Orchids – Everyone Loves Them
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.
Orchids are available in four different varieties. Epiphytes – cling to the tree as they grow Lithophytes – known for growing on rocks. Saprophytes – grow in leaf litter. Terrestrials – grows in sand.Between these four categories, you will discover that there is an abundant number of distinct plants.
Native orchid species number more than 20,000 known species, which leaves us to believe that may be many not discovered yet. In addition to the native species, over 100,000 hybrids have been created artificially with cultivators. It has been a busy one hundred years for the orchid family.
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”.
Orchids do require some special care. Like other plants, they are susceptible to pest and disease. Some of the more common pests include spider mites, snails and aphids. Certain varieties are more prone to fungi and bacteria growth, but prevention goes a long way, and curing problems is not that 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.
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Tags: gardening, hobbies, home and family, orchids, tropical flowers
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