How to Identify Terrestrial Orchids

Orchids grow in different climates all over the world. There are over 25,000 species of orchids. Terrestrial orchids grow in the ground, unlike epiphytes orchids which grow on trees or rocks. Terrestrial orchids are more commonly found as house plants since they are easier to grow. Terrestrial orchids can grow in climates as cold as USDA hardiness zone 3.

Instructions

1. Examine the area in which you found the flower. Terrestrial orchids grow in the ground but usually like a loose medium such as well drained light soil.

2. Look at the flower of the plant. Orchid flowers are usually oddly shaped to attract certain pollinators. Orchids all have a third flower petal called a labellum that is a modified to look like a lip. Pollinators use it to land on the orchid's flower.

3. Look at the flower's foliage. Most orchids have a long sturdy stem and few leaves. What leaves they do have tend to be circular or lance shaped.

4. Dig down into the dirt and look at the orchid's roots. Even terrestrial orchids have large white roots that are much thicker than normal flower roots. They are usually about the same thickness as the flower's stem.

References

• Orchid Aid: Types of Orchids
• Beautiful Orchids: Orchid Glossary