For any garden-lover or nature lover orchid is not a new name. In fact it is the most desired flower plant for any gardener. But though they are the most beautiful and sophisticated variety among the flowers but growing orchids needs plenty of attention and the most accurate atmospheric conditions. There are different types of orchid flower and each of them has a different basic feature of caring orchid trees. If the requirements of each of the orchid are correctly observed then it can really embellish your garden.
Different types of orchids
If garden is your most boasted asset then you must try these types of orchid flower varieties.
-Phalaenopsis
-Paphiopedilum
-Dendrobium
-Oncidium
-Vanda
-Epidendrum.
Some orchid basics
Humidity: Orchid trees needs about 60% of humidity. The best way to grow orchid is in a greenhouse. Otherwise you can grow it in a humidity tray, which you can from the store in your locality. You can also make a humidity tray yourself. Fill saucers or tray with rock and water. Then keep the orchid on it.
Light and Air: If you are growing orchids inside then it doesn't need sunlight much. Ventilation is very important for indoor orchids. For that you can either open the windows of the room or switch on the fan. This helps the orchids to remain pest and bacteria-free.
Watering: Lift up the orchid hanging roots and see to it if it needs water. For watering filtered water is the best option. Orchids prefer weak fertilizer solution. After one fertilizer application you must have 3-4 watering intervals and then after that there will be second fertilizer application. If this routine of watering and fertilization is not maintained then the fertilizer will remain unabsorbed and it will affect the health of the orchids.
Temperature: This is the most important feature for healthy orchid growth. Some orchids are adjusted to the warm temperature compared to others who are friendlier to the cool temperature. If it gets hotter then cool them by watering.
Potting: Change the pot of orchid flowers after every 1-2 year. The best way to judge the time of pot changing is when the plant becomes old.
Pests: Before applying pesticide you have to first decide whether you want to use the natural or artificial one. It you want to opt for the artificial one then first identify the pest and choose pesticide accordingly. The natural remedy against pests is to
-Repot the orchid plant.
-Make a blend of dish wash soap with water. The quantity of water should be more.
-Mix small amount of bleach with water. The quantity of water should be much more.
-The other important remedy is indoor orchids should be kept only inside the house.
www.iloveindia.com
Have you ever wondered how the Latin names of many things came to be ?
Here is the answer to one particular orchid name:-
The Paphiopedilum.
Paphiopedilum orchids are also known as lady slipper orchids, this common name has been handed down through the generations, but where doe it come from?
The Latin title is obviously derived from the Roman’s own language, as they travelled and conquered many lands they were appreciative of the stories and legends of the people they encountered, in particular the Greeks and their mythological adventures. They were especially enthralled by a Greek Goddess - Aphrodite, whose concept they “borrowed” and renaming her Venus she became a Roman Goddess also, and here is where the story begins..............
On the beautiful island of Cyprus, which lies at the Eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea there is a town which is called Paphos, it was close to here that according to Greek Mythology, the Greek God of Wine, Bacchus held his court, amongst his entourage he had many beautiful young hand-maidens, and one day a minor god who happened to be called Orchis had a little to much of his friends hospitality and was unwise enough to pay more than a passing interest in one of the young maidens present.
Bacchus took exception to the young mans impertinence, and promptly had him chopped into little pieces, which were scattered far and wide, where-ever a piece of the unfortunate Orchis landed, an orchid grew. Eventually the final portion of the poor young mans masculinity (which to this day bears the Latin medical description of orchis) was thrown into the sea, and from this union with the foaming waves Aphrodite was born, stepping out of the ocean close to the town of Paphos, which derives its own name from Paphinia, which is just another Greek name for Aphrodite.
This now gives us the interesting play on words of “Paphio” for Aphrodite, or if you wish Venus, and “Pedilum” the Latin word meaning foot, which when translated would roughly mean the slipper of Venus, or Venus (lady) slipper orchid.
The twist in the tale of this particular story is of course the fact that the lady in question was the daughter of the father of all Orchids, and as such the Paphiopedilum orchid is just one of the 30,000 or so various genera of orchids in the world today.
