Orchids

Orchids, the most common household plant bred by hobbyists around the world, belong to the largest plant family. Orchids, one of the most attractive flowers, are grown by gardeners for the pleasantly fragrant flowers. Orchid plants come in a wide variety of types and colors to fit almost any garden or home environment and if desired any person can grow orchids. Orchids are important commercially in the floral industry and also for there fragrance in the perfume industry. Most of us know Orchids for there beautiful blooms in the garden or home.

Growing and maintaining orchids can be an art similar to that of the ancient Japanese tradition and art of bonsai if one wants to take the hobby to that level. Both tropical and subtropical orchids are accessible at garden centers and through orchid clubs across the world. Orchid plants are also one of the most flexible plant groups on earth and can be grown in many different situations. Orchid care is not too different from caring for any other plant in the home or garden. Orchids often will do best in temperatures that would be to cold for you in your house.

There are several varieties of Orchids available to the gardener; among those are the Cymbidium, Cattleya, Denrobiums, Phalaenopsis and Vanda. These Orchid varieties originate in a variety of locations and have several growing needs and some can be more of a challenge than the others. Cymbidium orchids are one of the oldest cultivated varieties having 40 species and thousands of hybrids. Originally from Asia Cymbidium are one of the easiest orchids to grow and will flower yearly if cared for correctly. The Vanda orchid is another Orchid that is rather easy to grow. These plants produce flowers in dazzling colors such as blue, red, yellow and orange. Flower spikes can have as much as 10 blooms that last for a number of weeks.

Orchids are not as difficult to grow as many gardeners believe if they are supplied with the essentials that plants need to thrive. The most important is light, as with any plant Orchids require the proper amount of light to grow and set blooms. Water and humidity is also very key for Orchids and must be provided consistently too prevent drying especially if a soil less mix is used, Temperature is very important as many Orchids will thrive at room temperature but need cooler nights to set blooms.