The Uses of Slipper Orchids

Garnishes

• Slipper orchids make a gourmet dish look even more stylish. Adorn the border of roasted duck, turkey and other main dishes with pink and greens slipper orchid heads. Decorate plates, vegetable trays and other dishes more slipper orchid garnishes. Combine slipper orchid garnishes with other types of traditional orchid flowers.

Special Events

• Display slipper orchid flowers at special events, such as weddings, birthdays, tropical parties and family gatherings. Decorate the church and reception hall with pink, purple and white slipper orchid blooms for a ballerina bride. These flowers make stunning bridal bouquets. Use slipper orchids as decor for a little girl's ballerina birthday or pair slipper orchids with other tropical flowers for a Hawaiian party.

Garden

• Slipper orchids make a good addition to gardens. These flowers grow well in warm or moist areas, such as California, Oregon and Florida. Plant pink, purple and red blooms along front yard walkways or adorn backyards with slipper orchids and other tropical blooms. Plant orchids in nutrient-dense, well-draining soil and full sunshine. Prepare the soil by tilling the ground 10 or more inches deep and adding compost or fertilizer. Keep potted slipper orchids indoors on windowsills, in cold areas.

Gifts

• Give potted slipper orchids as gifts for holidays and birthdays or for special occasions. These flowers make good get-well gifts. Choose potted slipper orchids for a person who likes gardening or keeps flowers on her windowsill. Cut slipper orchids in a vase make cheerful additions to a hospital room. Select orchids if you want to give flowers different from traditional roses and daisies.