If you find yourself in Paphos take a look at the Roman ruins, in particular the “House of Dionysus” located on a small hill overlooking the town. There you will find a mosaic floor which amongst its many murals has one depicting the god of wine Bacchus, and whilst in that area, if the season happens to be springtime, take a look around the meadows, and try to locate some of Aphrodite’s sisters.
Here is the answer to one particular orchid name:-
The Paphiopedilum.
Paphiopedilum orchids are also known as lady slipper orchids, this common name has been handed down through the generations, but where doe it come from?
The Latin title is obviously derived from the Roman’s own language, as they travelled and conquered many lands they were appreciative of the stories and legends of the people they encountered, in particular the Greeks and their mythological adventures. They were especially enthralled by a Greek Goddess - Aphrodite, whose concept they “borrowed” and renaming her Venus she became a Roman Goddess also, and here is where the story begins..............
On the beautiful island of Cyprus, which lies at the Eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea there is a town which is called Paphos, it was close to here that according to Greek Mythology, the Greek God of Wine, Bacchus held his court, amongst his entourage he had many beautiful young hand-maidens, and one day a minor god who happened to be called Orchis had a little to much of his friends hospitality and was unwise enough to pay more than a passing interest in one of the young maidens present.
Bacchus took exception to the young mans impertinence, and promptly had him chopped into little pieces, which were scattered far and wide, where-ever a piece of the unfortunate Orchis landed, an orchid grew. Eventually the final portion of the poor young mans masculinity (which to this day bears the Latin medical description of orchis) was thrown into the sea, and from this union with the foaming waves Aphrodite was born, stepping out of the ocean close to the town of Paphos, which derives its own name from Paphinia, which is just another Greek name for Aphrodite.
This now gives us the interesting play on words of “Paphio” for Aphrodite, or if you wish Venus, and “Pedilum” the Latin word meaning foot, which when translated would roughly mean the slipper of Venus, or Venus (lady) slipper orchid.
The twist in the tale of this particular story is of course the fact that the lady in question was the daughter of the father of all Orchids, and as such the Paphiopedilum orchid is just one of the 30,000 or so various genera of orchids in the world today.
If you find yourself in Paphos take a look at the Roman ruins, in particular the “House of Dionysus” located on a small hill overlooking the town. There you will find a mosaic floor which amongst its many murals has one depicting the god of wine Bacchus, and whilst in that area, if the season happens to be springtime, take a look around the meadows, and try to locate some of Aphrodite’s sisters.
www.orchid.org.uk
Orchids are a long-lasting and particularly elegant type of flower, making them the perfect gift for many occasions. Their graceful appearance draws immediate attention, and their reputation as an exotic and unusual flower evokes a sense of refinement and innocence. With many orchid varieties to choose from and the meanings of orchids being so special, you are sure to find one that can express the right message, whether it be Thank You, Happy Anniversary, Congrats on Your Promotion, or anything in between.
With an estimated 25,000 different types existing naturally and more being discovered each year, orchids are of the largest flowering plant families. Although they are commonly thought of as tropical flowers, orchids grow naturally in almost all climates. Despite their versatility, there is something distinctly exotic about orchids. They are intricately beautiful to the everyday flower lover and are considered to be some of the world’s most evolved flowers to flower specialists. Of the many orchid varieties, the Phalaenopsis (or Moth), Cymbidium, and Dendrobium orchids are the most popular types, and the Vanilla Orchid (and its vanilla bean) is the most highly produced variety.
Orchids can impart a wide variety of messages, but historically the meanings of orchids have included wealth, love, and beauty. To the ancient Greeks, orchids suggested virility, and after the rise in popularity of orchid collections in Victorian England, the meaning of orchids moved towards being symbolic of luxury. Orchids have also been believed to carry various healing and protective properties, allowing them to ward off disease. The Aztecs were said to drink a mixture of the vanilla orchid and chocolate to give them power and strength, and the 
Chinese believe orchids can help cure lung illnesses and coughs.
Chinese believe orchids can help cure lung illnesses and coughs. Today, the meanings of orchids are generally regarded as a symbolic of rare and delicate beauty. Orchids are the most popular houseplant, a top honor they share with the peace lily. Their charm and mystique delight those who receive them, for few other flowers have the ability to impress their recipient in the same way that the orchid can. Among the many different types of flowers available, the orchid holds a special place as one of the most alluring and captivating, making them a special choice for the treasured people in your life.
