The Loveliest Flower Family
Everyone will have his or her favorite flower, but there's a reason that orchids have been so popular since their introduction to Victorian society over 100 years ago. Orchids are exquisite.
Orchids come in four varieties - epiphytes that cling to trees, lithophytes that grow on rocks, saprophytes that make a home in leaf litter and terrestrials that sometimes grow in sand. But within these four broad categories there are a huge number of distinctive plants.
There are over 20,000 known native orchid species, which means there are probably many more not yet discovered. But that's nothing compared to the over 100,000 hybrids that have been artificially created by clever cultivators. The past 100 years has been very busy for some.
Orchids often have the reputation for being difficult to grow, but this can be misleading. Some orchids do indeed require tender loving care. But many are very hardy. Some orchids prefer the high heat and humidity traditionally associated with this family of plants. But others will do just fine in cooler, dryer conditions. The range of light, temperature and growing conditions is another reflection of the variety of natural conditions in which they're found.
In those conditions we find genera that range from the lovely Phalaenopsis to the even lovelier Cymbidium and many others. There are orchids that hail from Africa and those native to South America. In fact, orchids occur in the wild on every continent (except Antarctica) and on many islands. Hawaii is an excellent example of the latter, sometimes called Orchid Island because of its numerous species.
They do require some care, of course. Like any living thing, they are subject to a number of pests and diseases. Spider mites, aphids and snails are common problems. Fungi and bacteria, along with several viruses, are known to attack orchids. But prevention and cure is not too difficult.
Techniques range from simple brushing or washing off the flowers and leaves to mild anti-bacterial compounds. Fungi can be treated by drying, anti-fungicides and other methods. Sometimes simple isolation is enough to prevent spreading and the plant will cure itself with a little pruning and proper watering and potting.
In fact, choosing an orchid is often more difficult than caring for one. With the variety of sizes, shapes and colors available one could spend a lifetime just looking through the catalog at all the outstanding samples. There are some that have no leaves, while others have long, bamboo shoot-like leaves. Some have miniature flowers, while others grow to 12 inches or more.
No matter your taste, decorating desires or level of gardening expertise, there is an orchid just right for you. But one thing is very simple, indeed. Getting one that looks gorgeous in your home or greenhouse is the easiest thing in the world.
