Understanding Orchids
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| Photo Credit: © 2007 Greg Allikas |
| Many orchid aficionados still consider Cattleya to be the “Queen of Orchids.” |
Not long ago, orchids were thought of as exotic tropicals that only the wealthy could afford. While they’re still exotic and tropical, nowadays just about anyone can afford them. Thanks to advances in propagation techniques, they’re available just about everywhere – and they’re certainly priced right.
Nearly all home centers have an orchid selection, and you can find annual orchid shows held in cities all over the US – especially in the winter and spring. And if you’ve got questions, you can find out just about everything you’d need to know with just a couple of mouse clicks (right here on Learn2Grow®, for example). But despite how easy these beauties are to find and how much information there is available, the fact is that orchids still intimidate many gardeners. But once you learn what makes orchids different from other flowers, you’ll be able to understand how easy they are to grow. (Just be careful: Orchids can be addictive!) | Add Photo to Journal |  | | Photo Credit: © 2007 Greg Allikas | | Local orchid shows are great places to see and buy the latest cultivars. |
Orchids are among the most highly evolved flowering plants. While they’re a part of the orchid family (Orchidaceae), they’re related to the lily family (Liliaceae). Like lilies, orchid flower parts come in threes: three sepals and three petals. But that’s where their similarities end. Orchids have one petal that’s modified into a lip. The lip is a neat innovation because it serves as a landing platform for the pollinator and often assumes elaborate designs to attract specific insects or birds.
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| Tips |
- Try summering your orchids outside after all danger of frost is gone. You can hang them under a tree, where they’ll appreciate the fresh breezes. After all, orchids are native to breezy tropical mountains and do well with a little wind to rustle their leaves (even inside).
- If you don’t have a bright window for your orchid, you can use grow lights to coax your plant to bloom. (Some orchid types can even be grown close to fluorescent bulbs.)
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| Facts |
- There are more than 20,000 recorded orchid species, and explorers haven’t found them all yet. In fact, a stunning large slipper orchid was discovered in Peru in 2001.
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| Faqs |
- Q: Where’s the best spot to grow orchids inside?
A: Orchids generally grow well under the same conditions as people, and they make excellent houseplants as long as you can provide enough light and humidity. An air-conditioned room is a difficult environment for orchids – unless you add humidity.
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Next Steps
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Articles
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Growing Cymbidium Orchids
Orchid enthusiasts and beginners alike can enjoy the success of growing Cymbidium orchids. These beautiful plants will fit in with the environmental conditions found in most of our homes and reliably bloom each year.
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Repotting Orchids
Learn the unusual potting techniques orchids require for continued healthy growth.
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Air Plants: A Good Option for Indoors
Got a black thumb when it comes to houseplants? Try an easy-going air plant instead, and turn that black thumb green!
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