Paul A. Thomas, Extension Horticulturist-Floriculture
Orchids belong to the most diverse family of plants known to man. There are over 880 genera, 28,000 species and well over 300,000 registered cultivars currently documented. These numbers only begin to tell the true story behind the evolutionary success of modern day orchids. Orchids are the most rapidly (genetically) changing group of plants on earth and more new species have been discovered over the last few thousand years than any other plant group known.
Orchids are also one of the most adaptable plant groups on earth. Some Australian orchids grow entirely underground, and many tropical jungle orchids grow in the upper branches of trees. Tundra, rainforest, mountain, grassy plain, desert and swamp environments contain numerous orchid species.
Orchids produce seed pods with literally hundreds of thousands of seed that are released and scattered by the wind. Orchid seeds must establish a symbiotic relationship with a special fungus to survive its first year of life. The fungi gathers water and minerals for itself and the seedling, and the seedling shares its sugars from photosynthesis with the fungus. Only one or two orchid seeds will ever germinate and survive on that perfect crevice or depression that is both moist and has the fungus present. Even then, its chances to survive in the wild long enough to bloom are slim.
To avoid this problem, greenhouse growers sow orchid seeds on moist, sugar-rich, sterile agar, or they cut out growing clumps of orchid cells and place them on the agar. These techniques allow many hundreds of orchid plants to survive to maturity. New and improved hybrids can be mass produced rapidly. This is important as orchids are very slow growing. Many orchids take five to seven years to mature to flowering. You can see why breeding three or four orchid generations could span a person's lifetime just to get one new hybrid propagated sufficiently for sale.
Classification
All orchids belong to the Orchid Family, Orchidaceae (or-Kid-ACE-ee-ee). Orchids are divided into two basic growth types: monopodial and sympodial. Monopodial orchids have a central stem which grows continuously from the tip. Flowers are produced from the stem between the leaves, usually alternately from side to side. Phalaenopsis orchids are a good example. Sympodial orchids, such as cattleyas, laelias and paphiopedilums, possess a rhizome which sends out a shoot. This develops into a stem and leaves and eventually produces flowers. In time, from the base of this growth, a new shoot develops and so on in a continuous cycle. The buds are often, though not always, protected by a sheath.
The mid section of stems of sympodial orchids are often expanded into water-storage organs called pseudobulbs. These vary greatly in size and shape, ranging from tall and pencil-thin to bulbous and onion-like. The leaves vary too, some being soft and folded like a fan, others thick and leathery. The roots of epiphytic orchids have an outer layer or corky cells called velamen, which protects the thin, living cortex within. These adaptations allow orchids to absorb water and nutrients rapidly from raindrops, but protect roots, stems and leaves from water loss during dry periods. Most orchids are adapted to conserve water and should be cared for as such.
Orchid Cultural Requirements
Growing Medium
There are many different types of orchid potting medium used in orchid culture. The overall consideration is to provide structural support for the orchid roots, but also to provide lots of air spaces between medium particles. Many orchid plants are grown in osmunda fiber. This fiber comes from the roots of the Osmunda fern that is native to Australia and the Pacific. The tough, wiry fibers break down very slowly and is an ideal potting medium. Fresh pine bark is also a popular medium but is usually mixed with other amendments before use. Both materials are sometimes mixed with peat and perlite or vermiculite. Some orchids are even grown in pebbles mixed with bark. Most orchid roots are adapted to being exposed to air and harsh conditions, but cannot tolerate being wet for more than a day or two.
Orchids grow slowly compared to houseplants. However, most orchids need to be repotted about once every two years. To pot an orchid, the pot is filled about two-thirds with orchid potting medium, then the plant is set in the pot with its roots spread out. The growing tip either centered (monopodials) or placed two fingers from the pot rim (sympodial). Then additional media is packed tightly around the plant to hold it in place. You should be able to turn the pot upside down without the orchid or medium falling out. Practice will insure successful repotting. When the plant outgrows the pot by extending the new shoots over the edge, usually about every two years, it is time to repot.
