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Although there are thousands of species and tens of thousands of different hybrids of the orchid flower, only two different types of orchids exist.  Orchids that grow on the ground are called terrestrial orchids, while epiphytic orchids grow on the bark of living trees, on rocks and on poles, and they can grow on many other unlikely surfaces too.

The term “epiphyte” does not only refer to orchids, but refers to any living plant that has its root system above the ground.

Many people love the thousands of terrestrial orchid species.  Like most other plants, terrestrial orchids have roots that grow beneath the ground or the surface of the soil in a pot.

As it is with most living things, however, there are exceptions to the rules, and orchids are no exception.  Some terrestrial orchids are termed “semi-terrestrial,” meaning that they have underground roots and aerial roots too.

One of the first species of orchid to be cultivated was the Cymbidium orchid.  This is a terrestrial plant with forty species and many thousands of hybrids.  A very adaptable type, a Cymbidium orchid can grow on rocks and trees as well as in the ground.  It’s very happy nestled in a patch of rotted wood or a pile of decaying leaves.

Cymbidiums originated in the far East, and can now be found from Japan to Southeast Asia.  They’ve traveled as far as Australia, too.  Since they are so adaptable, they are very forgiving with beginning horticulturists, and this has made them very popular.  As a bonus, they provide a wonderful, rich array of gorgeous flowers every year.

The best knows epiphytes orchid (having its roots not in the ground) is the Dendrobium orchid.  They are a bit more particular than Cymbidium orchids, requiring a bit more time and attention, but they are fairly easy to grow.  Generally, they don’t flower as easily as Cymbidiums.

There are more than 1000 species of Dendrobium orchids, and they can still be found in their natural habitats in Australia, Polynesia, South East Asia and northern India.

Having originated in tropical areas, Dendrobiums love warmth and humidity.  Therefore they should be kept reasonably moist.

Another popular epiphyte orchid is the Phalaenopsis orchid.  These have very long-lasting flowers, and they are easy to grow, too.  Because of their exotic look and their variety of colors and stripes as well as basic white, Phalaenopsis orchids are a favorite at weddings.

Alhough epiphytic orchids attach themselves to structures like trees, they don’t feed off the tree.  An epiphytic orchid will wrap its fleshy roots around the nooks and crannies on the bark of its host tree.  As organic matter slips down the trunk of the tree, it can become caught in the orchid’s roots, and be used as nourishment for the orchid.

The roots of epiphytic orchids also help the plant survive through wet and dry periods.  The tough, stringy core of the root is surrounded by a spongy off-white covering that absorbs water easily.  When it rains, this cover soaks up water.  When it is completely saturated, it turns light green.

Rather than releasing the water into the plant too soon, thereby most likely killing it, the orchid’s roots hold the moisture.  The roots release it to the flower tissues gradually, as needed.

There are also some species of epiphytic orchids that cling to rocks.  Since they hang from trees, rocks, or other objects, the epiphytes thrive in the filtered light and they are always in open, airy situations.

By learning what helps orchids thrive and making just a few tweaks to your houseplant care routine, you will be able to grow these remarkable flowers at home and keep them healthy for years to come.

Related articles

• Orchids Types – Epiphytic (bearathome.com)
• the Proper Way to Water An Orchid (bearathome.com)
• Caring For Orchids – 5 Tips For Success (bearathome.com)

Orchids are exotic, gorgeous flowers, and they have recently become one of the most favorite house plants. Many people used to think that raising orchids was difficult, and that it was a pastime meant only for the rich.  With just a little tweaking in the routine of taking care of houseplants, the amateur or home horticulturist can raise a garden of beautiful orchids that will last for years.

There are thousands different species of orchids that can be found naturally. As a result of the work of home gardeners as well as professionals, there are almost as many hybrids as the orchids found in nature.  They are not difficult to grow with the right care including the rights amounts of water, light, fertilizer and air.  While many species of orchids thrive in cooler conditions, several species do very well in temperatures that are around 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

One of the easiest orchids to grow is the Phalaenopsis orchid plant.  Phalaenopsis can usually be found at your local nursery.  This species of orchid adapts well to the environment of a home or office.  A Phalaenopsis orchid can have flowers on its sprays that can continue blooming for two to three months.  Flowers on a Cattleya may last up to a month in bloom from the time that the first bud opens.

Some species of orchids will bloom once a year.  Other species can bloom several times a year, and some even bloom continuously, year-round.

Orchids’ fragrance also helps to make them popular.  Some orchids are wonderfully fragrant.  But, the scents from fragrant orchid flowers are extremely variable.  Some orchids have subtle scents and other species are extremely strong.  The scents can range from flowery to fruity.  Some orchids have suprisingly familiar aromas such as chocolate, raspberry, coconut, lilac or citrus.

In the wild, many Orchids grow attached to the bark of trees or entwined in the cracks of rocks.  Air can circulate freely around the roots.  They don’t do well in dense, wet soil.  For this reason they should be planted in bark pr sphagnum moss rather than typical potting soil, and in pots that will drain readily.  Orchids’ roots rot quickly if left standing in water.

Most orchid plants should be watered about once or twice a week.  During the summer, your orchid plant may need to be watered more frequently, about every four to five days.  A good rule of thumb to follow is the more heat, the more water you should give your orchid.  Conversely, the less heat, the less the plant should be watered.

Depending on the species of orchid, they prefer a lot of light. but not strong, direct sun.  They do very well sitting in an east facing window.  Since many orchid species can be found naturally in tropical conditions, they are used to receiving shade and dappled sun.    The leaves of Orchids that receive too much light will turn yellowing.  If this occurs you should decrease the amount of light that your orchid receives.

Yellowing of orchid leaves may also indicate insufficient feeding.  Orchid plants should be fertilized on a regular basis about every other week.  You should also water your orchid plant before applying the diluted nutrient solution if the potting media is dry.

Raising beautiful orchids takes just a little education and extra effort.  The home gardener will be rewarded with gorgeous displays of blooms.

Related articles

• Orchids Types – Epiphytic (bearathome.com)
• the Proper Way to Water An Orchid (bearathome.com)
• Caring For Orchids – 5 Tips For Success (bearathome.com)
• Gardening Can Be Fun With Tropical Plants and Flowers (bearathome.com)
• Orchids brighten a room with little effort (seattletimes.nwsource.com)