Next to the rose, orchids are the flowers most in demand in both the private and commercial marketplace. No plant family has as many different flowers as the orchid family. Orchids are known to grow in most every part of the world with the exception of Antarctica and the deserts.
Most African orchids are white, while Asian orchids are generally multicolored. Some orchids grow only one flower on each stem, while others can have more than a hundred blooms on a single spike.
When not in bloom, orchids very much resemble wild grasses and or palms. They can be grouped according to the way they retrieve their nutrients. The majority of the species are found in tropical, moist broad leaf forests or mountains. These orchids anchor themselves onto other plants, mostly trees. However, they are not considered to be a parasite.
Then there are a few species that grow naturally on rocks or on very rocky soil. Both of these species gets their nutrients from the atmosphere. Such as rain water, litter, humus, and even from their own dead tissue. Orchids are also one of the most adaptable plant groups on earth. Some Australian orchids grow entirely underground.
Those orchids we plant in our gardens are known as terrestrial plants and are planted in the soil just like most any other flower. If your area isn't conducive to growing orchids, you can still grow them in a hothouse. Be patient, however. The seeds of an orchid are extremely tiny. Under natural circumstances, the seeds can only germinate with the use of a special fungi. It takes anywhere from one to ten years for an orchid seedling to mature.
The ideal place in the home for growing orchids is a bright window, free from drafts, where your plants receive indirect sunlight both morning and afternoon. (A south window is best.) In winter, give orchids all the light possible. the equivalent to a bright south-facing window. With extra large windows or especially intense sunlight, the light may be adjusted downward by moving plants 18 to 36 inches from the window. Plants in the home require a greater light intensity because they receive light from only one direction, while in a greenhouse they receive light from many sides.
One orchid genre is commercially important other than for the value of the flowers. The vanilla orchid is used as a flavoring, and indeed is the source of vanilla. The underground tubers of terrestrial orchids are ground to a powder and used for cooking. Interestingly enough, the Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest user of vanilla. Because vanilla is such a labor intensive crop due to having to hand-pollinate the flowers, it is most suited to small family farms.
The scent of orchids is frequently used by perfumists. With these exceptions, orchids have virtually no commercial value other than for the enjoyment of the flowers.
Both tropical and subtropical orchids are available at nurseries and through orchid clubs across the world. There are also quite a few orchids which grow in colder climates, although these may be more difficult to find. The National Orchid Garden in Singapore is considered by some to be among the finest collections of orchids in cultivation open to the public.
Orchids have now become a major market throughout the world. Buyers bid hundreds of dollars on new or improved hybrids. As mentioned earlier, they are now one of the most popular cut-flowers on the market. Though orchid hybridization has been happening for many years, only recently has new technology made it into what it is today. Thailand is presently the leading country in the orchid-buying world, with one of the few pure white orchids.
Related Articles
The Basics Of Orchid Care
By: Lee Dobbins | 08/12/2006 | Gardening
Orchids are beautiful and exotic flowers that many people overlook as houseplants because they fear that the care is too involved. Here are some tips on how to make caring for orchids as easy as any other plant.
An Overview Of The Worlds Most Beautiful Flowers - Australian Orchids
By: Lee Dobbins | 13/11/2006 | Gardening
Australia boasts over 1200 different types of orchids somewhat unique methods of encouraging pollination.
Planting Orchids? Why Not Plant The Most Fragrant Types?
By: Lee Dobbins | 02/12/2006 | Gardening
This articles discusses 17 of the most fragrant orchid flowers to be found today.
How to Save Money on Hydroponics Equipment
By: Michael Straumietis | 09/05/2008 | Gardening
Hydroponics equipment allows us to grow food where no one has grown before, be it underground in the Earth, or above, in space as NASA has done, or under the oceans, this technology and equipment will further assist mankind in its quest for survival
Some Backyard Landscaping Tips
By: Jenny Styles | 21/11/2008 | Gardening
Backyard landscaping is not just positioning plants in your backyard. Consider it as an art, a masterpiece that shows your creativity and personality. There are three elements in landscaping your backyard: structure, area and texture of your plants.
