Like you, I love fresh flowers – especially exquisite and enchanting ones like orchids. There are thousands of varieties and one of my favorites is the intergeneric hybrid named the Mokara Orchid. Created in Singapore in 1969 as a hybrid using the Ascocentru, Arachnis and Vanda Orchids it is now as popular as its parents.

Enjoyed as a houseplant, this exotic and tender plant was named after C. Y. Mok and initially called the Mokara Wai Liang. This elegant and beautiful long-stemmed orchid has a starfish shape and a sandy yellow color and can last as long as three weeks as a cut flower with proper care. Since it is a vandeceous orchid, which means it grows from the tip of the plant, the blooms cluster along the spike or stem which can be an average of 15” in length. There can be as many as ten blooms per stem.

Orchids are an expression of love, beauty and refinement and since flowers are a product of Mother Nature, no matter what you plant, there may be a variation of color tones and the blooms themselves may vary to some degree. To the Chinese, these are a symbol of maturity, charm and thoughtfulness. What more can you ask then their natural elegance. They are the most rapidly changing group of plants on this earth and more new species are being discovered every day. The majority of them grow anchored to trees and shrubs in the tropics yet have become a favorite of gardeners, both professional and hobbyists, than any other plant species known.

Many brides love the Mokara orchids in exotic looking sprays for a spectacular bridal bouquet and sometimes even like the individual blooms to be attached to their wedding gowns. This orchid is used extensively for centerpieces at weddings. The large buds also make unusual boutonnieres but some grooms balk at wearing such a large flower in their lapels since the average bloom is 1 to 2” in diameter. If you are using them for a wedding, do inspect all of the flowers you have ordered by removing them from the packaging and water tubes. Re-cut the stems and change the water in the tubes. Keep the flowers in a dim location – no sunlight or excessive heat wanted on this special day. Orchids don’t like to be too cold either so 65° F is the optimal temperature to keep in mind.

Growing orchids can be difficult and experimentation can be quite costly. Maintaining them takes work but it is a wonderful reward. There are so many guides available from your local nursery to the internet to books and recommendations from other growers. They need warm temperatures and filtered sun light as well as being kept moist. They also need good drainage and air circulation. A covered porch, a greenhouse, a perfectly situated windowsill can all provide the perfect spot for your basket or planter box. If you live in a temperate climate and want to grow the Mokara orchid outdoors, do keep in mind that they will die if exposed to frost or long cold periods. Ideally the temperature should be between 50° F and 98° F. If you have them growing suspended from trees or stands, remember to water constantly. They’re used to getting moisture from the atmosphere in tropical surroundings and will need outside help in most area in the U.S.

The Mokara orchids, like Vanda orchids, need heavy feedings with a high nitrogen fertilizer in the spring in order to wake them up after their dormant stage. When summer arrives, a general orchid fertilizer will keep them healthy and happy while they bloom repeatedly into the fall. Do remember to water before applying a fertilizer. These orchids are normally disease free and if they develop scale, just wash it off the leaves with a cloth and your hands and follow up with a recommended systemic spray.

Orchids really are one of nature’s reminders that life can be beautiful. It unites us with the beauty that surrounds us, making our lives more graceful and fulfilling. If we don’t think we’re creative, growing flowers can certainly fill that void. Whether you order flowers to be delivered to loved ones for special occasions or grow them and deliver them yourself, this gift touches the heart and sends a message of affection and caring. Most of us become more alive with flowers so don’t wait for this feeling to come to you. Start your own orchid farm on a small scale and watch it grow.

Being aware that you might want to read some other articles about the Mokara orchid, I have prepared the following list of links that will lead to them:

- Fresh Flowers – Gold Mokara Orchids

- Fresh Cut Gold Mokara Orchids

- Pink Mokara Orchids

We at Orchid Care.org are rapidly becoming the most comprehensive online source for orchid plant care, for terrific ideas about orchids and sound advice about how to raise them successfully.

Filed under: Orchid Species

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