Orchid
Information
Orchid
Information Page 2 >>
Orchids
are very unique, different plants. Below we'll talk
about what makes Orchids so interesting. Have fun
reading - we certainly enjoyed writing this!
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What
Makes an Orchid an Orchid?
The
structure of the flower makes Orchids different from all other
plants. Each Orchid flower has 3 sepals and 3 petals that alternate
around the cmiddle of the flower, while some of these parts
are modified and not very easily recognizable. The center lower
petal of an Orchid flower is the lipt. In the center of the
Orchid flower is a "club-shaped" column, and this
is a combination of male and female reproductive organs all
in one location.
Below
I've edited a photograph to show the parts of an Orchid flower
structure. You can see in the photo below
- 3
petals
- the
column
- 3
sepals
- the
lip, which is also a petal
Photo by Imagine 123 Photography
A Little Background About Orchids
Orchids
are the second largest Natural Order in the whole world of botany,
being very diverse. There are thousands of varieties of Orchid
species and over a hundred thousand hybrid Orchids. There are
Orchid flowers that can be found with a very wide range of characteristics,
with Orchids existing in nearly every color and shade. There
are many variations in size and shape of Orchids.
Where
Orchids Are From
Most
Orchids are naturally from the jungle and this exotic background
is part of what makes them very attractive to buy. Orchids are
found on every continent except Antartica.
What
Kinds of Orchids Are Out There
- Some
Orchids do grow on the ground, usually in marsh land, and
are called Terrestrial Orchids. Paphiopedilums and
Cymbidiums ate terrestrial Orchids.
- Epiphytic
Orchids grow mainly on rocks and trees, where they hold
on with thin or thick roots and take in nutrients that fall
to them, as well as absorb sunlight that reaches them.
- The
last kind of Orchids are Saprophytic Orchids and there
aren't many of these. They do not have any green leaves, and
live on decayed vegetation. As they aren't very beautiful
usually, beginner Orchid growers don't normally seek these
out.
The
Main Kinds of Orchids that are Grown
There
are many kinds of orchids you can choose from to grow. Here's
a summary of some main orchid types:
Phalaenopsis
Orchids
Care
is easy, flower spike blooms for about 2-3 months, shade is
preferred.
Dendrobium
Orchids
Care
can be easy to not so easy, flower spike blooms 2-3 months.
Bright light preferred. There are many different kinds.
Oncidium
Orchids
Care
is easy to intermediate to easy, flower spikes bloom 2 months,
sunny window is preferred, with about a half day of sun.
Cattleya
Orchids
Care
is intermediate in difficulty, flowers bloom 1-4 weeks, sunny
window is preferred.
Miltonia
Orchids
Care
is intermediate, flowers bloom about 1-2 months, indirect sunlight
is preferred.
Paphiopedilum
Orchids
Warm
Paphiopedilum Orchids: Care is easy to intermediate, flowers
bloom a 2-3 months, shade is preferred. Warmer temperature needed.
Cool
paphiopedilum
Orchids: Care is
intermediate, flowers bloom 2 months, shade ispreferred. Cooler
temperature needed.
Vanda
Orchids
Care
is intermediate to difficult, flowers bloom about 2 months,
sun preferred. High humidity is important, often meaning these
need to be grown in a greenhouse.
Learn more about Orchid care from the Orchid Care Expert Practical Guide To Orchid Care.
Here are Orchids Growing in Nature and Orchid Potting Tips and Techniques.
Here is a list to view Orchids at many growers
See the list of great Orchid books
Orchid
Information Page 2 >>
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