5 Most Common Mistake People Make When Growing Orchids
By: Cassidy Williams | 19/04/2008 | Gardening
Most people can't get growing orchids right and end up killing them without knowing why. Here are 5 most common mistakes people make.
Add A Touch Of The Exotic
By: Stephen Dolan | 29/03/2007 | Gardening
When your house needs a little 'pick me up' try some exotic flowers and plants. They are vibrant, colorful, and a great conversation piece. Find out how to utilize exotic flowers in your own home.
Gardening's Most Valuable Advice
By: Nicky Pilkington | 29/12/2005 | Gardening
Many people may not be aware that gardening can actually harm the environment. A large amount of carbon dioxide can be released through tilling the soil. This contributes to global warming. When you cultivating and compacting the soil, destroys good fu
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
How to replant lavender and rosemary from outside ...
By: colls | 07-11-2008
how to replant lavender and rosemary from outside to inside or will it live over the winter in northeast usa coastal region?
I'm looking for a good warm air humidifier for two ...
By: pinky | 07-11-2008
I'm looking for a good warm air humidifier for two adjacent rooms with a large opening between. I've been using the Vick's cheapo ones and they've been great. The new ones do not seem to spew moisture like the old ones did. Any ideas of a good one at a reasonable price? as in under $50.
Does it really matter if the humidity is warm or cool since it will quickly adjust to the room temperature?
I want lots of humidity both for health and for plants.
Thanks.
Bonnie Earle orchid
By: Rikki | 06-11-2008
Have a picture of the bonnie earle orchid?
Gardening
By: jjf | 06-11-2008
how to prepare seeds from fresh vegetables for planting
Weight of sweet corn
By: benners11 | 04-11-2008
How much does an average cob of corn weigh?
I had some pumpkins just starting to run, but ...
By: pumpkin problems | 03-11-2008
i had some pumpkins just starting to run, but something has cut them off at ground level, but didnt eat the leaves or stem, just left them laying on the ground.
Q&A Powered by:
More from Liz Norman
Why Purchase Herbs At The Supermarket?
By: Liz Norman | 24/07/2006 | Advice
Herbs are no doubt among the easiest plants to grow in your garden. Many of them are fairly drought tolerant and have a blooming period albeit short. In addition, herbs lend a delicious fragrance to the garden.
The Garden Bench - An Invitation
By: Liz Norman | 24/07/2006 | Advice
There is little more welcoming in your garden than some sort of seating that invites your guest to sit down, relax and just enjoy. A simple garden bench or two does exactly that. You can find garden benches just about anywhere in the spring and summer.
Light Up Your Garden
By: Liz Norman | 19/07/2006 | Advice
If you have not yet installed outdoor lighting in your yard, you are in for a real treat. Not only will you be adding a whole new dimension to your yard, you will be doubling the use of of it with outdoor lighting.
Where Did The Window Boxes Go?
By: Liz Norman | 19/07/2006 | Advice
I just happen to love window boxes and miss seeing them in the more modern neighborhoods these days. My neighbors who lived across the street from us had just painted their older rather plain, small house a medium gray with white trim.
The Secret To A Beautiful Lawn
By: Liz Norman | 18/07/2006 | Advice
Actually, having a beautiful lawn isn't much of a secret at all. Here's how it works: 1. Plant the right type of grass for your area 2. Use the proper fertilizer as directed a couple of times a year 3. Keep well watered during the growing season 4.
Wind Chimes - An Unexpected Pleasure
By: Liz Norman | 18/07/2006 | Advertising
What could be more soothing to a gardener's soul then the sudden sound of wind chimes softly catching the breeze on a summer day? I
Hanging Baskets - What A Great Idea
By: Liz Norman | 15/07/2006 | Advice
Hanging baskets can be as plain or as ornate as you choose. Full, ornate hanging baskets are absolutely lovely when found hanging from lamp posts, porches and patio rafters.
Self Improvement 