Light
The ideal place in the home for growing orchids is a bright window, free from drafts, where your plants receive indirect sunlight both morning and afternoon. (A south window is best.) In winter, give orchids all the light possible. Light intensity should be between 1500 and 2000 foot candles the equivalent to a bright south-facing window. With extra large windows or especially intense sunlight, the light may be adjusted downward by moving plants 18 to 36 inches from the window. Plants in the home require a greater light intensity because they receive light from only one direction, while in a greenhouse they receive light from many sides.
Many orchids can be grown in a greenhouse or outdoors. All will require partial shade. Therefore, it is best to shade the section of the greenhouse you intend using or else grow them in an area that you have already shaded for foliage plants or African violets. Dendrobium Oncidium and Vanda will grow best in 20-30% of normal outdoor light, whereas Phalaenopsis-type orchids require only 10- 15 % of normal light.
Artificial Light
If you have neither a greenhouse nor the proper windowsill conditions, fluorescent lighting provides good results. You can grow and flower many types of orchids in the darkest basement or shadiest apartment with the addition of just one shop light. Most orchid hobbyists find having at least four 36" or 48" fluorescent tubes provides excellent light levels. Each group of orchids (primarily those with low to medium light requirements) will need a minimum of two forty-watt fluorescent light tubes hung six inches above the plants.
Keep lights on for a minimum of 12 hours per day in order to provide the minimal amount of light necessary for proper growth and flowering. If you are able to place your fluorescent light setup near a sunny window, your orchid flowering chances will increase. The best type of fluorescent tubes seem to be those designed specifically for plants.
Humidity
Potted orchid plants may be set on decorative pebbles in a water-filled tray, saucer, or other container. Evaporation of water from pebbles provides humidity. Pebbles also make the growing area more attractive, while assuring good drainage. Mist your plants with distilled water because tap water can lead to salt deposits on the leaves. A plant which is kept soaking wet invites attack by bacteria and fungal diseases. If you are able to enclose an area like a greenhouse, you will find it easier to maintain a proper humidity.
Temperature
Orchids are not as delicate and temperature sensitive plants as most people think. Most will adapt readily to conditions offered by any home or greenhouse. For growing purposes, we group orchids into three temperature classes:
The medium temperature class is represented by many Cattleyas, Epidendrums, Oncidiums, and Laelias, and most other commercially available orchids. The ideal minimum temperature is 60 degrees F nights and high 70s during the days. An occasional deviation will have no harmful effect. This group will do very well with the air, temperature, and light facilities found in the average home.
The cool class includes Cymbidiums, Cypripediums, Odontoglossums and Miltonias, and should be grown 5 degrees to 10 degrees F cooler than the medium class. These plants also require high light, so imagine cool, sunny October mornings as an example of the light and temperature that this class needs.
Warm class orchids are represented by Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilums, Vandas, Rhynchostylus and Dendrohiums. These plants should be grown 5 degrees F warmer than those in the Medium Class. They do well in high humidity and can be grown outdoors in Georgia from late spring to early fall if shaded and protected from rain. Never expose orchids of this class to less than 45 degrees F.
During cold, freezing night temperatures, all orchid plants should be moved away from the window to provide a protective airspace against freezing. Air temperature can be 15 to 20 degrees F cooler near the windows than the room temperature.
Watering
Watering is the most important factor in orchid culture. A good rule of thumb is to water whenever the medium (osmunda fiber or bark mix) is dry. If you grow the plants in pots suspended in the air, they will dry out more rapidly than bench grown plants and will need watering more frequently. Orchids potted in bark require more frequent waterings than those in most other potting media, just as plants in clay pots require more frequent watering than those in plastic pots. Orchids may be grouped into three categories according to their moisture requirements.
Low Water Use. Cattleyas, Laeliocattleyas, Brassolaeliocattleyas, Oncidiums, Miltonias, and Odontoglossums are ephiphytes or "air rooted" orchids, with built-in "water tanks" or pseudobulbs. They should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings so air can circulate between the epiphytic roots. Water every five days or so. In the heat of mid-summer, water may be needed every three or four days. During the short, cool days of winter, increase the time between waterings to 10 to 14 days. If you do err in watering, make sure it is on the dry side.
