Orchids are one of the most beautiful flowers on the planet. The questions that are often asked are when did we find them? How many types of orchids are there? And the ever popular, how do I keep my orchids alive. Lets start from the beginning and get the facts.
The range of orchids is constantly growing and a record of all the different species are kept at the Royal Horticultural Society in London. This record contains all the recognized naturally occurring orchids as well as hybrid orchids. Some orchids are now so rare that they are classified as endangered and protected by law. In this collection the vanilla orchid was the first to be recorded in Europe back in 1510. It was not until 1856 that the first orchid hybrid was created. Currently there are over twenty thousand species of orchids and counting.
The orchid family divides into three sections: Sympodial, which originated in dry climates and stores water in its stems. Monopodial, which has one upward growing stem, a rhizome, and continually produces new leaves from an apex. This orchid does not reproduce easily. Diapodial, is the third and least common type of orchid. It grows in a similar manner to the sympodials, but without the bulbs.
As with all plants the roots are the means of nourishing the orchid. All orchids grow and gather their food and moisture by different means. Most orchids attach themselves to trees, sticks or twigs and some attach to rock while others place themselves in soil.
Different species of orchids need special care and set-up to grow. Here are some helpful instructions to be aware of on how to care for orchids.
The first factor to pay attention to is proper light. When considering light requirements watch the leaves of your orchid to determine if the plant is getting too much or little light. If the leaves become reddish or yellow in color, it means that your plant is getting too much light and you need to move the plant to more protected or shaded area. If the leaves turn into dark green, then you need to move it to more light. The correct lighting will produce a light green leaves.
The next factor to look at is watering. Many people do not realize that the best water to use is rainwater. Tap water and other chemically treated water does not make for the best environment for your orchids. One useful tip that many do not think of is leaving your water sit for 24 hours in the open air. This is not ideal but it does take some of the chemicals of the water if this is your only course of action. Remember that the hotter it is the more water your orchid needs for best care. Likewise, less heat requires less water. Correct watering will result in good, firm and healthy roots and over watered orchids will result in unhealthy and brown dead roots. Over watering is the worst way to care for orchids. Orchids can stand being dryer more than being over watered.
The final consideration for your orchid is air. Proper air circulation is needed for their growth. In the orchids natural habitat they grow anchored to trees with little or no soil and a lot of fresh air.
Orchids are a very unique family of flowers and are the largest family of flowering plants. Treat them how they need to be treated and you will have a championship flower to brag about.
