Gorgeous Dopamine Boosts No. 03
There’s Something About Orchids
My mental health is currently being held together by exactly nine Phalaenopsis orchids.
At the end of May, I had two. Now I have a collection and, let’s be honest, an obsession. It’s an orchid girl summer over here. Yes, I still love my houseplants and I’m still gardening through the chaos in my little balcony garden (I’m a millennial, after all), but these days? It’s all about the orchids.
In my defense, July is my birthday month, and my nervous system demands a steady stream of little treats just to stay regulated. Who am I to deny it? If I had to celebrate another year—against my will, and in this economy—we’re all lucky it’s just orchids.
The gateway drug was two Home Depot beauties (Romy and Michele). Then two more. Then I discovered I live five minutes from one of the best orchid nurseries in Los Angeles, and things escalated. Orchid Fever is one of the few places where the inner turmoil in my brain goes silent long enough for me to enjoy being alive. So yes, I’m a regular.
Once I’m in, I’m in. I need to know the players, the game, and the entire evolutionary backstory. I urgently need a comprehensive understanding of what I’m dealing with—what’s rare, what’s overrated, and what the bloom schedules are looking like. It’s completely unserious, but the emotional stakes are high. And while my other current sources of dopamine include Love Island and Formula 1, orchids are by far the most gorgeous. Which is why we’re here.
Why I Love Orchids (And You Should Too)
Well—specifically—we’re talking about Phalaenopsis orchids. And in short? They barely need anything and they bloom for months.
But let’s go a little deeper: orchids are among the oldest flowering plants on Earth, and that ancient energy is exactly what I need to ground my home. Also, unlike most flowering houseplants that burn out after a few seasons, a Phalaenopsis under proper care can live 20–25 years.
Tell me where else you’re getting that kind of ROI on a $20 investment.
And while their lives are long, they cycle through periods of dormancy like clockwork. That cyclical rhythm feels deeply feminine. And in a world obsessed with constant output, orchids are a good reminder that rest is part of growth.
Truly, they hold space better than any therapist I know.
Orchids are always becoming—even when they appear to be doing nothing. Their stillness is not stagnation. It’s a kind of elegant endurance I’m trying to learn in my own nervous system.
When orchids bloom again, they wait for the right temperature, the right setting, the right vibe. They don’t rush to perform.
If you’ve ever felt slow, inconsistent, or behind, I offer you this: You’re not lazy—you’re in your orchid era. They’ll bloom again when they’re ready. And so will you.
Famous Orchid Lovers We Care About
Orchids seem to attract the emotionally high-maintenance and the taste-obsessed. And while I don’t love what that implies about me, I’m clearly in excellent company. Known orchid obsessives include Halston, Mapplethorpe, Noguchi, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Pauline de Rothschild. It makes sense. Orchids have an artist-like temperament: beautiful, finicky, a bit mysterious, and somehow surviving on almost nothing.
Things You Need to Be an Orchid Girl
Bright Light
A south-facing window is ideal, but any window where your orchid can see the sky will do. If you aren’t blessed with these conditions, just grab a cheap grow light off Amazon.
Water
Ideally filtered. Personally, my orchids drink exclusively ZeroWater because I enjoy the finer things in life and LA tap water is scary. But of course, they each get their own (very weak) cocktail. The ones in bloom get a literal drop of this for pest management, and the growing orchids get a few drops of this fertilizer.
Green roots? Hydrated. Silvery roots? Thirsty. It’s like a mood ring and it works.
Adorable Pots
All of my orchids live in clear orchid pots that provide ample airflow. Not only do these pots let you see the roots (a great health indicator), but they also create a uniform look—and best of all, you’re never locked into one “cache” or display pot.
The cache pot is just the outfit and accessories. The key is making sure it’s at least two inches bigger than your plant’s nursery pot. If needed, you can always boost the plant up with a drip tray or small container inside to get the right height. I love playing around with different pot styles. Some favorites include:
Terracotta
The classic choice. Whether traditional or something softer like grey, brown, or white, terracotta warms up any space. Plus, it naturally ages and develops mineral buildup over time—and then we’re in British greenhouse territory.
