Orchid Plants

Orchid Plants (Orchidaceae) are among the most diverse plant families. They get their name from the Greek Orchis, testicles, from the appearance of the pseudo bulbs in some terrestrial species. Roughly 30,000 species have been described, and at least 60,000 more hybrids have been bred by horticulturalists. They are monocotlydons, with flowers composed of 6 petals, one of which is modified into a "lip". Ranging in size from tiny Caribbean Epidendrons (3 inches) to massive Gramatophyllums (20 feet+) in New Guinea, their beauty and sophistication have captivated man.

Most orchid seeds are extremely tiny, with no food reserves, and will not even germinate without such symbiosis to supply nutrients in the wild. Techniques have now been devised for germinating seeds on a nutrient-containing gel, eliminating the necessity of the fungus, and greatly aiding the propagation of rare and endangered species.

Most orchids are epiphytic, residing on tree limbs without parasitizing resources (as Mistletoes do). Others live on the ground, in shaded places often. Almost all the species rely heavily upon mycorhizal associations with various fungi that decompose surrounding matter, freeing up water-soluble nutrients.
Most orchid seeds are extremely tiny, with no food reserves, and will not even germinate without such symbiosis to supply nutrients in the wild. Techniques have now been devised for germinating seeds on a nutrient-containing gel, eliminating the necessity of the fungus, and greatly aiding the propagation of rare and endangered species.

Orchid plants brighten anyones day. Orchids need to dry out somewhat between watering. Always remember, orchid plants should never stand in water. In general, once orchids are finished blooming you can remove the spike with a scissors. Almost all orchid plants drop leaves as they grow.

Once you understand their needs, orchids can become reliable plants that add beauty to any room in your. With most orchid plants old leaf growth naturally drops once new growth starts to emerge. By enriching the soil orchid plants are aided through the practice of organic gardening.

There are a great number of tropical and subtropical orchids plants and these are the most commonly known, as they are available at nurseries and through orchid clubs across the world. There are also quite a few orchids which grow in colder climates, although these are less often seen on the market.

It is in their reproductive methods that Orchids truly shine. The Paphiopedilums (Lady Slippers) have a deep pocket that traps visitors, with just one egress that leads to pollination. A Eurasian genus has flowers that look so much like female bumble bees that males flying nearby are irresistibly drawn in.
An underground orchid in Australia never sees the light of day, but manages to dupe ants into pollinating it. The Masdevalia stinks like a rotting Carcas, and the forest flies it attracts assist its reproduction. A species Darwin discussed briefly actually launches its pollen sacks with incendiary force when prompted. Some Phalaenopsis species in Malaysia use subtle weather cues to coordinate mass flowering.

In conclusion, strive to become the expert by learning as much as you can about orchids you like and their cultural requirements by reading books, asking friends and orchid society members.

Orchid plants are great for decorating office and home space. Exotic blooming orchid plants make great gifts for every occasion and are also used for corsages. In general, most orchid plants that are growing in pots will break down the medium within one to two years. Some orchid plants flower seasonally.

All orchids enjoy being rather root-bound, so make certain that there is only an extra inch or so for the roots to expand to in order to become root-bound again.