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Orchids
from:Orchids are from the Orchidaceae family and among the largest and most diverse flowering plant families. There are over eight hundred genera and 25,000 to 30,000 species. There are also nearly 60,000 hybrids that produced by horticulturists. About eight hundred new species are added to the “World Checklist of Orchids” list each year.
Orchids have been around for over 100 million years. They range in size from nearly microscopic to several feet in height. They have a distinctive look. They have three inner petals that are surrounded by three outer petals. Their petals are “cupped”, unlike other types of plants.
Orchids are usually thought of a tropical flower but they can grow well in nearly any climate. They grow on trees, on the ground and even on rocks.
They are classified according to their water requirements. Those that need moist environments are the Paphiopedilum, Cymbidium and Odontoglossm. Oncidium, Dendrobium and Cattelya need water only when they are actively growing. The Vanda Ascocend does not need water!
Cymbidium orchids have forty species and hybrids that range in the thousands. They are the oldest cultivated orchids. They are found growing naturally in South East Asia, Australia, Japan and China. They flower every year and a great flower to plant and care for, especially for beginning planters.
One of the most exotic types of orchids is the Cattelya. It comes from South America and they are used quite often in corsages. Many of these types are endangered as they have been so widely sought by people.
The second largest orchid genus is the Denrobiums. They have over one thousand species. They grow naturally in South East Asia, Northern India, Australia and Polynesia. They are easy to grow, but it can be a struggle to get them to bloom on a regular basis.
Phalaenopsis orchids are easy to grow and they last a long time. They come in many colors such as yellow, pink and striped. They are often used in weddings because of their lovely colors. They originate in the Philippines. They are becoming a popular choice for houseplants.
Vanda orchids are also easy to grow. They bloom in yellow, orange, blue and red. Their blooms last for several weeks at a time.
Orchids have lovely, unique flowers and a sweet scent, calming scent. While they tend to be easy to grow, you need to know how to grow them and understand that they are delicate and sensitive flowers.
Basic guidelines for growing orchids are as follows:
- They need to be repotted every two to three years
- They grow slowly compared to other houseplants
- Fill a pot with soil and set the plant with its roots spread out
- Pack additional soil around the plant to support it (you should be able to turn the pot upside down without the plant falling out)
- They need indirect sun in the morning and evening (south window is best)
- Fluorescent lights works well if you cannot expose them to sunlight due to your living space
- Set your orchid on pebbles in a tray filled with water which allows the plant to receive its necessary humidity requirements
Different types of orchids require different types of temperatures. Cattleyas, Epidendrums, Oncidiums and laelias require medium light where the temperature is sixty degrees at night and in the high seventies in the day. The cool class includes Cymbidiums, Cypripediums, Odontoglossums and Miltonias, and their temperature needs are five to ten cooler than the medium class. Warm class orchids are the Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilums, Vandas, Rhynchostylus and Dendrohiums. Their temperature needs should be five degrees warmer than those in the medium class. Never expose them to temperatures below forty-five degrees.
Water orchids when the soil is dry. Orchid types are broken up in categories based on specific watering needs. Cattleyas, Laeliocattleyas, Brassolaeliocattleyas, Oncidiums, Miltonias, and Odontoglossums require low water use, as they only need water about every five days. Phalaenopsis are moderate water drinkers and need water similar to other houseplants. Paphiopedilums and Haemeria orchids are high water drinkers and should be kept wet all of the time.
Fertilize orchids with a soluble plant food. Fertilize about one time each month at half of the recommended rate. Over-fertilizing and over-watering are two main causes of orchid houseplant death.
Orchids need a proper amount of air circulation and should not be kept near air conditioning or heater vents.
For more information on Orchids and rare plants please visit our gardening information site.
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