Beautiful Orchids
While you may already have a certain flower that attracts you, orchids offer a variety that appeals to anyone. For more than one hundred years since it’s introduction to Victorian society, orchids have become one of the most exquisite choices in flowers available.
Orchids come in four varieties - epiphytes that cling to trees, lithophytes that grow on rocks, saprophytes that make a home in leaf litter and terrestrials that sometimes grow in sand. But within these four broad categories there are a huge number of distinctive plants.
There are over 20,000 known native orchid species, which means there are probably many more not yet discovered. But that’s nothing compared to the over 100,000 hybrids that have been artificially created by clever cultivators. The past 100 years has been very busy for some.
Orchids often have the reputation for being difficult to grow, but this can be misleading. Some orchids do indeed require tender loving care. But many are very hardy. Some orchids prefer the high heat and humidity traditionally associated with this family of plants. But others will do just fine in cooler, dryer conditions. The range of light, temperature and growing conditions is another reflection of the variety of natural conditions in which they’re found.
Natural areas where the orchid family genres are found include every continent except Antarctica, including Africa and South America. Orchids actually occur as wild flowers. Hawaii is sometimes referred to as “Orchid Island” due to the number of orchid species found on the islands.
Orchards do have some special needs as far as care. Like any other plant, they can be susceptible to pests and diseases. These can include things such as spider mites, aphids and snails. There are some orchid flower varieties more prone to fungal growth than other, but prevention is easy. If a problem does occur, it isn’t the end of your plant - you can still treat it.
Some techniques to use are simply brushing the leaves off and washing the flowers, to mild anti-bacterial compound products. Fungi is treatable by drying, an anti-fungicide, or other methods. Simple isolation will sometimes allow the plant to cure itself with a little pruning, while preventing the spread of the fungus.
Caring for your orchid may be the easy part -sometimes the hardest part of orchard flower ownership is picking the perfect flower. The tremendous amount of choices in colors and shapes, and browsing through the orchid catalogs can overwhelm the senses. Don’t give up on finding the perfect flower for your garden.
No matter your taste, decorating desires or level of gardening expertise, there is an orchid just right for you. But one thing is very simple, indeed. Getting one that looks gorgeous in your home or greenhouse is the easiest thing in the world.
David is an expert in the field of tropical flowers. For more information see Hibiscus flower
