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With their undeniably singular yet elegant appearance , orchid flowershave apace become one of the most recognizable ornamental plants .
bestow to their alien knockout is their easy - to - care nature and long - lasting efflorescence that make these flower democratic among house plant hobbyist and gardeners all over the world .
Cattleya labiata by 阿橋 HQ | Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)
orchid flowersoffer dissimilar type in a plethora of coloring and miscellany . Despite the huge choices usable , one affair remain no matter which orchid character you pick – all of them are sensational .
Another peachy point is that orchids have long - lasting blooms , which make them thebest indoor plants with foresightful lasting efflorescence .
Read on to determine more about orchid , including the most populartypes of orchidsthat you could get for your home and garden .
Orchids: An Overview
The orchids kinfolk , otherwise calledOrchidaceae , is one of the largest botanic families . It contain hundreds of genus and countless species and cultivars found across the globe , except Antarctica ( 1 ) .
These flowering plants are well - know not only for their dainty blooms and ornamental value . They are prise as well for their symbiotic connection and horticultural importance .
Orchid flower are some ofthe most beautiful flowersand are readily available in white , purple , orange , sorry , red , almost black , or a combination of coloring . Some specie , however , also offer striped or spotted bloom variations . The exquisite orchid flowers can last from a week to as tenacious as four month , calculate on the species .
Growth Habits of Orchids Plants
Orchids can be classify into two general types : epiphytic orchidsandterrestrial orchids(2).Knowing the difference between these two eccentric will provide you with a better theme of how to grow and care for these alien beauties .
Epiphytic orchidsare plants from theOrchidaceaefamily that depend on structural reenforcement for emergence ( 2 ) . They raise on structures like rocks , trees , and pole . There are two group of epiphytic orchids free-base on stem structure and growth riding habit : sympodialandmonopodial(3 ) .
Its horizontal growth use characterise asympodial orchid . This type of epiphytic orchid often features pseudobulbs , a thickened stem from which the leaf emerge , that are attach to a basal rhizome ( 3 ) . The pseudobulbs store water and nutrient , which let the plant to go for a sustain period without water until the get metier dry out .
model of sympodial orchidaceous plant include Cattleya , Oncidium , Dendrobium , and Cymbidium orchids .
On the perverse , amonopodial orchidis an epiphytic orchidaceous plant that grows upright or vertically . It features side shoots , which likewise grow just . Unlike sympodial orchid , this case ofepiphyte plantsdoes not develop pseudobulb .
Vanda and Phalaenopsis are just two of the most common monopodial orchids .
orchidaceous plant that grow in soil on the ground and do not require a host for it to pull through fall under theterrestrialtype . Most of these orchidaceous plant favour dusty weather , with some even requiring sub - freezing temperature to bloom correctly . Terrestrial orchids are dormant during summer ( 2 ) .
A semi - terrestrial orchidaceous plant is the type of orchidaceous plant that rise in the soil , but can also thrive well on complex body part . One popular example of this is Cymbidium orchids .
Structures Of Orchid Flowers
Orchid flowers are bilaterally symmetrical , which means that they have two identical half if you divide them vertically .
irrespective of varying genus and species , all orchids divvy up standardized floral structures . Like other monocots , orchid blossom have two whorls . The extinct curl comprises three sepals , while the inner curlicue dwell of three petals , including two sidelong petals and a medial petal calledliporlabellum . The lip is often modified or exposit and alter depend on the orchid case .
Also , an orchid lip may depart in form and color . It functions as a landing place pad forpollinator insectslike bees .
Thesepalsare the outmost part of an orchid flush . The sepal at the top part is calleddorsal sepal , while the two sepal at the bottom are calledlateral sepals .
Each orchid flower also has acolumn . It is the fleshy part of the gist that holds the generative parts .
Most Popular Types of Orchids You Can Grow
Because of their diversity , opt the right character of orchids for your rest home and garden could be overwhelming . This spry guide help you identify the most popular types of orchid industrial plant that you’re able to grow as houseplants .
Cattleya
Scientific name : Cattleyaspp .
