| Orchids form the world's largest
family of plants. They grow wild in every country except Antarctica.
The flowers of orchids appear to be very complicated, but in reality they are based on a very simple structure. Like many of their relatives such as the lily family. Orchids have three sepals and three petals, this similarity with other plants is only superficial as all orchids have their middle petal transformed into a unique structure called the labellum or lip. This petal is always quite different from the other two petals. Orchids also have a different reproduction feature. Instead of separate male and female organs, the stamen and pistils, these are combined into a single structure called the column. Orchid seeds are like tiny dust specks. They are placed in sterile flasks in a mixture of sugar and nutrients. The flask acts like a tiny green house. The seedlings remain in the flask for about a year. They are then moved to a community pot. They grow in the pot for eight months to a year. They are then moved to individual pots. It can take up to seven years to grow a mature blooming plant, depending on what type of an orchid is being grown. Orchid species have developed blooms to entice the insects that pollinate them. They also control when their fragrance is at it's peak. Some orchids are pollinated by night flying moths, therefore their fragrance is best at night. Orchids not only grow in tropical rain forest trees, many species actually grow on rocks (they use the rock as an anchor--something to hold on to for support just like their tree-living cousins). Terrestrial orchids grow in meadows, woodlands, and on mountain sides. |
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| Orchids have fascinated people since early times.
They have been the symbol of love, luxury, and beauty for centuries. Greeks looked at them as a symbol of virility. The Chinese, as long ago as the time of Confucius, called orchids "The plant of the King's Fragrance." In the middle ages orchids played a major role in herbal remedies. They were also regarded as an aphrodisiac and have been one of the main ingredients in certain love potions. When orchids appear in a dream, they supposedly represent a deep inner need and desire to keep gentleness, delicacy, and romance in ones relationship. By the start of the 18th century orchid collecting was firmly established in many parts of the world. Because of their attractive unusual flowers and intoxicating fragrances. A few orchids were brought back from far off lands by British sea captains in the 18th century. They remained curiosities for a handful of botanists and wealthy amateurs. This all changed, when in 1818, a man by the name of William Cattley bloomed the first Cattleya. The strange thing about this whole event was he had been unpacking plants he had shipped in (not orchids), he noticed these strange plants that had been used as packing material. He potted some of them up and in November, one of the Cattleyas bloomed. The flower world has never been the same, it is still feeling the impact of that single plant. Entire forests were stripped of millions of orchids. An English botanist wrote in 1878 "Not satisfied with taking 300 or 500 specimens of a fine orchid, they must scour the whole country and leave nothing for miles. This is no longer collecting; this is wanton robbery." Almost all collecting of orchids are now banned. Many are on the "endangered lists." Species are now being cultivated from seed. Orchids have been cultivated in Europe for 250 years. |
| In the mid 19th century, orchid flowers were regarded for their beauty and it was fashionable for the rich and famous to acquire large collections. Tropical orchids had price tags of thousands of dollars. Fortunately, orchids have come down in price due to the breeding and cultivating that is now being done. You can buy seedlings for as little as $5.00. Mature plants range from $10.00 and up depending on what type you are buying. You can find plants in nurseries, discount stores, florists, thru mail order, and of course from your local orchid grower. If you have limited space, buy the mature plants. |
| One of the easiest and most popular orchids to grow in the home are the Phalaenopsis or better known as the "Moth Orchid." They require average house temperature and moderate light, much like the African Violet. Other commonly grown orchids are the Paphiopedilum (Lady Slipper) which is another low light grower. The Cattleya (Catt.) is a very rewarding plant and is often used in corsages. Oncidiums (dancing dolls), Vandas, and Dendrobiums, all need bright light to flower. If you have a cool area try growing the beautiful "Pansies" the Miltoniopsis. For those of you that live in mild climates growing Cymbidiums in your gardens is a lot of fun. There are many other orchids that you may be able to grow in and around your home. Visit the Orchid Garden and learn all about the wonderful world of orchids. You grow orchids much like you do any blooming house plant. Remember most orchids are epiphytes and are planted in orchid bark, lava rock, or mounted on pieces of bark. DON'T plant them in soil unless they are the terrestrial type. |
Most orchids can be grown in your home if you give them what they need:
You grow orchids much like you do any blooming house plant. Remember most orchids are epiphytes and are planted in orchid bark, lava rock, or mounted on pieces of bark. DON'T plant them in soil unless they are the terrestrial type. |
Press HERE a listing of links to various informational and commercial sources about orchids.
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