- There are over 30,000 species and over 200,000 hybrids of orchids in the world. These sought-after flowers are unique in the flower world due to their stunning appearance and adaptability. Orchids can be grown in many different climates, but most are native to tropical areas. Orchids are very hard to propagate from seed, and are usually grown by division. There are monopodial orchids, which grow with a single, upright stem, and there are sympodial orchids, which send out shoots horizontally from the old rhizome. Several of the sympodial orchids, such as Cattleya, will form pseudo-bulbs on the shoots. These are actually swollen shoots that store water and nutrients in case the plant should encounter drought. Orchids are not actually grown from bulbs.
- Though there are far too many orchid species to describe how each can be grown from a rhizome, there are general guidelines that orchid growers usually follow during the process. Even if one does not know much about a particular species, one can attempt to grow it based on how the plant looks throughout its growing phases. Once a rhizome is planted, if it grows the pseudo-bulbs on its shoots then it doesn't need to be watered often and can be grown in coarse, aerated soil, for example. Orchid plants that do not have pseudo-bulbs may need to be watered more often and be planted in soil that retains moisture better. Most orchids will die if left to sit in standing water, but like to be in air that is relatively humid and warm. The growth process and needs of the parent plant should give the orchid grower clues to what the new rhizome will need best.
- Some orchids need a lot of light, and others do not like so much. Most orchids with just a few thick, strong leaves like at least 12 hours of light per day. If it has limp, soft leaves, however, then it may be a species that is more sensitive and only need half as much light. South- and east-facing windows are great for most orchids, but artificial light is often needed in the winter to keep these plants healthy. Orchid species that root in the soil like small pots and should be repotted when necessary; some need it every year. Many tropical orchid species grow in the air. These are called epiphytes; they are not potted, but must be given something for their roots to grow on such as rock, bark or sphagnum moss. Many people use fir bark nuggets on which to grow their epiphyte orchids.
