An Overview of Orchid Species
The orchid plant varies widely in species and hybrids but there are surprisingly only two types of orchids.
The terrestrial orchid is the first type of orchid, which grows above the ground.
The second type - epiphytes orchids - grows on poles, in trees, or around rocks.
The most popular species of orchids is the terrestrial orchid.
The terrestrial orchid usually develops under the soil, similar to most other plants.
However, this plant species also may grow above the ground ("semi-terrestrial").
Semi-terrestrial plant types have roots that emerge above and below the soil.
One orchid in particular that has thousands of hybrids, the cymbidium orchid, claims 40 species and is one of the oldest of the orchid plant.
The cymbidium orchid is a perfect candidate for semi-terrestrial plants.
It can inhabit rocks, trees, and soil and flourishes in the compost of dead leaves and wood.
Its native lands span across Japan to Southeast Asia to Australia.
The cymbidium orchid gains wide popularity among beginners for its simple-to-grow features and will offer amazing flowers if given adequate attention.
Contrary to belief, the name "epiphytes" does not only describe the orchid species but also refers to all plants that grow above ground (exterior root system).
The most widely recognized epiphytes orchid is the dendrobium orchid.
This orchid type demands a little more care than cymbidiums but are still very simple to grow.
However, they bloom less often than the cymbidiums.
With over 1000 species, the dendrobium orchids span across major tropical regions of the world including: Australia, Northern India, Polynesia, and South East Asia.
Tropical environments provide the dendrobium orchid optimal conditions to thrive, namely humidity and warmth.
A second favorite epiphyte orchid is the phalaenopsis orchid.
Like the dendrobium and cymbidium orchids, the phalaenopsis orchid is simple to take care of.
They also bear flowers that last for a long time.
This type of orchid is also used in weddings because of its beautiful yellow, pink, and stripe colors.
Trees offer a stable home for the epiphytic orchid where it can utilize the trees' resources to feed.
The epiphytic orchid will not establish itself within the tree.
The tree provides an abundance of flesh on its bark and branches whereby the epiphytic orchid can flourish.
The compost that builds up around the trees' leaves and roots serve as nourishment for the orchid.
During periods of drought and flood, the epiphytic orchid's root system can help maintain its homeostasis.
The root's interior is made up of a strong, sinewy core covered with a porous material that easily retains water.
When there's a drought, the whitish sponge-like material turns a very light green.
When there's rainfall, it drinks up the water.
As the rest of the plant desiccates, the stored water source will be distributed where needed.
Moreover, epiphytic orchids are known to grow on the face of rock structures.
When clung to a rock or tree, it strategically positions itself to bathe in fresh air and light that has been filtered through the trees.
The terrestrial orchid is the first type of orchid, which grows above the ground.
The second type - epiphytes orchids - grows on poles, in trees, or around rocks.
The most popular species of orchids is the terrestrial orchid.
The terrestrial orchid usually develops under the soil, similar to most other plants.
However, this plant species also may grow above the ground ("semi-terrestrial").
Semi-terrestrial plant types have roots that emerge above and below the soil.
One orchid in particular that has thousands of hybrids, the cymbidium orchid, claims 40 species and is one of the oldest of the orchid plant.
The cymbidium orchid is a perfect candidate for semi-terrestrial plants.
It can inhabit rocks, trees, and soil and flourishes in the compost of dead leaves and wood.
Its native lands span across Japan to Southeast Asia to Australia.
The cymbidium orchid gains wide popularity among beginners for its simple-to-grow features and will offer amazing flowers if given adequate attention.
Contrary to belief, the name "epiphytes" does not only describe the orchid species but also refers to all plants that grow above ground (exterior root system).
The most widely recognized epiphytes orchid is the dendrobium orchid.
This orchid type demands a little more care than cymbidiums but are still very simple to grow.
However, they bloom less often than the cymbidiums.
With over 1000 species, the dendrobium orchids span across major tropical regions of the world including: Australia, Northern India, Polynesia, and South East Asia.
Tropical environments provide the dendrobium orchid optimal conditions to thrive, namely humidity and warmth.
A second favorite epiphyte orchid is the phalaenopsis orchid.
Like the dendrobium and cymbidium orchids, the phalaenopsis orchid is simple to take care of.
They also bear flowers that last for a long time.
This type of orchid is also used in weddings because of its beautiful yellow, pink, and stripe colors.
Trees offer a stable home for the epiphytic orchid where it can utilize the trees' resources to feed.
The epiphytic orchid will not establish itself within the tree.
The tree provides an abundance of flesh on its bark and branches whereby the epiphytic orchid can flourish.
The compost that builds up around the trees' leaves and roots serve as nourishment for the orchid.
During periods of drought and flood, the epiphytic orchid's root system can help maintain its homeostasis.
The root's interior is made up of a strong, sinewy core covered with a porous material that easily retains water.
When there's a drought, the whitish sponge-like material turns a very light green.
When there's rainfall, it drinks up the water.
As the rest of the plant desiccates, the stored water source will be distributed where needed.
Moreover, epiphytic orchids are known to grow on the face of rock structures.
When clung to a rock or tree, it strategically positions itself to bathe in fresh air and light that has been filtered through the trees.
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