The Habitat of Orchids

Species of orchid can be found in virtually every country on earth.

The orchid family of flowering plants has seemingly countless variations in the species, and you can find them all over the world in many types of habitats and ecosystems. Orchids are popular among florists due to their colorful flowers, and many people grow the plant in their own homes. The habitats of orchid plant species varies greatly, but they have some unifying characteristics.

Range

Orchids can be found in almost every corner of the planet except in Arctic areas, although most species are found in the tropics. They occur in virtually every type of habitat, whether it be along a coast or in an herb field in the mountains. However, they prefer to grow in regions with mature forests, in open scrub lands and in swamps.

Biomes

Orchids have adapted to a range of different biomes, although some have more than others. Savannas and grasslands don't feature many orchids, whereas islands and lowland swamps, as well as other tropical areas, often feature a large number of orchid species.

Avoids Soil

Many orchid species prefer to grow in the upper parts of the trees in rainforests where there is sufficient light and air movement, which means that humans don't often see them. These orchid species, popular among gardeners, typically don't grow in soil. Gardeners who grow orchids must grow them in a New Zealand sphagnum moss or an orchid bark mix. The plants must grow in pots that drain well for best results. Soil, on the other hand, limits the circulation of air at the roots and prevents the water from draining as much as the orchid requires.

Conservation

Although there are many species of orchids, some are rare or even endangered. As a result, conservation groups have sprung up to protect these species. For example, the New Zealand Orchid Group formed in 1982 to promote conservation of orchids. A chief concern about the future of orchids is that their habitats are disappearing, and because orchids are "niche growers" that require specific habitats to survive, any disruption in their surroundings can threaten a species. Changes in climate and agricultural and housing developments are chief culprits.

References

• Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand: Orchid Habitat, Features and Conservation
• Orchid Conservation Coalition: Orchid Habitat Loss, Preservation and Restoration
• Papua New Guinea Orchid News: Orchid Habitats
• Orchids.com: Frequently Asked Questions