The National Tree Fair and Environment Fair 2025 under way in the capital features a fine collection of indoor plants, and various orchids are catching the eye in particular. Stalls across the fair display several colourful orchids in hanging pots, including Vanda, Cattleya and Dendrobium, which beautify a home and also make the environment healthier.

Orchids are not just flowers to decorate a home; as indoor plants they have other benefits too. Several nursery owners at the fair said the trend of keeping orchids at home had grown in recent years. People who want a touch of green on a balcony, by a window or in a corner of the living room are now choosing hanging orchids in particular.

About 25,000 natural and 75,000 hybrid orchids have been identified worldwide, the most diverse group among flowering plants. Depending on their traits, some are fragrant, some have attractive colours and some hold their flowers for a long time. For these reasons orchids are among the most popular plants for decorating homes around the world.

Some of the orchids on the market are perfectly suited to Bangladesh's climate. Vanda, Dendrobium and Cattleya, for example, grow well with soft light, proper airflow and limited water, and are relatively easy to care for even for people new to plant care.

• They beautify the home and bring peace of mind.
• Some orchids absorb toxins from the air and purify it.
• Regular plant care also works as a form of mindfulness or mental therapy.

Orchids also produce little pollen, so they do not easily cause allergies.

• Orchids generally love light and airflow, but cannot tolerate direct sun.
• They can be kept in a lightly shaded spot by a window or on a balcony.
• Vanda orchids are best kept hanging.
• Cattleya or Phalaenopsis orchids can be kept in small pots by a window.
• It is very important that water does not collect at the base of the plant; if the roots stay wet, the orchid dies.

At the tree fair, the orchids seen to adapt best to Bangladesh's climate include:

• Vanda: flowers superbly with sunlight and airflow, and can be kept in a hanging pot.
• Dendrobium: needs little care and bears medium-sized flowers.
• Cattleya: bears large, showy, colourful flowers; keep it in soft light and water it occasionally.

Hoya plants were also on show at the fair; they are very popular as indoor plants but are not orchids.

Anyone who loves plants or wants to make their home a little greener and livelier should visit a local tree fair at least once. The orchid stalls at the tree fair offer not only the chance to buy plants but also hands-on knowledge of plant care, identifying varieties and indoor decoration.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.