Orchid Plant Information

Geography

• The majority of orchids grow in humid tropical environments. They are adapted to thrive in these conditions. Tropical orchids are usually perennial epiphytes. Like most epiphytes, they attach themselves to tree trunks and absorb moisture from the humid air of the rainforests via thick, aerial roots. They thrive in warm temperatures, sheltered from the sun by the thick overhead tree canopy.

  A lesser-know type of orchid is the lithophyte. A lithophyte grows on rocks and rocky soils. These orchids are hardier, and appear in temperate climates.

Tender Orchids

• Paphiopedilums, known as "slipper orchids" grow in the jungles of Indonesia. These orchids grow in humus near the ground, or in cliff crevices. They need high humidity and low light to thrive. Their spotted variegated leaves are due to uneven chlorophyll distribution.

  Phalaenopsis, commonly called "moth orchid" has thick fleshy leaf fans, and a long inflorescence from which bud multiple white, pink or striped flowers. The flowers last for many weeks. Do not let the phalaenopsis dry out. Keep it away from direct sunlight. It likes humidity and temperatures between 75 and 85 during the day, and around 60 degrees at night. Use a balanced fertilizer during the summer growing season, and a phosphorus rich blend in autumn to encourage flower growth.

  Cattleya orchids are from Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia and thrive in humid conditions. Place the plants on gravel filled trays and partially fill with water. Consider installing a mister or humidifier in dry climates. Protect from noon day sun. Collectors love their bold colored and ruffled flowers.

Hardier Species

• Dendrobium survives in a variety of climates. It grows at high altitudes and in dry conditions in Australia. It has short leaves and long flower stalks. Some large plants have up to 100 flowers. This plant survives by going dormant in winter. Water in summer and let the plant dry out in winter.

  Cymbidium is known as the corsage orchid. They grow in the cooler regions in Asia. Cymbidium blooms in winter. The flowers can be white, green, yellow, pink or brown. Bloom stalks have up to 20 waxy large flowers. Keep Cymbidiums moist during the spring when they are growing, but reduce watering in winter.

  Miltoniopsis, also called the pansy orchid, is a cool region orchid from the Andean regions of Colombia and Ecuador. These plants need excellent drainage, ample water, protection from direct sun, and moderate temperatures.

Cultivation

• Many people think orchids are hard to grow. Ironically, orchids often suffer and die from too much care. Overwatering or rich heavy soils can kill orchids. Orchids need to grow in leaf litter and mulch. Most orchids need protection from strong sunlight. Protect rain-forest orchids from any direct light. Provide shade from hot sun, and leave the roots exposed. All orchids need excellent drainage and protection in cold winters. Move tender orchids inside when temperatures fall.

Other Facts

• Vanilla flavoring is made from the vanilla orchid vine. These vanilla orchids are native to the Gulf coast region of Mexico, and are cultivated in Indonesia and Madagascar.

  "Early purple" orchid grows in Turkey and has succulent underground roots or tubers. These roots are used to flavor ice cream.

  Medellin, Colombia, features orchids in its famous flower festival and parade. Participants bear huge floral displays on their backs to commemorate the end of slavery in the country.