Moderate Water Use. Phalaenopsis, while also epiphytic are monopodial and do not have built-in tanks for water storage, but store some water in their leaves. They require watering similiar to ordinary house plants, but more frequent waterings than orchids with pseudobulbs. Water enough to keep the potting medium from becoming dry for more than a day or two.
High Water Use. Paphiopedilums and Haemeria orchids are semi-terrestrials or terrestrials (meaning "earth-rooted"). Unlike the preceding groups, they do not mind "wet feet." They like an abundance of moisture and the soil can remain damp for many days without any negative effects. Many terrestrial orchids are potted in peat based media which will naturally hold more water than the bark mixes.
Outdoor Conditions. Cymhidiums and many other orchids, such as cattleyas, can be grown outdoors during frost-free months in Georgia. They also like an abundance of moisture - but with good drainage and plentiful root aeration. However, do not plant tropical /greenhouse orchids outdoors in your garden soil. The soils are too dense to allow the roots to survive.
Fertilization
For best results, fertilize orchids with soluble plant food. When fertilizing plants growing in osmunda, bark or peat/bark mixes, use a complete liquid fertilizer with a 20-20-20 analysis, or a 30-10-10 orchid-special fertilizer. Don't fertilize more than once a month. Apply the fertilizer in place of a normal water application. It is always best to use fertilizer at 1/2 the recommended rate. Orchids are adapted to environments where nutritional levels of the soil or bark are very low. More orchids are killed because of over-fertilization and over-watering than by any other cause.
Ventilation
In greenhouses, a small fan should be run continuously to circulate the air. A window left ajar in all but the coldest of weather may also be adequate to provide proper ventilation indoors. Airconditioning may harm orchids because the air is much too cold coming out of the unit. Keep orchid plants out of cold drafts and away from heating vents.
Orchid Pests and Diseases
Orchids have few insect pests or diseases if properly cared for. It is important to have a problem identified before attempting control. Take a sample to your county Extension agent and follow recommended treatments suggested. Many disease prevention tips are provided in an orchid disease guide published by the American Orchid Society. Wiping leaves with a warm, soapy, wet cloth is sufficient to eradicate insects like mealy bugs if you have but a few plants in the house. Be careful because many insecticides can damage your orchids. Read the label to see if the pesticide can be safely used on orchids specifically. If you have questions, ask your county Extension agent.
Orchids for Hobby Growers
One of the most frequently asked Questions from the hobby grower is, "What type or variety of orchid should I grow?" Usually when you mention the word "orchid" most people immediately think of the purple-flowered Cattleyas, and rightly so as they have long been the most popular in the trade. However, the genus Cattleya contains a mere 50 species of the 28,000 known. Many, many other orchids do wonderfully in the home.
Hobby growers should try growing hybrids of Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum, Dendrobium, Oncidium, Vanda and Epidendrum. Phalaenopsis orchids are excellent for beginners. They may produce up to 15 or more flowers per spike. The flowers measure up to four inches across. Flowers may remain open for six weeks or longer. Frequently when a spike is cut, a secondary spike will develop on the old stalk below the original flower head, thus extending the blooming season. Phalaenopsis plants are very easy to grow.
Dendrobium hybrids are some of the better corsage type orchids. Lavender or white flowers are borne in profusion on a well-grown plant and are long lasting. They are a prolific group in that offset plantlets are frequently produced on the cane. When each offiet has produced several aerial roots, it can be cut from the parent plant and will frequently flower after one year of growth.
Oncidiums, commonly, referred to as dancing girls, are also easy to grow. These dainty yellow and brown or white and brown flowers are suitable if used alone or in combination with other orchids. Large flowered Oncidium sdhacelatum - with their yellow and brown color combination can be made into a corsage. These hardy plants flower well even under adverse growing conditions.
Vandas are becoming popular among orchid growers. The wide range of colors which includes some fairly good blues and browns and long lived flowers has added greatly to their popularity. Vandas may grow to be very large plants, sometimes 10 to 12 feet high, but they grow very slowly. A plant two feet tall may be seven or eight years old. Vandas are often grown outdoors in hanging baskets during the summer months.
A tough group of orchids is the Epidendrums. Epidendrum hybrids are becoming popular plants.
