopsis varieties to suit every space. The following are just a few, with new varieties arriving every week:
- Phalaenopsis Scention: A fragrant orchid with large, elegant blooms in refined shades. Its strong, upright stems make it an ideal choice as a standout gift or a centrepiece on a dining or console table.
- Phalaenopsis 2 stem: A generously flowering option with double the floral impact. The symmetrical twin spikes provide a balanced, luxurious look perfect for statement plant styling.
- Phalaenopsis Kolibri: Small but striking, this compact orchid is excellent for apartments and studios. Ideal for beginners, it offers the full Phalaenopsis experience in a miniature form.
- Paphiopedilum Pinocchio: This quirky, ever-blooming slipper orchid is whimsical and long-flowering with soft blush tones and furry petals, blooming sequentially for months. Perfect for collectors and bright indoor spots.
- Phalaenopsis Symphony: A soft-toned variety with gentle gradients and artistic petal markings that blend seamlessly with calm, neutral interiors.
- Phalaenopsis Tiny Dolls: Miniature orchids in dainty 6cm pots, these petite performers bring charm to desks, bedside tables, or grouped displays. Their delicate flowers are a true collector’s joy.
- Phalaenopsis Liberty White: A stunning variety with pure, snow-white petals and a subtly coloured centre. Perfect for modern interiors, weddings, or minimalist spaces.
- Phalaenopsis Spider Brown: An eye-catching and more unusual orchid with petals that taper and curl slightly, reminiscent of spider legs. Its warm brown hues add a tropical and exotic feel to any display.
- Phalaenopsis Cascade: A dramatic trailing orchid with flower spikes that cascade downward in graceful arcs. Ideal for elevated surfaces like mantelpieces or shelves, where its form can flow freely.
Visit Boma to discover special orchid offers and speak to our indoor horticultural team for expert advice and guidance.
Care Tips for Orchid Success
- Light: Orchids love bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sun which can scorch the leaves.
- Watering: Let the roots dry slightly between waterings. Never let orchids sit in water; use free-draining orchid bark and always allow excess water to escape.
- Humidity: These tropical beauties thrive in humid air. Bathrooms with windows or a room with a humidity tray and occasional misting is ideal.
- Air Roots: Don’t trim or bury aerial roots—they’re part of the plant’s natural habit. If roots spill too far, a clear orchid pot can help manage them gently.
- Feeding: Use a dedicated orchid feed every 2 to 3 weeks during the growing season and monthly otherwise. Our top product recommendations for orchid care include:
- Orchid Focus Bloom
- Orchid Focus Grow
- Orchid Spray Mist
Repotting & Flower Stem Care
Orchids typically need repotting every 1 to 2 years or when their bark medium breaks down. Choose clear orchid pots with drainage holes and use specialist orchid bark. When flowers fade, you can cut the stem just above a node to encourage new side blooms or cut it all the way back to the base to allow the plant to rest and re-flower naturally.
Encouraging Mass Flowering
After a rest period, place your orchid in a cooler room (around 15°C) at night for a few weeks. This temperature shift often triggers new flower spikes. Regular feeding and correct light conditions are key to reblooming success. With the right care, many orchids bloom multiple times a year.
Symbolism & Gifting Meaning of Orchids
Orchids have long symbolised love, refinement, and rare beauty. In Chinese culture, they represent integrity and friendship. In ancient Greece, orchids were linked to strength and virility. Today, they make thoughtful gifts—a sign of admiration, elegance, and endurance. Whether given as a thank-you or housewarming present, they offer weeks (or even months) of beauty.
Styling with Orchids
Orchids blend easily with every interior style—from contemporary to classical. Use neutral-toned ceramic or glazed pots to enhance their natural elegance. Group smaller orchids together for impact, or let a single large one take centre stage. Pair with trailing houseplants like Scindapsus or accentuate with ferns and moss for a tropical feel.
Visit Boma for the Perfect Orchid
Come explore our orchid display in the houseplant greenhouse and talk to our friendly horticulture team. We stock orchid compost, pots, specialist feed, and all the accessories you need for success. Whether you’re starting your orchid journey or growing your collection, Boma has the variety, knowledge, and quality you can trust.
Visit Boma to discover our orchid special offers available in store or order online for local delivery within the M25.
