Subscribe to our blog to get articles delivered directly to your inbox

Caution for Orchids in the Kitchen

July 29, 2010

Keeping orchid plants in the kitchen can be a good choice, because many people have windows to accommodate plants – like bay and bow windows or garden windows--with lots of light and space. The plants will be able to enjoy some of the benefits of being nearby steamy hot water too. But it will depend on the amount and angle of the light that comes in the windows, the amount of air circulation and something you might not expect – the amount of ripening fruit or vegetables that are kept nearby.


Ripening produce gives off ethylene gas, which can cause sudden orchid flower loss. And of course, you’d much rather have those gorgeous orchid blooms around for as long as possible.

Ethylene gas is used to great advantage in the produce industry in ripening rooms to bring fruits and vegetables like bananas, avocados and tomatoes up to their fullest color before being moved to cold storage. Ethylene control is later used to reduce the amount of the gas in the air to slow the ripening process and keep produce fresher for longer periods of time.

The produce industry knows, and you should too, that automotive emissions, plastics, smoke and fluorescent lights all increase ethylene gas levels. So be sure that you place your orchid away from all of these too. Be sure there is proper ventilation above your stove to move any smoke out of the area, which is good for you too, and will keep your home smelling fresh.

Ethylene Control.com sells sachets to florists and as a bonus, you have the satisfaction of knowing that s they work, the environmentally friendly Power Pellets are transformed naturally into an organic fertilizer (manganese dioxide). Check with your local florist or plant supply store to see if you can buy the sachets in small quantities if you find you’re having a wilting problem.