The orchid (Orchidaceae) is the most diverse family of plants. According to Paul Thomas of the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, more than 28,000 species of orchid are known to exist. They are the fastest changing group of plants and more new species of orchid have been discovered than any other plant. Orchids are noted for their adaptability to nearly any environment and it is this adaptability that has allowed them to survive and flourish.
Types
There are two basic growth types of orchids: monopodial and sympodial. Thomas notes that the central stem of monopodial orchids grows continuously from the tip. Sypodial orchids grow from a rhizome which sprouts shoots.
Features
The size and shapes of orchid leaves vary from long and thin to fat and bulbous. They come in different textures and sizes, particularly adapted to the environment where they grow naturally. In general, many orchids live in low water environments and they are able to utilize moisture on their leaves quickly. They conserve water for survival during dry periods.
Considerations
For an orchid to survive in its natural habitat, the seed of an orchid must land on or near a special type of fungi, mychorrizal fungi. This fungi enters a symbiotic relationship with the orchid, sharing nutrients and water with the orchid. The orchid provides sugars from photosynthesis to the fungi, allowing both to grow successfully. However, this infrequent seeding of exactly the right conditions has made orchids relatively rare in the wild.
Growth conditions
According to Thomas, cultivated orchids are often grown on pine bark or on osmunda fibre. Thomas notes that some plants prefer the addition of peat, perlite, vermiculite and pebbles. They prefer direct southern sunlight, higher humidity and dry roots. Most orchids cannot tolerate being wet. These plants grow more slowly than other house plants and they should be tightly repotted every two years.
Watering
To successfully grow, orchids have to be watered properly. Generally, this means that the growth medium (bark or fibre) should be dry before the plant is re-watered. Exposure to the air can dry plants out more quickly so the location of the plant in the house, along with the amount of humidity and sunlight, will determine how often to water. Orchids have been valued and hybridized such that now there are more than 300,000 cultivars. The source of the orchid’s success and popularity centres on its spectacular flowers. These rare and prized blooms have captivated flower lovers all over the world. (eHow)