Posts Tagged ‘orchids’

Different Kinds Of Canadian Flowers

Sunday, December 20th, 2009

Canadian Flowers are found on the sides of country roads and in meadows as well. They are all very beautiful and are definite things to snap a picture of in its natural environment.

A rare beauty that grows in the Saskatchewan area is called the Western red Lily. These flourish in the meadows of the countrysides and in areas that are forested but smaller. Their color is very noticeable as it is a bright red with tine flecks of golden centers to draw your attention in to them.

Spread over the miles between Quebec and British Columbia you will spy dazzling Wild Roses. These are found in many lovely colors and are mostly seen in roadsides and forests naturally.

Did you know that instead of a country flower the Canadians use the brilliance of the Maple Leaf to signify their country and it adorns everything from flags, hats, shirts and even tags for cars.

On the exquisite Island of Prince Edward you will spy dainty Lady’s Slippers which are in full array in the spring seasons. These grow in shady places and in the forests of the island. The petals of this flower look like delicate slippers a lady might wear, hence its name.

Orchids – Everyone Loves Them

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

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.

Vanda Orchids – It Isn’t Enough To Know How To Grow Orchids, You Need To Know How To Care For Orchids Too (Vanda orchids are a great place to start)

Thursday, July 31st, 2008

Why do we value the orchid so highly? The question has been asked for generations and yet the answer is in the elegent, delicate and exotic nature of orchids. They can be difficult to grow without the proper information and with 20,000 species, the specifics can be daunting. And yet, the prize flowers have been used for centuries as corsages.

Orchids used to be a symbol of luxury living. Many fine ladies could be found wearing the exquisite beauty of orchids as floral corsages. Many bridal shops have started using various species and hybrids of the orchid. Yet – as their popularity and marketability has increased – so has the variety and coloring. The Vanda Orchid, also called the Urdu in Hindu is a particular favorite because of its strange and cute face. The Vanda Orchid comes in many colors and spottings.

Vanda Orchids – What Are They?

Orchid Gardening – A beginners first steps

Saturday, July 19th, 2008

Ahh, the joy of orchid gardening. It is a pastime that has been around for ages. With such beauty and variety in the orchids, the options for gardening are endless. With so many different types of orchids (28,000 + the hybrids), it is hard to find a guide that can answer everything. The basics below are just that – the basics and they should hold true for any species.

Orchid Gardening Tip #1 – Take Care

One thing that you must understand is that while orchid gardening is not difficult, it must be undertaken with great care. This is why many people who are just getting started with orchid gardening find that while they are able to keep their orchids alive, they are unable to get them to bloom. Herein lies the reason why you should choose an easy type of orchid.

Orchid Gardening Tip #2 – Selection Is Key

Choosing the correct orchid is key to a rewarding experience. If you are just getting into orchid gardening – you really want to start out with a positive experience. The Cymbidum is a great orchid to start with. It is easier than most in terms of care and getting it to bloom. So, choose wisely.

Repotting Orchids – When You Know How To Grow Orchids You Need To Repot Them Too

Monday, June 16th, 2008

To start, you need to get a new pot for your plant. You need to prepare this pot properly, or your time spent repotting orchids will be a waste! If you are recycling an old or used pot, soak it in a little bleach and water mixture. Once it is thoroughly soaked, rinse it and give it a efw days to dry out. You want it totally dry before you proceed. If the pot is brand new, just soak it in water for a little while.

You aren’t quite done with the pot yet. You need to add some plastic foam peanuts or small pebbles at the bottom of the planter. This makes sure your newly repotted orchid gets enough moisture.

Once you are ready, unpot the orchid by turning the plant upside down and gently thumping the sides of the pot. It is common for the roots to stick to the pot in places, but you can use a butter knife to get them loose. Try to be careful, but it is not a huge deal if you accidentally damage the roots a little.

The Black Orchid

Saturday, February 2nd, 2008

Orchids are a very popular flower most likely because of its exotic look. Even more unique is the the black orchid, whose genus name is bulbophyllum, this specific orchid accompanies many species in its class that can vary greatly in its appearance.

The name bulbophyllum originates from both the Latin and the Greek. The latin “bulbus” means bulb-like and the greek, “phyllon” meaning leaf are descriptive of its form. This exotic plant is the largest genus in the Orchidaceae or Orchid family, as well as being one of the the largest in the entire plant kingdom. Numbering at about 1805 species, the study of the black orchid is no small feat.

There are many different species of the bulbphyllum, and they can greatly vary in their form, look, smell, environment, and growth pattern. Identifying this plant can be diffucult, and most of the time is done by looking at the specifics and the structure of the flowers of the plant.

This orchid can range from anything like a winding root climber, to an erect plant. Again, this is why it’s so important to know the specifics of identifying a true bublophyllum. This is the reason it can be very difficult for even the most experience taxonomist, and makes it even more interesting because it is such a challenge.