Phalenopsis Orchids

They're known the world over and grow in some pretty strange places. But, as Allen Smith shows us, orchids don't have to be foreign to you.

A Guide to the Most Popular Orchid Species

Orchids are beautiful plants that grow equally beautiful flowers. They are usually aerial plants which mean that their roots are primarily found in the air or attached to trunk of trees. There are many different orchid species and all of them have exotic blooms that may or may not have a fragrance. The colors that the orchid blooms have are spectacular and some flowers have startling color combinations that are very attractive and unique.

There are roughly more than 25,000 species of orchids worldwide. These numbers grow regularly due to the constant addition of hybrids and new discoveries. Most orchid species are almost always found in rain forests and tropical areas of the world. The orchids love moisture so they thrive in rain forests and tropical climates.

Well Known Orchid Species

Dendrobiums are among the more popular orchid species in the world. These species have a wide range of colors for their flowers. Some species have white flowers while others have purple or yellow. These orchid species can be found in most parts of Asia including but not limited to the Philippines, Borneo, New Zealand, Australia and New Guinea. The great demand for these orchid species has inspired hobbyists to create hybrids of the orchid.

The Cattleya is a beautiful orchid that can be found in some parts of South America up to Asia. These extravagant orchid species are very beautiful and usually bloom in small groups of a single flower to eight flowers per blooming season. The colors are from white to yellow to deep purple. The Cattleya is beautiful orchid that does not grow total but instead spreads out and is similar to the dendrobiums in some aspects.

The orchid species of Vanda are very strange looking plants that bear exotic looking flowers. Their leaves sprout from a single stalk and grow singly on each side. The flower stalks come from one of the leaves' base and these can contain from five up to twenty blooms. This orchid species can be commonly found but not exclusive to the Philippines, India, China, Australia, the Himalayas, Indonesia and New Guinea.

The three orchid species mentioned above are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to the different species of orchids. There are man different kinds of orchids available and even more exotic ones at that. Some orchid species have even been discovered recently have been around for several hundred years in the rainforests. The beauty of these plants has endeared them to many people who strive to grow them in places which are so different from their usual habitat.

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Caring For the Vibrant Beautiful Blooms of Your Orchid

Orchids produce some of the most spectacular and intriguing flowers in the world, but they can also be among the most difficult plants to care for. Despite the challenge of maintaining them, orchids have a continuing popularity among plant enthusiasts, and there are a variety of orchids available for both the expert botanist and the novice orchid hobbyist.

You can probably find an orchid or two for sale at your local garden center at an affordable price, while specialty shops will carry orchids that are extremely rare and expensive. Whatever your level of commitment to nurturing an orchid, there are a few things that you can do to help your plant produce beautiful flowers.

Orchids are accustomed to warm, humid climates and usually require plenty of light. Whether you're raising your orchid in a greenhouse or keeping it in your office, be sure to choose a spot for your orchid where it will be warm without drying out. Above all,
make sure that your orchid receives enough sunlight to enable it to bloom.

Most orchids require a lot of exposure to sunlight, and failure to provide enough light will result in an otherwise healthy plant that simply doesn't bloom. However, the leaves of an orchid can become very sensitive to sunlight if they have been in low-light conditions for a prolonged period of time. Therefore, if you decide that your orchid is not getting enough light, move it little by little to an area with greater sun in order to avoid injuring the leaves with sudden overexposure.

When you water your orchid, make sure to thoroughly saturate the soil. Orchids like a moist environment, and allowing the plant to dry out could endanger its health. An orchid's soil should also not be too heavy, and there should be good air circulation around the base of the plant.

A certain mixture of orchid-specific nutrients is also essential for a healthy orchid, and you can purchase a substance called orchid bark to mix into the soil for potting your orchid. While supplying vital nourishment to your orchid, the addition of orchid bark will also improve air circulation through the soil, keeping your orchid beautiful.

If you truly want to appreciate your orchid, you will also have to understand that orchids do not flower all the time. After your orchid has flowered, you will need to care for the plant until it is ready to flower again. Once the blooms have faded, you should cut off most of the stem, leaving at least an inch intact. As long as you give your orchid adequate nourishment, water and light throughout its growing cycle, it will
eventually flower again.

Over time, you may find that you want to expand your collection of orchids to include more exotic and challenging varieties. Orchid nurseries and specialty shops will have products specifically designed for the care of orchids, and you will be able to find a lot of advice to help you care for these amazing flowers.

Jon Kelly is a published author who writes articles, that includes information on gardening and Orchids. Learning about the orchids history,charm and mysticism will make it an even more addictive hobby.To find out more please visit: Please visit: http://www.theorchidguide.com

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Buying Your First Orchid - Things to Know Before Orchid Fever Turns Into Orchid Panic

Try to walk past a florist's shop window full of orchids without turning your head. Go on, I dare you! How could you not pause to look at something so exquisite in beauty and complexity? There is an undeniable star quality present in orchids that sets them apart from garden-variety geraniums and pansies. Many a wallflower has been left behind in the orchid's rise in popularity over the years to its current status as one of the most popular flowering plants sold the world over.

