When we think of giving a gift to someone we love or admire, a flower or plant always comes to mind, orchids are the best sellers on these dates such as Mother’s Day, birthday, Valentine’s Day, among other commemorative dates.
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In this article we will give you some tips and the most sought after. There are many varieties of orchids, each with its own natural beauty, distinctive characteristics.
They are known for their exotic and varied flowers and have a wide geographic distribution, being found on almost every continent except Antarctica.
Here is a comprehensive orchid overview:
Here is a comprehensive orchid overview:
General Features:
- Exotic Flowers: Orchid flowers come in a wide range of colors, sizes and shapes, often with complex structures that attract specific pollinators.
- Aerial Roots: Many orchids have specialized aerial roots, called velamen roots, which help absorb moisture and nutrients from the air.
- Pseudobulbs: Some orchids have water storage structures called pseudobulbs, which help the plant survive in arid environments.
- Symbiosis: Many orchids have a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi, where the roots of the orchids depend on the fungi for nutrients.
Learn some curiosities about orchids
- Division: Many orchids can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes during transplanting.
- Vanilla planifolia: Vanilla orchid is the natural source of vanilla flavor. Its fruit pods are used in the production of vanilla extract.
- Orchidophiles: Enthusiasts who grow and collect orchids are known as orchidophiles.
- Pollination: Some orchids have flowers that mimic the look and smell of insects to attract specific pollinators.
There are many popular orchid species and varieties, each with its own unique and attractive characteristics.
Know that you need to take some basic precautions
- Light: Most orchids need bright indirect light. Avoid intense direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves.
- Water: Watering varies according to the type of orchid and growing conditions. In general, allow the substrate to dry slightly between waterings.
- Humidity: Most orchids prefer high humidity. If the environment is dry, it may be necessary to increase the humidity around the plant.
- Substrate: Use specific substrates for orchids, such as pine bark or charcoal, which provide good drainage.
- Temperature: Temperature requirements vary between different orchid genera. Generally, they prefer day and night variations.
Learn how you can reproduce seedlings
- Division: Many orchids can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes during transplanting.
- Keikis: Some orchid genera produce buds called “keikis” on flower stalks or pseudobulbs, which can be separated and rooted.
- Seeds: Propagation from seeds is complex and requires specific conditions, including an appropriate culture medium and control of fungal infections.
Some of the most sought after orchid species include:
- Phalaenopsis (Butterfly Orchid): This is one of the most common and popular orchids for growing in domestic environments. It produces long flower stalks with smooth petals and a variety of colors. They are known for their ease of care.
- Cattleya: Cattleya orchids are prized for their large, colorful and fragrant flowers. They have a fan base of leaves and usually produce one or a few flowers on each stem.
- Dendrobium: These orchids come in a wide range of flower sizes and shapes. Some varieties have small, abundant flowers on a stem, while others have larger, spaced-out flowers.
- Oncidium (Golden Rain Orchid): Known for its small and often yellow flowers, which resemble raindrops. These orchids often have a graceful and delicate appearance.
- Miltonia (Bat Orchid): They are nicknamed “bat” due to the shape of its flowers. They usually have vibrant colors and a pleasant scent.
- Vanda: These orchids often lack pseudobulbs and have long, thick aerial roots. Its flowers are large and display a variety of colors.
- Cambria (Odontoglossum Orchid): A popular hybrid that combines characteristics of several orchid genera, including Odontoglossum and Oncidium. They produce clusters of colorful flowers and often have intricate patterns.
- Cymbidium: These orchids are known for their large, durable flowers, often used in floral arrangements. They have a wide range of colors.
- Lady Slipper Orchids (Paphiopedilum): Characterized by their unique flowers that resemble slippers or shoes. They are terrestrial orchids and look interesting.
- Vanilla planifolia: In addition to being the natural source of vanilla flavor, this orchid is also prized for its delicate flowers and vines.
