FAQ
Retail outlets
You can buy Mimesis orchids at various florists and garden centres right across Europe.
We work with distributors who sell our Mimesis orchids to florists, garden centres and other retail outlets across Europe. Looking to add some or all of our collection to your product range? We can put you in touch with our distributors. Click here for our contact details.
Plant care
Orchids generally need watering once a week. You can tell whether your orchid is thirsty by the colour of its roots. If the roots are grey, the plant needs water. If the roots are green, all is well.
The best time to water your orchid is in the morning. Stand the growing pot in a few centimetres of water for 10 minutes. This gives the roots enough time to absorb the moisture. Then allow the orchid to drain well and put it back in its decorative outer pot. Tip: if possible, use rainwater instead of tap water, which can contain a lot of calcium carbonate.
Mimesis orchids grow well at normal room temperatures, ideally between 15 and 25°C. Place the plant in a bright spot, avoiding direct sunlight in the summer months (April to August). This can cause the leaves to turn yellow. If the plant is losing flower buds or leaves, on the other hand, it can mean it isn’t getting enough light. Orchids also do not like drafts, big temperature fluctuations, flower bulbs or ripening fruit.
Airy orchid compost, or bark, contains very few nutrients. We therefore recommend feeding your orchid once a month. You can buy special orchid food at most garden centres.
Certainly. These aerial roots serve no purpose and you can cut them off, although you don’t have to.
With the right care, a Mimesis orchid will flower for 3 to 6 months.
With the right care, a Mimesis orchid will flower again. Cut off the old stem, preferably just above the second node from the bottom. Place the orchid in a slightly cooler place with plenty of light and water it once every two weeks. After a while, new stems will grow and the first buds will appear. Then put the orchid back in its familiar spot and follow the usual care tips.
Troubleshooting
The most common cause of bud drop is cold, possibly combined with too much water or too little light. Make sure the ambient temperature does not drop below 15°C. Ethylene can also make buds turn yellow and fall off. Ethylene is produced by many types of fruit and vegetables. So don’t stand your orchid near the fruit bowl.
Mimesis orchids do not tolerate direct sunlight in the summer months (April to August). This can cause the leaves to turn yellow. It could also be caused by too much, or too cold, water.
The most common cause of limp leaves is overwatering. Check whether the roots are still healthy and green. If so, there is no problem. Stop watering the orchid for a week, then you should be able to get full enjoyment out of your orchid again.
Aphids/mealybugs are common in the winter months when the air in the house is very dry and the roots are wet. Drafts can also be a cause. Besides the pest control products available at garden centres, there is a home remedy: mix equal parts of liquid (potassium hydroxide-based) soap with methylated spirits (denatured alcohol) and spray the plant. You usually have to repeat this a couple of times as aphids and mealybugs are persistent. Try to avoid spraying the flowers, though, as the mixture can cause spotting on the petals.