Now, before you rush out and buy the first orchid that catches your fancy, you might want to pause for a moment to get better acquainted. For starters, you should ask how long the blooms last. Will it bloom again and is there anything you should do to help it along? Do you plan on keeping this plant for a few years, or will you simply discard it once its blooms have faded?

Most orchid flowers should last somewhere between two and six weeks in the home. For a much longer bloom period, choose phalaenopsis orchids, which can last anywhere from one to four months or more in bright, indirect light. Since the great majority of orchids sold every year are phalaenopsis, commonly called moth orchids, chances are this is the variety that you are most familiar with.

Moth orchid blooms can measure anywhere from 2-4" in diameter and are mostly found in white or shades of purple. For an interesting variation, look for striped or spotted moth orchids. Among my personal favorites are the white Harlequin-style varieties bearing spots in shades of burgundy and purple. Also of note are the harder to find, but spectacular-looking, yellow moth orchid cultivars with red stripes. Miniature moth orchids are also available in diminutive 1" diameter blooms and can be found in a wide range of colors.

If your conditions tend to be a bit on the shady side, try the very exotic-looking paphiopedilums, also called lady slipper orchids. You might also have success growing Ludisia discolor, the jewel orchid, which has wonderful blackish-brown leaves with reddish-brown stripes and bears tiny columnar clusters of white flowers.

For a sunny window try oncidiums, a large group of orchids commonly referred to as 'dancing ladies,' so called because their large sprays of blooms appear to dance in the wind. You might also look at cattleyas, a particularly showy, colorful, and often deliciously fragrant group of orchids.

A few other things to take note of when shopping for orchids are an equal mix of buds and open blooms, healthy looking green leaves free of spots or abrasions, and a vigorous root system. Buying an orchid with around three-quarters of its blooms already open will ensure greater longevity and enjoyment of your orchid flowers.

Black, brown, or yellow spotting on an orchid's leaves or roots could be a sign that improper watering, extreme temperatures, or a fungal problem may exist, and these plants are better off avoided altogether.

Healthy orchid roots are thick and white or greenish-white, and they may be growing so vigorously that they've escaped from their containers entirely and are hanging over the sides. This is an indication of good health, as orchids grown in their native rain forest environment like to have their roots dangling in the tree canopy to catch run-off from moisture and nutrients. You should saturate all of an orchid's roots every time you water to prevent die back of either roots or foliage.

Following these steps will ensure months or even years of satisfaction from your new orchid, as well as a refreshing taste of the tropics indoors to enjoy year-round.

TOP 10 WINDOWSILL ORCHIDS

Botanical Name          Common Name         Grow it Because ...

Brassia               Spider Orchid          Eotic, elongated flowers

Cattleya             Cattleya          Large, colorful, very exotic flowers often intensely fragrant -- miniature varieties bloom more often.

Dendrobium           Spray Orchid             Tall orchids with lots of flowers in many different colors, sizes, and shapes

Encyclia cochleata      Octopus Orchid           Unusual flower shape is eye-catching.

Ludisia               Jewel Orchid          Foliage is so attractive that plants look great even when not in bloom. Flowers open gradually.

Miltonia       Pansy Orchid        Large flowers in striking colors

Oncidium     Dancing Ladies       Tall bloom spikes covered with flowers, often fragrant, as with chocolate-scented "Sherry Baby"

Paphiopedilum           Lady Slipper              Flowers in low light, exotic looking blooms

Phalaenopsis           Moth Orchid             Blooms last longer than any other orchid, 4 mos.+

Phragmipedium          Phrags               Long bloom period, difficult to over water

More information about the author and celebrated New York City landscape designer Amber Freda can be found on her website, http://www.amberfreda.com

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Growing Orchids For Your Home

Few plants evoke more attention than an orchid; once so rare and costly, their exclusive reputation still renders them precious. Orchids in a living room immediately seem to lift the area into another dimension of luxury and ease of living.

Many orchids will only have one bloom open at a time, yet people can gaze and appear mesmerized for several minutes whilst absorbing the intricate details of the bloom.

It is only fairly recently that people have thought about growing their own orchids, yet already 'orchid societies' have grown up all over North America to give advice, to offer orchid 'swaps' and encourage the growth of them.

If you have ever thought of growing and displaying your own orchids, then it is advisable to put them in an east or north window as they prefer bright, filtered sunlight. South windows are best shaded for orchids.

Orchids do not grow in soil, but rather in charcoal, fir bark, cork or stones. In the Tropics where they are quite common, it is not unusual to see an orchid growing proudly out of a tree trunk! Most of the mixes (i.e. stones, cork etc) for growing orchids are available in garden centers.