Common figure : Cattleya , Corsage Orchids , Old Corsage Orchids , Reinas Orchids , Queen of the Orchids
ontogenesis substance abuse : Epiphytic orchidaceous plant ( sympodial ) or lithophyte
Flowering : Spring / Fall ( once a year )
In the world of orchids , one of the most distinct eccentric that many plant lovers and non - hobbyist gather up iscattleya orchids . The popularity of this epiphytic orchid is undeniable , and one reason that we could look into is the size of it of its flowers .
Each cattleya flower measures around 5 to 8 column inch across , which gain it one of the most salient blossom in the orchid sept . It has ruffled edge and large lips with a contrasting coloration in the center . The flowers typically last about 2 to 3 week , but some hybrid bloom up to 6 week ( 1 ) . Some varieties are fragrant .
Aside from their prominent blooms , cattleya peak are also describe for their labellum or lips that exhibit a unlike shape and coloring . Each flower stem can hold 2 to 10 flowers .
A cattleya plant has a pseudobulb that can grow up to 90 cm marvellous . One to three thick leafage and stems outpouring out of this pseudobulb .
The namecattleyarefers to an entire genus of plants under theOrchidaceaebotanical family line . It was named in 1824 by botanist John Lindley after English horticulturist William Cattley .
There are two primary grouping of cattleya orchid : unifoliateandbifoliatecattleyas . The former group farm small to large flowers , while the latter make small flowers but in more pregnant numbers .
Unifoliate cattleya orchid :
Bifoliate cattleya orchid :
Dendrobium
Scientific name : Dendrobiumspp .
vulgar name : Dendrobium
Growth drug abuse : Most metal money are epiphytic ( sympodial ) , but a few are telluric
Flowering : autumn – Winter
Dendrobiumspp . is the secondly - largest genus in theOrchidaceaefamily with over 1,200 hump coinage . The namedendrobiumoriginated from the Greek wordsdendronor “ tree ” andbiosor “ life , ” which collectively refers to the plant ’s epiphytic substance abuse .
Mostdendrobium orchidspresent flowers that are lilac-colored , blank or a combination of the two ( 1 ) . They are assume one by one , in group , or on arc spikes , depending on the coinage . The sizing of dendrobium flowers also vary . Some dendrobiums flaunt modest blooms , while others have prominent ones .
Though prized mainly for their attractive blooms , some species are also extremely value for their medicinal belongings . One deterrent example is theNoble Dendrobium , D. nobile , which is a common plant in traditional Taiwanese medicine .
dendrobium are aboriginal to Australia , the Pacific Islands , andtropical and sub - tropicalparts of Asia .
Best known Dendrobium orchids specie :
Phalaenopsis
Scientific name : Phalaenopsisspp .
vulgar name calling : Phalaenopsis , Moth Orchids , Phals
Growth drug abuse : Epiphytic orchid ( monopodial ) , sometimes lithophytes
Flowering : Fall – Spring ( once a year )
If you ’re about to get your first orchid but not certain which one to pick , Phalaenopsis orchidsare always a good idea because they are one of the easy orchids to turn .
genus Phalaenopsis orchid , or popularly referred to asMoth orchid , are aboriginal to South Asia , Australia , and West Africa ( 3 ) . They are known for their long , curve sprays or spikes of flowers that can hold up to 20 white , yellow , pinkish , red , or green flowers .
The flowers may also be spot or denude , depending on the variety . Phalaenopsis flush typically last up to four months ( 4 ) . They are flat and wide with lip little than the petals .
Phalaenopsis flowers have two sidelong petals , a central labellum or lip ( modified petal ) , and three petal - same sepal . The base are often short , while the base are thick . The leave are usually full , dark , flat , and arrange opposite each other .
This moth orchidaceous plant is low - light plant . They thrive well under lower light-headed conditions than most orchid and in high spirits humidity ( 3 ) .
Best known Phalaenopsis orchids metal money :
Cymbidium
Scientific name : Cymbidiumspp .
Common names : Cymbidium , Boat Orchids
Growth Habit : Epiphytic ( sympodial ) or terrestrial , calculate on the species
Cymbidium orchids , otherwise known asboat orchids , are well - recognized for their striking and long - lasting stray of showy rosiness . Each spray hold 12 to 24 flowers of varying colors , including pink , yellow , unripe , and red-faced , that are ordinarily fragrant .
