How To Grow Orchids

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How To Grow 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 are available in four different varieties. Epiphytes - cling to the tree as they grow Lithophytes - known for growing on rocks. Saprophytes - grow in leaf litter. Terrestrials - grows in sand.Between these four categories, you will discover that there is an abundant number of distinct 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.

Although orchids have a reputation for being temperamental and hard to grow, don't think this is necessarily true. While certain varieties are more high maintenance, many varieties are easy to grow and very hardy. Orchids have different temperature requirements, from hot and humid, to some that prefer cool, dry conditions. Differences in temperature and light requirements, as well as soil conditions, also effect they natural varieties that occur in certain areas.

The orchid flower has roots in all the continents (except Antarctica), from Africa to South America. Many varieties of the orchard flower actually grow as indigenous wildflowers. The large number of orchids found in Hawaii has earned it the nickname "Orchid Island".

They do require some care, of course. Like any living thing, they are subject to a number of pests and diseases. Spider mites, aphids and snails are common problems. Fungi and bacteria, along with several viruses, are known to attack orchids. But prevention and cure is not too difficult.

Techniques range from simple brushing or washing off the flowers and leaves to mild anti-bacterial compounds. Fungi can be treated by drying, anti-fungicides and other methods. Sometimes simple isolation is enough to prevent spreading and the plant will cure itself with a little pruning and proper watering and potting.

In fact, choosing an orchid is often more difficult than caring for one. With the variety of sizes, shapes and colors available one could spend a lifetime just looking through the catalog at all the outstanding samples. There are some that have no leaves, while others have long, bamboo shoot-like leaves. Some have miniature flowers, while others grow to 12 inches or more.

It doesn't matter what your taste in flowers is, what your decorating goal is, or how much of a green thumb you have. There is an orchid that will work for you. One thing that is certain is that you will be able to find the perfect plant to bring beauty to your home or green house.

Article Source: GardenGap.com

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Html View | by: David Ray Total views: 2 Word Count: 481 Date: Wed, 16 Dec 2009

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