The room temperatures for the best orchid growth are 59F to 81F during the day and dropping to around 52F to 59F at night. (This is 15 C-27 C and 11C-16 Centigrade).

Some orchids will bloom and last for weeks and others will bloom twice a year. Although orchids usually only need watering once a week, they are humid plants and like a spray spritz every day.

Many of the orchid societies run a newsletter and some have monthly meetings with guest speakers, a yearly show and many will offer tips on how to obtain, and grow, orchids.

There are over 30,000 different species of orchids in the world, but only certain ones are suitable for the window sills of North America.

The color of orchids are mostly bright and contrasting, although the pure white orchid is equally arresting. Orchids come in many varied and intricate designs and waiting for a new bloom to unfold has been known to excite the most reserved of people!

Orchids can be ordered mail order from the Internet and, in some cases, from the orchid societies. Beware though, it seems orchid ownership is like eating candy - one is never enough!

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How to Keep Your Orchids Healthy

Orchids are some of the most beautiful houseplants you can find. Orchids are delicate plants that require nurturing and loving care to flourish. However, if one carefully follows orchid care instructions and provides the plant with the appropriate attention, caring for orchids can be very fulfilling as a hobby or just as beautiful accents to one's home.

The first step one must take is, of course, planting the orchid. Fill the pot with soil 2/3 to capacity. (More on soil choices later.) Place the plant in the center of the pot and spread the roots out in the soil. Next, fill in the rest of the soil and water the newly potted orchid.

There are quite a few options when choosing the soil for planting an orchid. Some popular choices are osumda fiber and fir bark. Bark mediums usually require more frequent watering, so if you choose to use bark, be mindful of this. All orchid soils provide support for the roots while also allowing for air spaces between the particles, providing good drainage for the plant.

Orchids like humidity, so to increase humidity around the plant, it is a good idea to gently mist the leaves on the plant. Do not, however, mist the plant directly, but instead mist it in a way that the water rests on the leaves as it settles. Orchid enthusiasts often fill a tray with pebbles, fill it half way with water and have the pot resting on a dry layer of pebbles on top. This allows the water to evaporate and thus, creates a more humid climate for the plant.

Lighting is very important in caring for orchids. In fact, it may be the most important aspect of its care. These plants require about 12 hours of light each day, possibly more in the wintertime when the weather is cooler and the days shorter. For this reason, the best place to keep an orchid is near a south-facing window, where it will receive indirect light from the sun.

Watering, as in any plant's care, is vital to the life of your orchid. One should never over water an orchid to the point where there is a pool of water in the pot. Generally speaking, orchids should be watered once a week, or when the soil feels dried out to the touch.

Make sure to properly prune your orchid to keep it clean and healthy. This not only helps your orchid's health, but also keeps it looking its best. Orchids are one of the most beautiful flowers in the world and their beauty has inspired many people worldwide to take up orchid care as a personal hobby. Of course, they also provide your home with an exquisite touch year round. Whatever your interest in orchid care, you will find success if you follow these instructions and provide your orchid with love and care.

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Young Orchids

For the newbie orchid grower, starting off with younger orchid plants is a great way to learn how to care for them as you watch them grow and blossom. When getting a young orchid plant for the first time, try and find out as much about it as possible. Knowing what species it is is very important, as is the sort of environment it is found in the wild. From here you'll have a better idea what watering, temperature, light and humidity requirements it needs.

Make a list of supplies you may need for your young orchid plant. This should include the correct potting mix and a specialized orchid fertilizer. Keep a plant pesticide and fungicide handy in case your plant suddenly gets attacked by something. Orchids generally need repotting once a year so there is no hurry to get another pot just yet. A water sprayer is handy as it is easier to control the quantity of water you give your plant.

It is essential that you get the potting mix right. Most orchids do not grow in the standard garden soil or garden plant potting mixes. There are species of orchid that prefer a bark potting mix and others that prefer a sand mix. Always leave the young orchid plant in the potting mix that you received it in. Don't repot the plant until it has grown to a size where it has overgrown the existing pot. When you do repot, select a pot size slightly bigger as orchids do not like being transferred to containers that are much larger then the one they are in.

Often young orchid plants are kept in potting media that appears quite dry. This is done on purpose to prevent fungal infections. Orchid roots rot very easily if they are over watered. It is much better to gradually water the plant over time, rather than do a sudden soak if the potting medium is very dry. Because young orchid plants are not yet flowering, they require different light intensities to those needed by mature orchids. If the lighting is too low, the leaves will start to turn a dark green color. Gradually increase the light by changing the plant's position and when the leaves appear a healthy light green color then that should be fine.

A great online Orchid resource site can be found at Orchid Care Learn more about growing orchids at Orchid Growing Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jan_Wilson