Generally , cymbidiums prefer insensate temperature to commence flowering . Once the blooms open , they can last for 8 to 10 workweek or longer , but they flower only once . Cymbidium flowers are usually large and display a patterned brim at the center .
Epiphytic orchidaceous plant in this genus have thick pseudobulbs , tall stems , and narrow-minded , grassy leaves . Some species video display variegate leaves . A mature plant progress to up to 4 ft in peak .
These orchids are native to parts of Asia , including the Philippines , Japan , China , and India , and Australia . The name “ boat orchidaceous plant ” refers to the insincerity of the flower ’s mouth .
Best known Cymbidium orchids species :
Paphiopedilum
Scientific name : Paphiopedilumspp .
Common gens : Paphiopedilum , Lady Slipper Orchids , Lady ’s Slipper Orchids , Slipper Orchids , Venus Slipper Orchids , Paphs
Growth Habit : terrene , semi - planetary , or epiphytic ( sympodial ) , depend on the species
unfolding : Winter – Spring
Out of many types of orchid , Paphiopedilum orchidshave one of the easily placeable flowers . They are also know aslady skidder orchidaceous plant , slipper orchids , orVenus skidder orchidsbecause of their outstanding back talk that resembles a slipper ( 5 ) . Also , the genus namePaphiopedilumoriginated from the Ancient Greek wordpedilon , which translates to “ skidder . ”
Paphs are aboriginal to Southeast Asia , Northern India , Southern China , and the Philippines that prefer low-down lightness like the Phalaenopsis orchid ( 4 ) . They lack pseudobulb . Thus they should never be allowed to dry out out .
Paphiopedilum orchidsare often marked with stripes or spots . They vary in semblance from blanched to red , pink , yellow , green , and brown . Each bloom has a pouch - like mouth with one large sepal at the top ( 4 ) .
Paphiopedilum orchids are long - bloomers , with flower , borne separately , or in a few - flowered raceme , that can last for more than 60 days . The leave of absence are elliptic - lanceolate and leathery ( 6 ) .
well have it away Paphiopedilum orchids species :
Oncidium
Scientific name : Oncidiumspp .
Common names : Oncidium , Dancing Lady Orchids , Golden Shower Orchids , Spray Orchids , Bee Orchids , Tiger orchidaceous plant
Growth Habit : most are sympodial epiphytic , but some species are terrestrials or lithophytic
Oncidium orchidsare another florists and orchidaceous plant - enthusiasts favorite because of their fascinating and proliferous blooms . Often referred to asdancing lady orchidsorgolden shower orchidaceous plant , these plant life raise many farseeing and large spikes of little flower ( 3 ) .
The genus nameOncidiumoriginated from the Greek wordonkos , which translates to “ swelling ” and refers to the flower ’s prominent callus on the rim .
The flowers come in various color that set out from yellow to white , pink , and red . The petals and enormous lips often have ruffled edges . Flowers alter in size from 6 mm to 10 curium full , calculate on the species .
butterfly orchid orchids also feature pseudobulbs that bring forth several bracts with one to three leaves .
well have a go at it Oncidium orchids species :
Vanda
Scientific name : Vandaspp .
Common names : Vanda , Vanda Orchids , Singapore Orchids
Growth Habit : Monopodial epiphytic
blossoming : springtime – Fall
Vanda orchidsare native to Southeast Asia ( 3 ) and widely recognized for their large and spectacular flowers in a wide spectrum of colour , admit majestic , white , yellow , brown , puritanic , and blood-red . The flower , which are long - go and heyday more than once a year , are borne on spike .
There are about 40 have sex species in theVandagenus . However , because of their decorative importance , 1000 of crossbreed of this orchid type have been developed worldwide .
Since vanda plants are monopodial orchid , they bear thick and upright stem with oppositely - arranged stiff leaves and aerial theme . Some of these orchids plants can grow up to 6 ft tall , but most species have a compact growth habit .
Vandas can further be sort out into two grouping depending on their leaves . The first radical has strap - like leave , which are leathery and thick , while the second grouping has “ terete ” leaves , which are cylindric .
well known Vanda orchids species :
Encyclia
Scientific name : Encycliaspp .
vulgar names : Encyclia , Cockleshell Orchids , Butterfly Orchids , Upside - Down Orchids
Growth Habit : Sympodial epiphytic
Native to the New World tropics , Encyclia orchids , or unremarkably have a go at it ascockleshell orchids , are epiphytic plants with a compact growth riding habit . They ostentate fragrant upside - down flowers that somehow resemble squids or octopuses .
