Where are orchids from and what does this mean in relation
to how I'll grow them. Why do I care where they're from?
Rainforest canopy in tropical area, Orchids growing
on trees |
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Orchids
Are Very Often From Tropical Areas
Orchids
live all over the world - mostly in areas like Southeast
Asia, South America and other warm climates. This
means usually orchids grow in a rainforest type environment
and like quite a bit of humidity.
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The
easiest way to think about orchids is to really understand
where they grow in the rainforest. When we say this we mean
at what eleveation or level on a tree. Many orchids do grow
on trees, so the higher up in the trees a plant lives the
more sun it gets and the less regular waterings it gets.
Nature
is Pretty Hard on Orchids
It
gets really dry sometimes, very wet sometimes (usually)
and very windy. The general surroundings are humid, breezy
and warm and cool alternating at different times during
the day. Circulating air is preferred by Orchids
because they're used to ventilation in nature. Orchids are
used to going days and days without being watered of fussed
over, and often endure incredible hardships and live through
them.
Vanda
Orchids growing on dead tree, receiving nutrients
from the tree bark
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How
do Orchids Survive in Nature?
Orchids
are very hardy.
They get
their nutrients from debris and nutrients that come
to them either in the rain, on the surface of what
they're growing on or by debris falling onto their
roots. Many are designed so that they like to have
frequent rains and dry periods. These have mechanisms
to help them adapt to their environment.
Orchids
Can Live Longer Than we Can
We've
had orchids survive without being watered for weeks
or even a month.
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Are There Many Kinds of Orchids?
There
are over a million types of Orchids now, including those
we've created from seed.
There more than 30 thousand different kinds (species) of
orchids that we've found in nature.
We recommend these great Orchids, products, resources, and books:
Orchids are Easy Page 2 >>
