The Requirements for Growing Different Types of Orchids
Orchids are the largest variety of flowering plants on earth.
There are between 20,000 and 30,000 native species and over 100,000 hybrids.
They are very beautiful and can be found in all continents except Antarctica.
There are three main orchid types; terrestrial orchids, epiphytes and lithophytes.
Terrestrial orchids grow on the ground.
These are relatively easy to grow.
A popular terrestrial orchid is the cymbidium.
Epiphytes grow in tree branches and get their nutrients form the atmosphere.
They have specialized aerial roots which draw moisture, air and nutrients from the air and the tree's bark.
Lithophytes grow on rocks and bases and forks of trees.
Their roots spread out and into crevices in search of nutrients.
Because of their beauty men have sought to grow orchids in their homes to make them more attractive.
Knowing the type of orchids helps in knowing what type of requirements are necessary for their growth.
Such requirements include the following.
The first requirement is a growing medium.
The different types of orchids grow on different mediums.
These are soil, bark and hard surfaces with little nutrients.
A person who wants to grow orchids has to have access to such mediums.
For the terrestrial type, this is quite easy as soil is everywhere.
For the epiphytes, special bark has to be purchased for their growth.
They can not be grown on soil as their roots have adapted over the years to draw nutrients from bark and the atmosphere.
The lithophytes are even harder to grow as they need hard surfaces with minimum nutrients.
However, the hybrids are much easier to grow as they have been transformed to grow even on soil The second requirement is water.
The three types of orchids have different water requirements.
It is necessary to try to match the water you give them to that they received while they grew in nature.
In many cases, watering them twice a week is sufficient enough.
Lighting requirements are the third thing to consider.
Terrestrials usually need more light than the epiphytes and lithophytes.
This is because in their natural habitats, the epiphytes and lithophytes are used to the shade of the trees.
This way, terrestrial orchids are best grown in the garden.
The other two are grown in the house where lighting can be controlled.
The fourth thing to consider is the air requirements of the orchids.
Being plants, they need well ventilated environments.
Placing your orchids close to the window is recommended.
As the orchids are being grown in an environment which is not their native, there must be some special care given in order to ensure that they grow healthy.
Such care methods include cutting of dried flower stalks, use of artificial light and regulating temperatures.
There are many species in each type of orchid.
If you intend to grow orchids, it will be recommended you search for a particular species which has proven to be easy to grow and take care of.
Your local florist will be a great place to search.
There are between 20,000 and 30,000 native species and over 100,000 hybrids.
They are very beautiful and can be found in all continents except Antarctica.
There are three main orchid types; terrestrial orchids, epiphytes and lithophytes.
Terrestrial orchids grow on the ground.
These are relatively easy to grow.
A popular terrestrial orchid is the cymbidium.
Epiphytes grow in tree branches and get their nutrients form the atmosphere.
They have specialized aerial roots which draw moisture, air and nutrients from the air and the tree's bark.
Lithophytes grow on rocks and bases and forks of trees.
Their roots spread out and into crevices in search of nutrients.
Because of their beauty men have sought to grow orchids in their homes to make them more attractive.
Knowing the type of orchids helps in knowing what type of requirements are necessary for their growth.
Such requirements include the following.
The first requirement is a growing medium.
The different types of orchids grow on different mediums.
These are soil, bark and hard surfaces with little nutrients.
A person who wants to grow orchids has to have access to such mediums.
For the terrestrial type, this is quite easy as soil is everywhere.
For the epiphytes, special bark has to be purchased for their growth.
They can not be grown on soil as their roots have adapted over the years to draw nutrients from bark and the atmosphere.
The lithophytes are even harder to grow as they need hard surfaces with minimum nutrients.
However, the hybrids are much easier to grow as they have been transformed to grow even on soil The second requirement is water.
The three types of orchids have different water requirements.
It is necessary to try to match the water you give them to that they received while they grew in nature.
In many cases, watering them twice a week is sufficient enough.
Lighting requirements are the third thing to consider.
Terrestrials usually need more light than the epiphytes and lithophytes.
This is because in their natural habitats, the epiphytes and lithophytes are used to the shade of the trees.
This way, terrestrial orchids are best grown in the garden.
The other two are grown in the house where lighting can be controlled.
The fourth thing to consider is the air requirements of the orchids.
Being plants, they need well ventilated environments.
Placing your orchids close to the window is recommended.
As the orchids are being grown in an environment which is not their native, there must be some special care given in order to ensure that they grow healthy.
Such care methods include cutting of dried flower stalks, use of artificial light and regulating temperatures.
There are many species in each type of orchid.
If you intend to grow orchids, it will be recommended you search for a particular species which has proven to be easy to grow and take care of.
Your local florist will be a great place to search.
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