Everyone may have a favorite flower that holds special meaning, but orchids have long been a popular choice. Introduced to the Victorian society more than one hundred years ago, orchids are one of the most exquisite 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.
Orchid species that are native (not hybridized) naturally occur with over 20,000 known species. There may be more native plants that have not yet been discovered. When you count orchid flower hybrids, over 100,000 hybrids have been artificially created through cultivator plants.
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.
In those conditions we find genera that range from the lovely Phalaenopsis to the even lovelier Cymbidium and many others. There are orchids that hail from Africa and those native to South America. In fact, orchids occur in the wild on every continent (except Antarctica) and on many islands. Hawaii is an excellent example of the latter, sometimes called Orchid Island because of its numerous species.
Orchards do have some special needs as far as care. Like any other plant, they can be susceptible to pests and diseases. These can include things such as spider mites, aphids and snails. There are some orchid flower varieties more prone to fungal growth than other, but prevention is easy. If a problem does occur, it isn't the end of your plant - you can still treat it.
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.
Caring for your orchid may be the easy part -sometimes the hardest part of orchard flower ownership is picking the perfect flower. The tremendous amount of choices in colors and shapes, and browsing through the orchid catalogs can overwhelm the senses. Don't give up on finding the perfect flower for your garden.
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.
Orchid species that are native (not hybridized) naturally occur with over 20,000 known species. There may be more native plants that have not yet been discovered. When you count orchid flower hybrids, over 100,000 hybrids have been artificially created through cultivator plants.
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.
In those conditions we find genera that range from the lovely Phalaenopsis to the even lovelier Cymbidium and many others. There are orchids that hail from Africa and those native to South America. In fact, orchids occur in the wild on every continent (except Antarctica) and on many islands. Hawaii is an excellent example of the latter, sometimes called Orchid Island because of its numerous species.
Orchards do have some special needs as far as care. Like any other plant, they can be susceptible to pests and diseases. These can include things such as spider mites, aphids and snails. There are some orchid flower varieties more prone to fungal growth than other, but prevention is easy. If a problem does occur, it isn't the end of your plant - you can still treat it.
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.
Caring for your orchid may be the easy part -sometimes the hardest part of orchard flower ownership is picking the perfect flower. The tremendous amount of choices in colors and shapes, and browsing through the orchid catalogs can overwhelm the senses. Don't give up on finding the perfect flower for your garden.
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
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