Orchids, Orchid Care, and Orchids Online

Orchids – the family Orchidaceae – represent around 2500 of the most hauntingly lovely flowers on Earth. They are visually mesmerizing and most even have scents that range from seductively sweet and citrus to smoky and repellent.

The Phalaenopsis orchid (or Moth), Cymbidium orchid and Dendrobium orchids are the most beloved types, and the Vanilla Orchid (and its vanilla bean) is the most highly produced variety because of the flavoring capabilities. Orchids rely on pollination for reproduction, though certain species are known to asexually reproduce under the right conditions.
Orchids have a long history of attracting humans and pollinating insects using scent, patterns and forms. Their beauty has reached almost mythical proportions, with stories trickling down the centuries and new species being discovered every year.

The ancient Greeks attributed virility to certain types. In Victorian England, they symbolized wealth because only the wealthy could afford them. There is evidence the Aztecs would drink a mixture of chocolate and the vanilla orchid to bestow power and strength, and the Chinese use orchids to cure upper respiratory illness and coughs.

Evidence also suggests that orchids have been around for much longer than originally thought. The pollen carried by a single bee trapped in Miocene amber proved that orchids existed 76-84 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period – they probably co-existed with dinosaurs.

Since the 19th Century when they figured out how to do it, more than 100,000 hybrids have been created by horticulturists. In recent history, orchids continue to be regarded as some of the most delicate beauty anywhere.

The Internet allows anyone to buy orchids online, send an orchid bouquet delivery from Hawaii to Russia or find a local grower who sells top quality plants to prospective cultivators and hobbyists. Cut orchids can last as long as 4-6 weeks or more when gently cared for. An orchid plant can live for years with successful cultivation.

Orchid care and cultivation of orchid flowers is a delicate process that involves strict adherence to the water, medium, feeding, light and location requirements for each specific species. All this information can be found online as well as leading to the hundreds, possibly thousands of books written on the subject.

Selecting a plant, matching it with the perfect pot and finding the optimum location is all part of the ritual of keeping these beauties alive and blooming – and it is very ritualistic. Every day, the plant must be checked for light damage, moisture in the medium and closely monitored according to the demands of each type.

Finding the correct orchid pot is usually the first step. Orchid pots can be terracotta, plastic and in some cases baskets. Again, which pot all depends on the needs of the specific plant. Certain sprawling varieties will do best in a basket while other more compact indoor plants will be best in a clear, plastic vessel that enables sunshine to reach all the roots, even in indirect sunlight.

Lighting is another huge issue – some can take direct sunlight for a portion of the day, some not at all. Some can be coaxed into growing indoors beneath a regular fluorescent light bulb. Others will thrive indoors under a specialized bulb offering a full spectrum of light color.

An orchid greenhouse kit would be ideal for anyone who has a hard time getting flowers and plants to grow. In a greenhouse, you control the elements. Therefore, creating the perfect environment for growth.

Some people love orchids but do not have the time or wherewithal to provide constant monitoring – so they buy artificial orchids, usually hand made from silk. These are made in every orchid color and to resemble a large cross section of genus and species.

To create a harmonious garden or backyard, try accenting your space. Garden fountains, are the perfect addition, and you can find some that are not too expensive. You can also try a bird bath, or bird feeders to bring life into your yard.

Thanks for visiting ezorchids.com. Check back here often for more and updated information about the largest and most beautiful flower family on Earth.

 

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