Orchid Types - Essential Knowledge
There is such a vast array of orchids to choose from, they come in many colors, sizes, species and hybrids.
They thrive in many different geographical regions ranging from the equatorial regions of South East Asia, Japan and Australia, to the cooler temperate regions of Europe and the United States.
No matter where you live, with over 25,000 available species and approximately 100,000 hybrids, you can always find very many orchid types that are most suitable for cultivating in your local environment.
Basically there are only two different geno-types of these amazingly beautiful plants; Terrestrials and Epiphytes.
The terminology used does not refer to any particular species or hybrid of orchid but rather to their specific root systems, Terrestrials have an underground root system while Epiphytes have an aerial root system, whereby, they attach themselves to trees, rocks or poles.
The most common type of epiphyte is the Phalaenopsis orchid, which in it's natural state grows on trees within the hot, humid, damp conditions of the rainforest.
They are very graceful looking plants and although they generally flower only once or twice a year, their magnificent, delicate blooms will last for up to three months, the most common colors are white and purplish-pink, although they also come in yellow and striped varieties and are easily grown and maintained in the home.
Another very common type of Epiphyte is the Dendrobium hybrid variety, Dendrobium is in fact one of the largest orchid genera and as such, their natural habitat ranges across the whole of South East Asia, Japan, Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand and Polynesia.
Coming from such a widespread area it is impossible to generalise when it comes to methods of cultivating this type of orchid, Dendrobium orchids generally thrive in a warm environment and any significant drop in temperature below 15 degrees celsius, they will start to lose their leaves.
Although certain types of Dendrobium do prefer cooler night time temperatures.
They come in a wide variety of colors including white, green, purple, pink and yellow.
With this type of orchid it is necessary to research thoroughly the environmental needs of the specific variety of Dendrobium that you are considering, as if it is to thrive, it is necessary to fully understand and recreate it's natural environment within your home.
Probably the most common and easy to grow variety of Terrestrial orchid is the Cymbidium which encapsulates up to forty different species and quite literally thousands of hybrid varieties.
Their popularity stems from their fairly large, bold, flowers with up to thirty blooms on each spike that come in a whole range of colors from yellow, pink, brown, red, peach and green.
Generally the Cymbidium prefers a cooler climate with bright light and a little shade, as they originated in high altitude areas of the Himalayas and China.
These plants also come in a miniature form whereby, they grow only to a maximum height of three feet, making them ideal for those that live in a small apartment and perfect for the novice horticulturalist.
If you have plenty of room and enjoy exotic plants and a challenge then the Miltonia or "pansy orchid" is for you, All species are native to Brazil, although they can be found in other regions of South America.
These extremely fragrant orchids propagate in high altitude areas with high levels of precipitation and mist.
Therefore, the best potting medium is New Zealand Spaghnum moss with a little perlite, bark and charcoal mixed in, to promote effective drainage.
Miltonia Orchids must remain moist at all times but don't over water otherwise the roots will rot.
You need to create a high humidity environment of up to 85%, this can create problems with diseases so it is vitally important to keep the air circulating at all times.
Never let the plant dry out or the humidity level fall, or the leaves will become pleated and remain so.
They grow best in an east facing window with a little shade.
Miltonia orchids grow like vines and climb, making it impossible to grow them in a pot, the best method is to cultivate them in baskets, but they will need repotting at least once every year or so.
If you are feeling adventurous you can mount them on tree fern or bark and let them grow and creep up the wall as they see fit.
They thrive in many different geographical regions ranging from the equatorial regions of South East Asia, Japan and Australia, to the cooler temperate regions of Europe and the United States.
No matter where you live, with over 25,000 available species and approximately 100,000 hybrids, you can always find very many orchid types that are most suitable for cultivating in your local environment.
Basically there are only two different geno-types of these amazingly beautiful plants; Terrestrials and Epiphytes.
The terminology used does not refer to any particular species or hybrid of orchid but rather to their specific root systems, Terrestrials have an underground root system while Epiphytes have an aerial root system, whereby, they attach themselves to trees, rocks or poles.
The most common type of epiphyte is the Phalaenopsis orchid, which in it's natural state grows on trees within the hot, humid, damp conditions of the rainforest.
They are very graceful looking plants and although they generally flower only once or twice a year, their magnificent, delicate blooms will last for up to three months, the most common colors are white and purplish-pink, although they also come in yellow and striped varieties and are easily grown and maintained in the home.
Another very common type of Epiphyte is the Dendrobium hybrid variety, Dendrobium is in fact one of the largest orchid genera and as such, their natural habitat ranges across the whole of South East Asia, Japan, Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand and Polynesia.
Coming from such a widespread area it is impossible to generalise when it comes to methods of cultivating this type of orchid, Dendrobium orchids generally thrive in a warm environment and any significant drop in temperature below 15 degrees celsius, they will start to lose their leaves.
Although certain types of Dendrobium do prefer cooler night time temperatures.
They come in a wide variety of colors including white, green, purple, pink and yellow.
With this type of orchid it is necessary to research thoroughly the environmental needs of the specific variety of Dendrobium that you are considering, as if it is to thrive, it is necessary to fully understand and recreate it's natural environment within your home.
Probably the most common and easy to grow variety of Terrestrial orchid is the Cymbidium which encapsulates up to forty different species and quite literally thousands of hybrid varieties.
Their popularity stems from their fairly large, bold, flowers with up to thirty blooms on each spike that come in a whole range of colors from yellow, pink, brown, red, peach and green.
Generally the Cymbidium prefers a cooler climate with bright light and a little shade, as they originated in high altitude areas of the Himalayas and China.
These plants also come in a miniature form whereby, they grow only to a maximum height of three feet, making them ideal for those that live in a small apartment and perfect for the novice horticulturalist.
If you have plenty of room and enjoy exotic plants and a challenge then the Miltonia or "pansy orchid" is for you, All species are native to Brazil, although they can be found in other regions of South America.
These extremely fragrant orchids propagate in high altitude areas with high levels of precipitation and mist.
Therefore, the best potting medium is New Zealand Spaghnum moss with a little perlite, bark and charcoal mixed in, to promote effective drainage.
Miltonia Orchids must remain moist at all times but don't over water otherwise the roots will rot.
You need to create a high humidity environment of up to 85%, this can create problems with diseases so it is vitally important to keep the air circulating at all times.
Never let the plant dry out or the humidity level fall, or the leaves will become pleated and remain so.
They grow best in an east facing window with a little shade.
Miltonia orchids grow like vines and climb, making it impossible to grow them in a pot, the best method is to cultivate them in baskets, but they will need repotting at least once every year or so.
If you are feeling adventurous you can mount them on tree fern or bark and let them grow and creep up the wall as they see fit.
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