The
array of colors, forms, textures and perfumes available in Orchid flowers is
second to none. Many are relatively easy to grow under home conditions, or on
your sun porch or patio. Even if you choose not to actually grow Orchids, they
make excellent plants for home decoration – you can expect weeks of glory for
the same price you might pay for an arrangement lasting only days. But beware,
you may fall under their spell, and become a lifelong advocate and orchid
hobbyist. You’ll be amazed at the variety of exotic flowers that live and bloom
right here in
Orchids
are one of the largest and most highly evolved families of the entire plant
kingdom, with at least 20,000 known species. Present day hybrids are cultivated
in greenhouses, on window sills and under lights worldwide. Orchids are native
to the tropics, certainly, but they also grow wild in
Orchids
are hardy, long-lived plants that thrive in a variety of conditions. Like any
plant, orchids require care. But they respond favorably, even eagerly, to
proper treatment, and reward their caretakers by blooming luxuriantly for, at
times, weeks and months on end. You do not have to grow Orchids in a
greenhouse. When selecting plants, choose those that will
survive in the environment that you have to offer.
Some
Orchids bloom once a year, others bloom several times a year – and some even
bloom continuously. How long the blossoms last depends on the type as well as
cultural treatment. Blooms of Cattleya
hybrids may last one to four weeks on the plants. Those of the genus Phalaenopsis
commonly last from one to four months. Some Orchids are so powerfully
scented as to perfume an entire greenhouse or living room. A few fragrances
defy description, while other mimic familiar aromas – raspberry, coconut,
lilacs and citrus. Others have no scent, but rely on shape and color to attract
insects or birds for pollination, thereby continuing the life cycle of the
species.
Orchids
are not all the same – ranging from thimble-size to a twenty-foot tall
specimen. Blossom size ranges from no larger than a mosquito to dinner plate
size.
Orchids
are not parasites. In nature, many orchids cling to trees and bushes as a
growth habit, but they take nothing from the host plant, and do not injure it
in any way. Orchids that grow on trees are called epiphytes or air plants.
Since most Orchids are epiphytes they do not require soil; they can be grown in
tree bark (fir or redwood), crumbled charcoal, large perlite, pebbles, tree fern or on cork plaques.
Orchids
are no harder to grow than other ornamental plants. They need water,
fertilizer, light and air – all in the right proportion and frequency. Modern
reproductive methods make it possible now to enjoy plants at a reasonable
price. Once a hobby for the wealthy, Orchids are now within the reach of any
income.
Located
in