While you may already have a certain flower that attracts you, orchids offer a variety that appeals to anyone. For more than one hundred years since it's introduction to Victorian society, orchids have become one of the most exquisite choices in flowers available.
The orchid flower comes in four main varieties or groups. The first is the epiphyte. This variety clings to trees in a vine form as it grows. The lithophytes are popular for growing on or rocks or in rock gardens. The saprophytes grow best in "leaf litter" - decomposing leaves. Terrestrials grow most commonly in sand, but there are other varieties of this plant available. These four groups offer a wide variety on the amount of distinct plants.
There are over 20,000 known native orchid species, which means there are probably many more not yet discovered. But that's nothing compared to the over 100,000 hybrids that have been artificially created by clever cultivators. The past 100 years has been very busy for some.
Orchids have long had a reputation for being high maintenance and hard to grow. This isn't necessarily true. Some varieties do need more attention, but there are many varieties that are hardy. Some orchid varieties prefer heat and humidity that is the popular belief for this plant, but there are some that thrive in cool, dry conditions. The differences in light, temperature and the best growing condition is another example of the varieties of natural areas where they grow.
The orchid flower has roots in all the continents (except Antarctica), from Africa to South America. Many varieties of the orchard flower actually grow as indigenous wildflowers. The large number of orchids found in Hawaii has earned it the nickname "Orchid Island".
They do require some care, of course. Like any living thing, they are subject to a number of pests and diseases. Spider mites, aphids and snails are common problems. Fungi and bacteria, along with several viruses, are known to attack orchids. But prevention and cure is not too difficult.
Techniques range from simple brushing or washing off the flowers and leaves to mild anti-bacterial compounds. Fungi can be treated by drying, anti-fungicides and other methods. Sometimes simple isolation is enough to prevent spreading and the plant will cure itself with a little pruning and proper watering and potting.
Choosing the right orchid is sometimes the most difficult part of caring for them. The wide range of shapes, colors and sizes can overwhelm the orchid lover's senses. Catalogs give choices with every imaginable option - leaves or none, growth height, mature flower size. Finding the perfect fit can be an adventure.
It doesn't matter what your taste in flowers is, what your decorating goal is, or how much of a green thumb you have. There is an orchid that will work for you. One thing that is certain is that you will be able to find the perfect plant to bring beauty to your home or green house. - 32376
The orchid flower comes in four main varieties or groups. The first is the epiphyte. This variety clings to trees in a vine form as it grows. The lithophytes are popular for growing on or rocks or in rock gardens. The saprophytes grow best in "leaf litter" - decomposing leaves. Terrestrials grow most commonly in sand, but there are other varieties of this plant available. These four groups offer a wide variety on the amount of distinct plants.
There are over 20,000 known native orchid species, which means there are probably many more not yet discovered. But that's nothing compared to the over 100,000 hybrids that have been artificially created by clever cultivators. The past 100 years has been very busy for some.
Orchids have long had a reputation for being high maintenance and hard to grow. This isn't necessarily true. Some varieties do need more attention, but there are many varieties that are hardy. Some orchid varieties prefer heat and humidity that is the popular belief for this plant, but there are some that thrive in cool, dry conditions. The differences in light, temperature and the best growing condition is another example of the varieties of natural areas where they grow.
The orchid flower has roots in all the continents (except Antarctica), from Africa to South America. Many varieties of the orchard flower actually grow as indigenous wildflowers. The large number of orchids found in Hawaii has earned it the nickname "Orchid Island".
They do require some care, of course. Like any living thing, they are subject to a number of pests and diseases. Spider mites, aphids and snails are common problems. Fungi and bacteria, along with several viruses, are known to attack orchids. But prevention and cure is not too difficult.
Techniques range from simple brushing or washing off the flowers and leaves to mild anti-bacterial compounds. Fungi can be treated by drying, anti-fungicides and other methods. Sometimes simple isolation is enough to prevent spreading and the plant will cure itself with a little pruning and proper watering and potting.
Choosing the right orchid is sometimes the most difficult part of caring for them. The wide range of shapes, colors and sizes can overwhelm the orchid lover's senses. Catalogs give choices with every imaginable option - leaves or none, growth height, mature flower size. Finding the perfect fit can be an adventure.
It doesn't matter what your taste in flowers is, what your decorating goal is, or how much of a green thumb you have. There is an orchid that will work for you. One thing that is certain is that you will be able to find the perfect plant to bring beauty to your home or green house. - 32376
