Facts on Orchid Flowers

Few flowers draw as much fanfare and attention as those in the orchid family. The fascination with orchids stretches far back into history, with growers cultivating them for centuries. Orchids make up one of the largest classification of flowering plants, with at least 20,000 types known, although some estimates peg the number to be closer to 30,000. Growing orchids allows gardeners to bring the look of the tropics home with them. The beauty and variety of these flowers make them a focal point of landscapes.

History and Distribution

Orchids originally grew within the tropical regions of the world. In Asia, orchids have long since been a prized flower to grow. The Smithsonian Institution notes that orchids symbolized nobility and refinement in ancient China. The oldest known Chinese writings related to medicine mention orchids as having medicinal value. Since their beginnings in the tropical world, orchids have been introduced into various other parts of the world with more temperate growing conditions.

Classification

Because of their wide distribution, orchid growth requirements vary considerably from species to species. Scientists classify orchids according to the temperatures they grow well in -- making it easier to select an appropriate orchid for your area. Cool-growing orchids like temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees F, while warm-growing orchids prefer temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees F. In between, intermediate-growing orchids like temperatures from 60 to 75 degrees F.

Growth Requirements

Regardless of temperature, orchids need some humidity to grow, preferably between 40 and 80 percent. Water levels, light and fertilizer amounts for orchids depend on the species grown. According to S. Schouten from Iowa State University's Department of Horticulture, most orchids like to dry out between watering. In the wild, orchids usually grow on trees as epiphytic flowers, letting their roots hang loosely. Since this is rarely possible in a home garden or indoors, orchids need soil that allows for maximum air circulation.

Physical Description

Orchids vary in size, shape and color, from the white thin-petaled Ghost orchid to the spotted Cymbidium orchids. However, they do share commonalities that allow them to be classified in the same family. Orchids feature a column in the center of the flower. While other flowers grow their reproductive parts separately, these parts grow together as column on orchids. Most orchids follow the pattern of having three petals and three petal-shaped sepals. Orchids also feature one distinct, usually showy, petal growing downward known as the lip or the labellum.

Pests and Diseases

Orchids are affected by most of the same problems as other houseplants when grown indoors. Usually, infestations and infections can be avoided by ensuring a plant purchased is healthy and receives proper care. If an orchid has a disease, it can be treated using a commercially formulated fungicide. Mealybugs, aphids and scales all pose a potential problem for orchids. Most of the time, these bugs can just be washed off the plant.

References

• Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: Orchids: A View from the East
• University of Hawaii at Manoa: Orchid Care for the Novice -- An Orchid's Perspective; Kent Kobayashi
• Iowa State University: Orchids as Houseplants; S. Schouten; 1991
• California Institute of Technology: The Plants of the Rainforest: Orchids
• Ball State University: Unique Orchid Characteristics
• University of Vermont Extension: Growing Orchids 101; Dr. Leonard Perry