It’s January, which means that we’re deep into winter, and many of us are craving the sunlight and greenery that Toronto winters lack. While travelling to tropical locations may not be an option this winter, that doesn’t mean you can’t bring a bit of tropical atmosphere to you! Fulfill your tropical desires with these sunny orange favourites:

Orange Orchids

One of our favourite tropical plants are Phalaenopsis orchids, especially in bright shades of cheery orange! Orchids are found all over the world (even here in Ontario!), but this type is found in hot, humid regions from India to Southern China, especially in Indonesia and the Philippines. These orchids are epiphytes, meaning that in their native environment, they grow mainly on the trunks of trees, getting their moisture and nutrients from the air and rain. This means they are tough plants, and much easier to take care of than most people think! Just keep your plant in an area with bright, non-direct light, and water when dry. Be sure not to overwater or let the roots sit in water, as this can cause them to rot, which can be deadly for an orchid. Orchids will flower for 2 or 3 months before the blooms die back, but don’t give up on it when the flowers have fallen off! A flower-less orchid is not a dead orchid, and with a little patience and love they will rebloom! Cut the flower stem back to its base and keep caring for the plant as you usually would. With a bit of patience and time, your orchid can flower repeatedly, bringing you a pop of tropical colour again and again!

Tropical Explosion Bouquet

Cut flowers are great to have in your home year-round, but they are extra special in the winter, bringing some much needed colour into our lives. Since local Ontario blooms are hard to come by, why not go for a bright, tropical arrangement! Our tropical explosion bouquet is a Poppies favourite, with bold colours, interesting blooms and hot tropical foliage. Inspired by the warm feeling of the tropics, it will make your home feel like a tropical paradise. Get a bouquet for yourself or send one to a friend who could use a bit of brightness!

Calamondin

We’re crushing on these little orange trees! Not only do their small orange fruits provide a pop of vibrant colour, they are also edible! Calamondin, also called Calamansi, are popular in Philippino cuisine, as well as in Florida, where the warm, humid climate means they can easily be grown in both orchards and backyards. The small fruit can be eaten right off the plant, or used in drinks, marmalade, cakes, pies and to prepare meats. Make yourself a Calamondin cocktail (or mocktail) and pretend you’re sipping it on the beach! Though growing citrus in our chilly climate might seem daunting, these plants will produce fruit year-round if they receive plenty of light and are kept well watered. They can bring a tropical vibe to your home in the winter, and are a great balcony plant come summer.