Discover the Two Types of Orchid Species
The orchid species originated from tropical regions around the world.
Out of these locations, the orchid flower grew into a large population of species and hybrids.
One would think with such a vast amount of different orchid species available you would be able to categorize them in more than just two types of groups; however, this is not the case.
All orchid plants fall within one of two categories: epiphytes and terrestrial orchids.
Epiphytes orchids emerged from Polynesia, Australia, Northern India, and South East Asia.
These types of orchids like to grow out of the fleshy root systems of trees, on top of rocks, or around poles.
They utilize the decayed organic matter from the roots and branches of trees as nutrients.
When the exterior part of their roots becomes dry, the roots will turn a light green.
However, when you are taking care of them in your home, do not let this fool you - this does not necessarily mean they need water.
Their roots are designed to soak up water like a sponge and then distribute the water to the rest of the plant through a stringy core.
The roots behave like vines and tend to grasp onto the object they grow from.
Their roots also behave differently than most terrestrial orchids.
Epiphytes orchids grow above ground and generally prefer air to circulate through and around their roots.
A common epiphytes you'll find in your local flower shop is the dendrobium orchid.
These are the most popular of the epiphytes type because they are very simple to take care of.
However, they do demand a little more attention than your average cymbidium orchid and will not blossom as regularly.
There are 1000-plus dendrobium species available around the world.
The phalaenopsis is another type of epiphytes orchid, which blooms more regularly than the average dendrobium.
Their flowers also last longer.
This species of orchids are frequently used in weddings because of their beautiful shades of color and designs.
These orchid species very much prefer humid environments that resemble their natural habitats in the tropics.
The best way to recreate these conditions is to construct an artificial humidity climate with a saucer, some pebbles, and some water.
Place water in the saucer with the pebbles, and then place your orchid pot over the pebbles.
Just be sure the pot doesn't touch the water directly.
Terrestrial orchids differ from the epiphytes orchids in that most have root systems that grow beneath the ground, similar to most other plant life.
However, there are some "semi-terrestrial" orchid species that have roots below and above ground.
One particular terrestrial orchid that has gained popularity is the cymbidium orchid.
This species can grow above and below the ground and claims 40 different breeds and even more thousands of hybrids.
They were one of the original orchid species.
They cultivate well in loose media and can naturally be found in Australia, Southeast Asia, and Japan.
They are great for beginners because they grow very easily and bloom wonderful flowers.
Out of these locations, the orchid flower grew into a large population of species and hybrids.
One would think with such a vast amount of different orchid species available you would be able to categorize them in more than just two types of groups; however, this is not the case.
All orchid plants fall within one of two categories: epiphytes and terrestrial orchids.
Epiphytes orchids emerged from Polynesia, Australia, Northern India, and South East Asia.
These types of orchids like to grow out of the fleshy root systems of trees, on top of rocks, or around poles.
They utilize the decayed organic matter from the roots and branches of trees as nutrients.
When the exterior part of their roots becomes dry, the roots will turn a light green.
However, when you are taking care of them in your home, do not let this fool you - this does not necessarily mean they need water.
Their roots are designed to soak up water like a sponge and then distribute the water to the rest of the plant through a stringy core.
The roots behave like vines and tend to grasp onto the object they grow from.
Their roots also behave differently than most terrestrial orchids.
Epiphytes orchids grow above ground and generally prefer air to circulate through and around their roots.
A common epiphytes you'll find in your local flower shop is the dendrobium orchid.
These are the most popular of the epiphytes type because they are very simple to take care of.
However, they do demand a little more attention than your average cymbidium orchid and will not blossom as regularly.
There are 1000-plus dendrobium species available around the world.
The phalaenopsis is another type of epiphytes orchid, which blooms more regularly than the average dendrobium.
Their flowers also last longer.
This species of orchids are frequently used in weddings because of their beautiful shades of color and designs.
These orchid species very much prefer humid environments that resemble their natural habitats in the tropics.
The best way to recreate these conditions is to construct an artificial humidity climate with a saucer, some pebbles, and some water.
Place water in the saucer with the pebbles, and then place your orchid pot over the pebbles.
Just be sure the pot doesn't touch the water directly.
Terrestrial orchids differ from the epiphytes orchids in that most have root systems that grow beneath the ground, similar to most other plant life.
However, there are some "semi-terrestrial" orchid species that have roots below and above ground.
One particular terrestrial orchid that has gained popularity is the cymbidium orchid.
This species can grow above and below the ground and claims 40 different breeds and even more thousands of hybrids.
They were one of the original orchid species.
They cultivate well in loose media and can naturally be found in Australia, Southeast Asia, and Japan.
They are great for beginners because they grow very easily and bloom wonderful flowers.
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