While flowers are always a welcome gift, some exotic flowers make extra special additions on special occasions. Orchids are one of the world’s most recognized exotic flowers, with an elegance to their form and color that speaks of tropical climates and faraway places. Though many people associate orchids with creamy white elegance, they can come in a variety of colors, including pinks, reds, golden yellows and deep purples.

When you shop for orchids online, you can usually find them either fresh-cut for vases or as live plants, such as the orchids you’ll find at Hanaflowers. Either option can be a wonderful way to surprise a flower enthusiast, though both varieties will need some special care to stay fresh and lively.

When buying fresh-cut orchids, it’s good to purchase from a florist that understands orchids well, so that the best varieties for cut-flowers will be used and packed carefully for delivery. Some orchids are more delicate and won’t last as long, though some orchids, of the thicker, waxier type, can last for quite a while if kept from extreme temperatures and if care is followed in their watering and in providing proper stem support.

Orchids, of course, are popular flowers for wedding bouquets and other wedding flowers, such as boutonnieres and corsages. Generally the last two will not last as long as cut-flowers with the stem intact, though they can still add a special touch of elegant grace to a beautiful day.