The Essential Guide To The Spider Orchid
Botanical Name: Arachnis
Common Name: Spider Orchid
General Knowledge: The Spider Orchid, with its long, spindly petals resembling the legs of a spider, is native to many regions including Australia, where several species are endemic, especially in the southern parts. These orchids are mainly appreciated for their unique and intricate beauty in specialised orchid collections and botanical gardens, rather than traditional floral arrangements due to their often-delicate structures. A fun fact about Spider Orchids is that they have a specialised pollination strategy which often involves mimicking the appearance and scent of female insects to attract males, thereby ensuring the transfer of pollen.
Colour Range: Yellows, oranges, golds, reds, bronzes, whites, crimsons, burgundies; most varieties feature spots.
Australian Seasonal Availability: Available year-round; predominantly imported from tropical Asia.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: Suitable for all seasons, popular in exotic and vibrant floral arrangements.
Commercially Grown in Australia: Limited; majority are imported.
Imported into Australia: Yes, primarily from tropical Asia.
Expected Vase Life: 10–14 days with proper care.
Typical Stem Length: 50–60 cm.
Typical Bunch Size: 5 stems per bunch.
Buying Tips: Choose fully opened flowers, as buds will not develop post-cutting. Avoid damaged blooms and check for signs of ethylene damage or chilling injury.
Design Tips and Advice: Spider Orchids serve well as either focal or transitional elements in floral designs. Recommended for a variety of styles including tropical, traditional, modern, and contemporary. Suitable for structured, hand-tied designs, and can be wired for bridal bouquets and accessories. Perfect for tall arrangements, and the sturdy stems work well in both vase and floral foam setups. Pairing suggestion: Red Spider Orchids with red roses create a stunning combination, particularly in wedding bouquets and accessories.
Flower Maturity: Choose fully opened blooms for immediate impact.
Special Care for Orchids: Orchids are exotic and require special care to ensure a satisfying vase life. Spider Orchids are ethylene sensitive; make sure they have been treated post-harvest. Wilted blooms may be rejuvenated by recutting stems and placing in warm or room-temperature water. However, wilting caused by ethylene cannot be reversed. Keep orchids away from ethylene-producing sources (e.g., fruits).
Floral Preservatives: Use floral preservatives to extend vase life.
Ethylene Sensitivity: Highly sensitive. Ensure ethylene treatment has been applied and keep away from ethylene sources.
Temperature Requirements: Avoid chilling; maintain at 12–15 °C.
Avoiding Potential Problems: Ensure flowers are fully opened at the time of purchase. Avoid flowers with signs of ethylene damage or chilling injury.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Maintain a stable temperature of 12–15 °C; Spider Orchids are chilling sensitive.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: Use clean water with floral preservatives. Recut stems as needed.
Care of Ethylene Sensitive Products: Ensure that the Spider Orchids are kept away from ethylene-producing fruits and have received anti-ethylene treatment.