These are undoubtedly one of the easiest orchids to grow and one of the most prolific groups. The tall, thin, reed-like growths constantly put forth new plantlets. It is relatively simple to take tip cuttings having a few aerial roots. Although the flowers are small, about one inch in size, they are produced in great profusion.
Paphiopedilums are one of the best orchid groups to grow under artificial lighting. There are many spectacular hybrids available, and quite a number of species. They are not fragrant, but have very interesting and colorful "lady slipper" shaped flowers. Due to import regulations and conservation considerations, we recommend you grow only orchid hybrids so as not to promote the collecting of species from the wild.
For more information on orchid plant care and disease control, contact the American Orchid Society, Membership Services Department, 6000 South Olive Ave, West Palm Beach, Fl. 33405-9974.
Around 120 million years ago, when the dinosaurs ruled the land, much of the world was covered by primordial forest, and plant life was rapidly becoming diverse, flowering plants were evolving and one of the first of these was the orchid.As the world underwent many changes species of both plant and animal life died out or were replaced, but the orchid family expanded, populating every corner of the world except Antarctica, living on trees, rocks, in the ground or under it, tropical rainforest or lush grassland, high mountain or bog, they thrived, nothing seems capable of upsetting their evolutionary process , indeed it is generally accepted that in the world today, there are around 35,000 different species of orchid in existence; many myths abound concerning them, the most common of which is that they are parasitical plants, this is not so, orchids grow on trees - true, but they do not feed from them, they use the host merely as somewhere to be.
The above facts must make them one of the most successful and adaptable family of plants, (which probably explains their long family history) what they lack in internal resources, they will try to obtain elsewhere, some orchids which prefer a more acidic condition, will encourage ants to live on them, even in some instances creating suitable chambers for their guests to live in, and in addition to warding off their enemies, the ants increase the acidity on the plant through their own use of formic acid as a defence system.
When it comes to reproduction orchids are extremely versatile, but individually selective and have adapted themselves to use a variety of pollinators, with or without their consent. Where many insects are concerned, the plant attracts them either by smell or mimicry, or in some instances even a little stealth.
It takes but little imagination to understand what the orchid on the right "ophrys insectifera" or as more commonly known the bee orchid is trying to mimic in order to attract a pollinator
The smell factor is obvious, but mimicry? well the flowers of many orchids are so designed to look like either an aggressor of the pollinator or it sexual partner, in the case of the Bee orchids for instance, male bees are attracted to the plants because the flower looks like a receptive female, and during a frustrating attempt at mating with the flower, the male bee will become the unwitting carrier of pollen, which it will duly deposit on its next amorous flight of fancy.
Some orchids adopt the lure technique and have long stems the tips of which bear their flowers,these can dance effectively in the breeze and look amazingly like butterflies, (Oncidium Papillio).
Many orchid flowers provide an ideal landing platform for their pollinator to use, this is usually so designed that in getting to the nectar the insect has to come into contact with the pollinia of the orchid, and this will detach itself and stick like superglue to the back of the unwitting messenger, only to be brushed against the reproductive organs of its next port of call, in some instances, the orchid aids the certainty of securing the pollinia by having a hinge and tilt mechanism to its lip, this ensures that the insect is slapped hard against the pollinia as it leans forward into the flower.
Now we come to stealth, in this case the slipper orchid lures the insect with a promise of a drink from its pouch, or attracts it by scent or sight to the edge of the pouch which is very slippery and polished, before it knows it the hapless pollinator finds itself stuck at the bottom, and is either too wet to fly, or the shape of the pouch precludes it, and there is only one way out which the insect will eventually find, as it does escape it will have to crawl through a small doorway which is so tight that the pollinator os once again pressed firmly against the pollinia as it escapes, only to repeat the exercise once more at another flower, this time depositing the pollinia as it collects a fresh one, without even knowing. Some orchids rely on crawling insects to pollinate them, and will produce long petals which trail downwards until they touch the ground or another object, thus creating a pathway to their flowers.
