History, Global Origins, Care Tips & Our Favorite Orchids From the World’s Most Magical Garden
By Yunza Florist – Toronto, Canada
Few flowers captivate the human eye the way orchids do. Elegant, architectural, and deeply symbolic, orchids have been celebrated across cultures and continents for over 100 million years. On our recent visit to the iconic Orchid Garden in Singapore, we stepped into a breathtaking world where thousands of rare orchid varieties bloom in untouched natural beauty.
This blog takes you through the history of orchids, where orchids come from, how orchids are grown worldwide, how to maintain orchids at home, and finally — showcases our favorite orchids from the Singapore Orchid Garden with the story, origin, symbolisms, and recommended image placement for each one.
Whether you’re an orchid lover or simply looking for inspiration for your next Toronto orchid arrangement or GTA same-day orchid delivery, this journey is designed to bring the beauty of Singapore straight to your screen.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF ORCHIDS
Orchids are one of Earth’s oldest flowering plants. Fossils discovered in ancient amber show orchid ancestors blooming during the time of the dinosaurs — over 100 million years ago. Their ability to adapt allowed them to evolve into over 30,000 species found across every continent except Antarctica.
Orchids in Ancient Civilizations
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China: Orchids symbolized refinement, elegance, and moral integrity. Confucius compared the orchid’s fragrance to the qualities of a noble person.
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Greece: Associated with luxury, virility, and beauty.
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Aztecs: Used orchids for medicinal drinks mixed with vanilla.
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Victorian Era: Wealthy families caught “Orchid Fever,” sending explorers worldwide to hunt rare species.
Today, orchids continue to be associated with luxury, longevity, and exclusive beauty, making them a top choice for premium floral arrangements across Toronto and Canada.
WHERE ORCHIDS COME FROM (GLOBAL ORIGINS)
Orchids grow in nearly every climate — from lush tropical forests to dry deserts and high mountain cliffs. They are native to:
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Southeast Asia: Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia
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South America: Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Brazil
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Central America: Costa Rica, Panama
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North America: U.S. (Florida, Hawaii), specialty greenhouses in Canada
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Oceania: Australia, Papua New Guinea
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Africa: Madagascar, Tanzania, Kenya
These regions are considered the best in the world for orchid cultivation because of their natural humidity, filtered sunlight, and warm temperatures.
Singapore, in particular, is known globally for:
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World-class orchid hybridization
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Conservation programs
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Rare orchid breeding
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The National Orchid Garden (where these images were taken)
HOW TO MAINTAIN ORCHIDS AT HOME (CANADA-FRIENDLY CARE GUIDE)
Despite their exotic appearance, orchids are surprisingly easy to care for — as long as we mimic their natural habitat.
1. Light
Orchids thrive in bright, indirect sunlight.
Ideal placement: near east-facing windows or filtered light behind sheer curtains.
2. Watering
Water once per week.
Allow full drainage — standing water quickly leads to root rot.
3. Humidity
Orchids love humidity, ideally 40–60%.
Perfect for Toronto winters when indoor air becomes dry; simply add a pebble tray or humidifier.
4. Airflow
A gentle breeze helps orchids stay healthy.
Avoid stagnant, enclosed corners.
5. Temperature
Ideal: 18°C–28°C.
Orchids dislike cold drafts from windows and blasting heat from vents.
6. Potting Medium
Never use soil — instead use bark, sphagnum moss, or orchid mixture.
7. Fertilizer
Use orchid-specific fertilizer once per month for long-lasting blooms.
These tips work for every Canadian household, whether you live in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Mississauga, Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Scarborough, Durham, or anywhere orchids are enjoyed indoors.
OUR FAVORITE ORCHIDS FROM THE SINGAPORE ORCHID GARDEN
1. Cascading White Phalaenopsis – “The Orchid Waterfall
The enhanced white cascading orchids
These cascading white Phalaenopsis orchids looked like a waterfall of silk. Their pure white petals glowed under the Singapore sun, creating a truly breathtaking display.
Origin & History
Phalaenopsis orchids originate from Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines. Known as “moth orchids,” they naturally grow on tree trunks, absorbing moisture from the air.
Symbolism:
- Purity
- New beginnings
- Grace
- Luxury
This is one of the most requested orchids for Toronto weddings, high-end gifts, and GTA same-day orchid delivery.
2. Pink Phalaenopsis Growing from Moss – “The Enchanted Cluster”
Pink orchids on moss & wood
Found nestled in lush moss and old tree roots, these pink orchids felt magical — almost like discovering a secret garden.
Origin:
Native to Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Taiwan.
Symbolism:
- Happiness
- Joy
- Femininity
- Beauty
Their soft color makes them perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, and modern interior décor across Canada.
3. Yellow + Blush Veined Orchids – “The Golden Treasures”
These rare hybrids feature golden tones with intricate pink veining — a masterpiece of orchid genetics.
Origin:
Commonly hybridized in Thailand, Singapore, and Hawaii.
Symbolism:
- Success
- Prosperity
- Achievement
These orchids are trending among corporate Toronto clients, office lobbies, and luxury gifting.
4. Fuchsia Tropical Orchid Bed – “The Jungle Fireworks"
Bright magenta orchids in humid jungle setting
This bed of vibrant fuchsia orchids stood out like fireworks against dense tropical foliage.
Origin:
Found across Papua New Guinea, Northern Australia, Vietnam, and Borneo.
Symbolism:
- Creativity
- Passion
- Strength
- Individuality
Perfect for bold, artistic floral styling and statement pieces.
5. The Orchid Living Wall – “The Vertical Garden Masterpiece”
This was one of the most spectacular displays — a massive living wall covered in orchids.
Why It’s Important
Orchid walls demonstrate how orchids can thrive vertically, allowing designers to create living art installations.
Toronto Inspiration:
Perfect for:
- Hotel lobbies
- Luxury condos
- Corporate office walls
- Event installations
6. The Singapore Fountain Garden – “The Oasis of Colour”
A lush tropical oasis surrounded by yellow, pink, and orange orchids, palms, and flowing water. It perfectly represents the harmony and abundance of tropical flora.
Inspiration for Our Work
This garden inspired many of our Designer’s Choice orchid arrangements, which combine:
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Soft natural textures
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Layering
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Movement
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Luxury orchid varieties
BRING THE BEAUTY OF ORCHIDS HOME
At Yunza Florist, we bring the artistry of world-class orchid gardens into every arrangement we create.
We offer:
- Luxury multi-stem orchids
- Designer’s Choice orchid arrangements
- Bridal orchids & wedding installations
- Corporate orchid subscriptions
- Premium orchid gifting
- Same-day Toronto & GTA orchid delivery
We deliver across:
Toronto, North York, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Mississauga, Brampton, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Durham, Halton & GTA.
Experience the elegance of premium orchids — curated with care, artistry, and inspiration from Singapore’s most magical garden.