Orchids

🇸🇬 The national Flower of Singapore is a hybrid orchid by the name "Vanda Miss Joaquim"

A brief introduction

This exotic beauty comes in a variety of colors and shapes. Its diversity has resulted in its being found in many different parts of the world, from mountains to rainforests and even deserts. You can find orchids on every continent in the world except Antarctica. There are around 30,000 different species of orchids, making them one of the largest families of flowers. Their beautiful flowers that can bloom for long periods of time have made them a household favorite. The most common orchid (commercially) is the Phalaenopsis orchid with its broad dark green leaves and incredible variation in both color and size. Although the Phalenpholis is the most common commercially available orchid you will find in the store, it has a hidden secret that is guaranteed to come across, Vanilla. True vanilla comes from an orchid called Vanilla planifolia, which originates from Central America, Mexico, Brazil and Colombia. Today it is also grown in Madagascar, which accounts for a total of 80% of the world's vanilla production.

Popular varieties

Phalaenopsis - Commonly known as the moth orchid. It can bloom for a several months and is one of the easier orchids to care for, perfect for beginners.

Dendrobium - Dendrobium, especially the Dendrobium Nobile orchid have many flowers that often grow on a stronger and wider stem. Instead of the flowers growing on branches like Phalaenopsis, the flowers commonly grow vertically with a wide stem. Want to know more about Dendrobium?

Cattleya - Cattleya orchids are found in Costa Rica and further south. They also grow on a slightly wider stem than the Phalaenopsis orchid but they are more reminiscent of them in appearance and the spread of flower heads. Their more wavy trumpet shaped flower is the feature that catches people's attention. Want to know more about Cattleya?

History & Culture

Orchids have a history that stretches back through several great ancient cultures. They span everything from ancient Greece, ancient China/Japan to the Middle Ages. In the Aztec culture, vanilla was used for both food and medicine. They were mixed with cacao to make a drink that was said to make them stronger. In Asia, especially China and Japan, they are a symbol of strength and a rich life, while in China, they also used the orchid as medicine and it gained a symbolic association with integrity and nobility. In ancient Greece, it was associated with fertility and the birth of children, as they believed that you could predict the sex of the child by eating the flower's tube.

Geographical Distribution

Although orchids are found all over the world (except Antarctica), many of them are adapted to their geographical environment. Some can handle cold better, while others need heat. There are two good examples of different growing conditions. First up: The Epiphytic orchids. These orchids use other plants to grow on. They have their roots exposed and not underground, usually depending on humid environments like rainforests. They are also adapted to low light conditions and can survive on less light than other orchids. Next are Terrestrial orchids. They grow in soil and are found in many more places. You will find them near water, forests, and fields.

Soil

Since most orchids are epiphytes that grow on trees and not in soil, you should use a special orchid mix instead of regular soil when planting. The mix usually contains charcoal, perlite and sphagnum moss. This mix makes it easy for the water to drain, as regular soil absorbs water more easily and can cause them to drown.

Light

Since most commercial species originate from the rainforest, you should keep in mind that they do not like too much direct sunlight. Imagine their natural habitat in the rainforest where light only seeps in through the trees. If there is too much light, the leaves will turn yellow and if the leaves become dark green, the flowers may decrease. It is best to place them in windows that face west or east.

Watering

Water thoroughly but infrequently and allow the potting mix to dry out thoroughly between waterings. The most common reason orchids die is due to overwatering. Make sure they get moisture regularly, then again they are a tropical plant. Use a humidifier or a regular spray bottle with a wide and fine spray

Care

Keep the humidity somewhere between 40-70%. Make sure there is good ventilation between the plants so that the roots do not rot or get problems with fungus. Only use a special orchid nutrient every 2-4 weeks when they are in a growing period. Repot every 1-2 years.

Good for pollinators: No

Toxic to pets: No

Fragrant: No

Care difficulty: Easy