At Sunshine Baskets & Gifts, we are always striving to achieve new and unique designs, introduce exciting food items and provide useful information to that will allow us to continue to be of service to our loyal customer base. This article is for all of my clients that have pollen allergies. Orchids for Valentines Day for people with pollen sensitivity. The reason orchids have flowers is for reproduction, and in many cases, pollination is the means of propagation. Insects, birds and even mammals can transfer pollen from orchid blossoms to other areas to instigate the growth of new orchid plants. However, gardeners with allergies and anyone interested in orchid reproduction will find that orchid pollen is surprisingly different than pollen from many other types of flower
The Most Important Things You Need To Know All About Growing Orchids!
Pollen Description
Orchids have pollen, but it’s not the free-floating variety common to many other types of flowers. Instead, orchid pollen is sticky and remains in its pollen packet until a pollinator, such as a bee, whisks it away. However, the pollen remains stuck on the pollinator; it never has the opportunity to drift in the air. This means that orchids are heavily reliant on pollinators for this type of reproduction.
How Orchids Attract Pollinators
Orchids have evolved natural ways to encourage pollination, and they go beyond enticing scents and colors. For instance, when pollinators land on the petals of a Bulbophyllum putidum, the flower gives way under the weight and cause the pollinators to fall into the pollen packets. Meanwhile, Phalaenopsis orchids often have flat, white petals that resemble moth wings, which attract real moths looking for mates. Many orchids have natural runways that make it easy for bees with ultraviolet vision to find their way to the pollen packets and back out again.
Facts for Allergy Sufferers
If you have a pollen allergy, fear not: orchids pose no problem. You can even sniff an orchid to enjoy its fragrance without worrying about pollen triggering your allergies. Because the pollen is sticky and hidden in pollen packets, it’s nearly impossible to come into contact with orchid pollen unless you do so on purpose to propagate your orchids. This makes orchids smart choices for a home garden if you have pollen allergies.