The flower of Encyclia are not as big and showy as other orchid flowers , but they are abundant . Each flower measure out only about 4 cm in diam and fall in a superfluity of color , include jaundiced , brown , green , purple , andpink .
Another unparalleled feature of these orchid flowers is their three - lobed lip that encircles the chromatography column . The genus nameEncycliaoriginated from the Greek wordenkyklein , which means “ to border or encircle ” and refers to the orchid heyday ’s lip .
Encyclia orchid plants labialise , onion - shaped , and duncish pseudobulbs from which two to three leaves emerge . A penny-pinching relative of cattleya orchids , Encyclia require medium to brilliant light , intermediate ( cool to warm ) temperature , and 50 % to 80 % humidity .
There are presently about 147 to 188 known species in theEncycliagenus . The plants vary in size of it depending on the species , which can range from 2 inch to 2 ft in height .
better have a go at it Encyclia orchid species :
Epidendrum
Scientific name : Epidendrumspp .
Common names : Epidendrum , Star Orchids , Reed Orchids , Crucifix Orchids
Growth wont : Mostly monopodial epiphytic but a few species are mundane
efflorescence : evenfall – Spring
Epidendrumis a large genus of orchid flora with over 1,500 species that are secretive relatives of cattleyas . The name originated from the Greek wordsepianddendron , which mean “ upon tree ” and refers to the flora ’s epiphytic growth habit .
Mostepidendrum orchidshave long and cane - like pseudobulbs and interchange leave-taking . On top of the pseudobulb emerges a longsighted flower spike that holds a cluster of orchid flowers in varying colors , admit ruby , white , yellow , andpurple . Each flower typically grows up to about 1 inch in diam ( 1 ) .
Also calledcrucifix orchids , the flowers expose a distinct three - lobed lip adnate to the column and with a close resemblance to a hybridizing , hence the name . Each orchid flower clustering has about 30 to 40 pocket-sized and long - lasting bloom . The leave of absence are leatherlike . This case of orchid produceskeikisor infant plant after flowering .
champion orchids are native to Torrid Zone and subtropic regions of America .
Best known Epidendrum orchidaceous plant specie :
Vanilla
Scientific name : Vanillaspp .
usual names : Vanilla
blossoming : Spring – Summer
One of the most challenging orchids flowers to bring into flush isvanilla orchids . Recognized for their scientific nameVanillaspp . , plants in this genus produce an easy - to - originate succulent vine ( 3 ) . They are native to Central America .
Vanilla planifolia , or the vanilla extract orchidaceous plant , in particular , is a highly recognized orchid species because it acquire beans from which vanilla extract flavoring is extracted .
Vanilla orchids , in general , are easy to grow . They require intermediate light , intermediate to warm up temperature and frequent watering . The leaves are green and thick . The 5 - inch flower are full , yellow or xanthous - green , and emerge near the basal part of leaves . Each flush can last for only a day .
Best known Vanilla orchid species :
List of Other Orchid Varieties You Can Explore
FAQs
What are the major types of orchidaceous plant ?
There are numerous type of orchid , but some major groups admit Phalaenopsis , Cattleya , Dendrobium , Oncidium , and Paphiopedilum , among others .
What is the most particular orchid ?
The conception of the “ most special ” orchidaceous plant is subjective and can diverge based on individual preference . However , some orchidaceous plant are considered specially rare or unique , such as the Ghost Orchid ( Dendrophylax lindenii ) known for its knotty nature and intricate sweetheart .
What are the 7 levels of classification for an orchid ?
The seven levels of categorisation for an orchidaceous plant , as with any being , take after the taxonomical hierarchy : Kingdom , Division ( or Phylum ) , Class , Order , Family , Genus , and Species . For example , a usual orchidaceous plant like the Moth Orchid ( Phalaenopsis aphrodite ) belongs to the Kingdom Plantae , Division Magnoliophyta , Class Liliopsida , ordering Asparagales , Family Orchidaceae , Genus Phalaenopsis , and Species aphrodite .
Up Next : Orchid Flower Meaning and Symbolism
References
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