The best way to identify what type of orchid you have is by conducting a thorough examination of its leaves, roots, and flowers, as these differ depending upon the orchid species. The size, shape, and color of the flowers can assist in proper identification, but it can be difficult to determine an orchid species based these alone.
Giving orchids is a sure way to express thoughtfulness, and what better way to use them than as a gift to wish someone a fast recovery? Several orchid types can be used for this purpose, but the most common options are white Phalaenopsis orchid or a green Cymbidium orchid.
How to identify an orchid?
Look at the Flowers. Size and Color. Orchids vary in flower size, ranging from an inch to several inches. One of the most important defining signs for orchids is the flower shapes. Each spike can bear different numbers of flowers in different orchid varieties. Some varieties grow one flower per spike while others bear more than 20.
Epiphytes grow atop trees or shrubs. Lithophytes grow on rocks or very rocky soil. Terrestrial orchids grow in soil. There are over 200 terrestrial orchid species.
The orchid family ( Orchidaceae ) is the second largest family of flowering plants, with about 880 genera and some 26,000 species distributed nearly worldwide. Orchids are perennial herbs and feature unusual bilaterally symmetric flowers, with masses of pollen known as pollinia, and tiny, dustlike seeds.
What is the classification of orchids?
Orchid, ( family Orchidaceae ), any of nearly 1,000 genera and more than 22,000 species of attractively flowered plants distributed throughout the world, especially in wet tropics. Orchidaceae is a member of Asparagales, an order of monocotyledonous flowering plants that also includes the asparagus and iris families.
What are the basics of growing orchids?
Net pots, which have wire mesh and allow for a breathable environment. These can be hung in advantageous locations for better sunlight. Clear plastic pots, which get better sunlight to the roots. These allow the grower to inspect the root systems without disturbing the orchid. Wooden pots, which are constructed of rot-resistant wood.