Orchids really specialize in their choice of a pollinator, this ensures the continued purity of the species as the pollinator can only successfully gain sustenance from its chosen specie host, take for example the orchid Angreacum Sesquipidales, Darwin wrote about this one in his origin of the species, it produces beautiful waxy white star like flowers, which exude a heavy perfume at night, the back of the flower has a long spur, sometimes up to 12 inches or so in length, and at the bottom of this spur can be found a tiny source of nectar. Darwin reasoned that as the orchid was white, and only fragrant at night then the pollinator must be a moth, and that to be able to feed from the orchid the moth must have a tongue at least 18 inches long, unfortunately it was not until afterDarwin’s death that the Predicta Moth was discovered, and the great man never had the pleasure of seeing his theory proven.
Of course, orchids do not rely on insects alone, humming birds, small mammals, even bats, and least of importance the wind, all contribute to their reproductive successes.
Orchids produce masses of tiny seeds, one single pod could contain as many as 4million seeds, it would seem obvious that with such a large harvest, the plants reproduction is assured, but remarkably orchids do have a major setback when compared to other forms of plantlife, because the seed is so small, it does not possess the natural reservoir of food with which most seeds are endowed, and does not possess the ability to convert food sources into the useful sugars etc. which it needs, therefore an amazing symbiotic relationship forms between the seedling and certainfungi, the seed must become infected early in its life cycle if it is to develop into a mature plant, and the miccorhizial filaments of the fungus become its lifeline to the outside world.
The earliest written evidence of their presence if in the form of Chinese and Japanese drawing and literature of the circa 700 B.C. At that time described and used as herbs and cures for many maladies. You may be interested to know that the seed pod of the orchid Vanilla planifolia is used to flavour ice cream.
World-wide some 33,000 species as known, in addition there are in the order of 200,000 plus hybrids registered, these records are kept at Kew here in the U.K.
In England orchid cultivation commenced some 250-300 years ago as church missionaries, army personnel and explorers sent plants to friends and patrons.
The nurseries of that era dispatched 'plant hunters' far and wide. Seafarers also returned with exotic plants to supplement their income, and it was only natural, (one of the major ports of the time being Liverpool) that the North of England became a focal point for orchid culture. A few northern names which may strike a chord with anyone familiar with orchid history are, Thomas Moss (Cattleya mossiae), a Liverpool Banker; Holbrook Gaskell (Cattleya gaskelliana) a Liverpool chemical manufacturer; Enoch Harvey (Dendrobium harveyanum) a Liverpool solicitor.The Rev John Clowes (Anguloa clowesii) resided in Manchester, and not too far away in Staffordshire lived James Bateman (Vanda batemanii). Whilst in Derbyshire one of the largest collections of orchids at that time was at Chatsworth, the seat of the Duke of Devonshire. Only the then wealthy could afford the upkeep of 'stove houses' in which to bring back such plants to growing and flowering condition in addition to paying the high price orchids would command at auctions etc.
Today a mature plant in flower or near flowering can be purchased from one of the orchid nurseries who regularly attend our shows for the same cost of the average florist's bouquet, which usually fades after a few days, whereas, orchid flowers will last from three to twelve weeks - some even longer. Such plants may be kept within the average centrally heated home to grow on and continue to give pleasure with subsequent flowerings.
Known affectionately as 'The Royal Family of Plants' orchids grown in a sizeable collection will challenge the experienced horticulturist, the humble gardener and the house plant enthusiast as no other growing experience will, yet; there is no mystique since most orchids can now be cultivated successfully.The Author of this site and his wife are both active members of the Society, and have a mixed collection of orchids growing happily in their greenhouse, and on the kitchen windowsill.
It is no longer necessary to have large greenhouses and even larger pockets to be successful at growing quality plants.Providing that the basic rules of plant culture are followed, anyone who has the desire can be rewarded by their efforts.
There are approx. 35 wild species in the British Isles - most of which do not survive being moved from their natural habitat, however nurseries specializing in "hardy orchids" can provide similar plants for outdoor growing.
Orchids were on this Planet long before man arrived, and despite our efforts to cut back forests, pollute the air and generally interfere with the ecology of the world as only we can it is probable that they will be there long after we have gone. If the theory of some that it is the insects which will inherit the earth, then it is likely that the insects will unwittingly help to prolong the orchids success as a survivor, perhaps it is the orchids who will really inherit the earth !.
source:www.orchid.uk.org
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