Do you love growing orchids? Do you feel that you are well equipped with orchid information? Let me share with you a few facts on orchids so that you will be more knowledgeable on this colorful plant.
Orchids are members of a family of perennial herbs called Orchidaceae. They have an unusually large family, and there are more than 25,000 species of orchid flowers with more than 100,000 hybrids.
We love color, and that is why most people have orchids in their homes, because these plants come in all colors except blue and black. There is also a huge variety of species to choose from and sizes too! Aside from their texture, they also differ in their leaf thickness and size.
Orchids are abundant in tropical forests and they grow in all kinds of shaded habitats. Even though many people think of orchids as a tropical plant, they can in fact be found in almost any type of climate including rain forests, mountains, and forests. Most orchids adapt to cooler conditions, and they can bloom in a 75-85 degree Fahrenheit temperature.
Aside from being colorful, orchids are also known for being aromatic. Some give off a strong scent, while others are mildly fragrant. Different orchids have various scents that can even resemble other fruits.
A lot of people perceive that orchids are really complex to grow. The truth is, they are not that complicated and difficult to care for! You would need the same things any other plant would require -- light, water, fertilizer and air.
The next question that comes to mind is -- which species would be easy to care for? If you are mostly in the office or just want to have an orchid at home, then the Phalaenopsis or 'Moth Orchid' is right for you. This adjusts to a home or in an office environment.
If you compare the Phalaenopsis orchid with a Cattleya, you will notice that the sprays of the bud of the Moth Orchid will remain in bloom for the next two to three months. Take note that orchids bloom in different occasions, while some do so continuously.
When taking care of an orchid, carefully choose an orchid pot and make sure that it has a good drainage. Do not water your plants daily, but instead, do it sparingly, like every four to five days. During the summer, your orchid may need more hydration due to the heat.
Be sure that your plant is receiving adequate sunlight. Too much or too little is not good. You may place your orchids near the window. They bloom and grow well, especially when they receive a distributed amount of light and shade.
Overall, orchids are not that complex to take care of, you just need to educate yourself on as much orchid information as you can. You do not need to be an expert in growing plants. If you do your research and follow the steps to growing an orchid, you too could witness your orchids bloom!