Ceramics & Large Bowls
These add a more traditional charm to your display. I prefer vintage finds on eBay or at thrift stores, but HomeGoods is also a great easy option. Right now I’m using some vintage chinoiserie planters and an old brass bowl from Target and I love the look.
Kitchen Storage Canisters & Candle Jars
Perfect for repurposing—especially polished copper canisters that will patina over time, and colored glass jars in greens and ambers.
Large Glass Vases or Urns
The only orchid that enjoyed my water culture experiments looks so chic in a massive ribbed glass urn. Michaels is my go to for this type of glassware.
Potting Medium
Orchid people are extreme. They remind me of the obsessive collectors and dealers I met managing consignments at Sotheby’s. There’s definitely overlap.
For example, I recently heard a prominent “orchid person” say that choosing a potting medium is “as personal as religion.” Ridiculous, but also kind of endearing. I’ve quickly learned there are a million ways to pot an orchid, and everyone swears their way is the way.
Personally? I have one core rule: don’t repot until all the flowers fall off.
Yes, the moss they come in is suspicious. But trust me—leave it alone until the bloom cycle ends. Then upgrade to a proper mix. After much trial and error (and hours on r/orchids), my go-to is: mostly orchid bark, with a handful of perlite and charcoal tossed in for airflow and drainage.
Orchid Style
I swear your orchid will grow better if it’s displayed beautifully. That’s just science. I recently moved one of mine from a crowded table to its own display shelf with soft lighting, and within a week it had two new blooms.
Also, I truly believe you shouldn’t just get one orchid. I like to buy them in pairs, but I think a minimum of three blooming at all times is best. Orchids are inherently luxurious—and what goes best with luxury? Abundance.
And of course, I only buy orchids with unopened buds. Because the joy of watching orchids bloom is one of the few joys we have left in life.
The Only Places I Buy Orchids
Orchid Fever (Los Angeles, CA) – See above. My obsession. No online store, but the Culver City location is such a fun experience and totally worth the trip.
Andy’s Orchids (Encinitas, CA) – For all your rare orchid desires. Specializes in tiny miniatures that will adorn my greenhouse one day. Also has a great online store.
OrchidWeb (Online only) – Like the Nordstrom of orchids. High quality, great site, strong selection of elevated varieties.
Trader Joe’s – I’m not above it!
LA Orchid Exchange (Baton Rouge, LA) – Truly for collectors, and probably for people with more experience than me. But this is where you get rare orchids young. They’re cheaper, but you’ll wait years for a bloom. It’s a long game.
How to Learn More About Orchids
Social Media
@OhioTropics and @MissOrchidGirl on Instagram and YouTube are a wealth of info.
r/orchids for niche advice from people who are deep in it.
Books
Understanding Orchids by William Cullina
The Kew Gardener’s Guide to Growing Orchids by Philip Seaton
Orchid Modern by Marc Hachadourian
Orchid Finds I Can’t Stop Thinking About
If you’re not ready for the responsibility but still want to engage with orchid culture, here are some vintage finds I’m obsessed with:
This orchid pin makes me want to cry
Someone needs to own these fab 1999 Versace orchid pants
This gold orchid choker – say less
This sweet scarf
And two non-vintage indulgences:
This black leather bag charm that i personally find to be chic as hell
This butter yellow orchid bikini top is actually screaming my name
If you catch me wearing a vintage orchid brooch like it’s the newest Labubu, you’ve been warned.
In all honesty, orchids have taught me a lot so far. About patience, beauty, and not rushing just because I’m uncomfortable with stillness. I don’t always know what’s coming next, but I can stay hydrated, face the light, and try to trust that something good is forming. Right?
And sure, I might be nine orchids deep with a wish list double the size. But there are worse coping mechanisms. At least this one’s beautiful.
This was a much needed break from my love island k hole I’ve been in for 10 days! Thank you!!
I need to spend more time at orchid fever!!! Maybe I could reinvigorate my orchid