May
14

Seven Types of Orchids That May Inspire You

If you plan on buying an orchid , the many types of orchids and hybrids can be overwhelming.  This guide will give you some basics of each of the main types of orchids, and hopefully help you narrow your search for the ideal orchid.

The Famous Corsage Orchid

Cattelya orchids are the ideal corsage orchid, because of the massive size of these orchids and their bloom .  The flower itself can vary in size from 5 cm to as large as 15 cms wide.  There are over 42 orchid species of these types of orchids,   with a large number of them arriving from Costa Rica and South America.   Due to the warm climate that they originated from, they require a warm, humid, home environment to thrive . 

The Easiest Orchid To Grow is The Phalaenopsis Orchid

The phalaenopsis orchid can be easily grown , and is therefore often recommended for the beginner orchid grower. There are about 60 varieties of the phalaenopsis orchid species .   The blooms on this orchid can vary from a few simple blooms, to a long beautiful trail of delicate small flowers.    These plants typically bloom on an annual basis , and the blooms will last for approximately a month.

The Amazing Paphiopedilum Orchid

This exotic plant is often referred to as a slipper orchid since the flower of this orchid has an unusual shape .   In nature, these types of orchids are often found on the ground and therefore will tolerate mois environments than a typical orchid.    If your climate is usually wet or moist and you tend to over water, this may be the perfect orchid for you.

The Taller Cymbidium Orchid

The amazing and beautiful cymbidium orchid is the tallest type of orchid , with plant heights sometimes reaching and exceeding 60 cms.   These orchids are often used as cut flowers, due to their length and the trail of flowers that each stem holds.   However, these plants are probably one of the more challenging orchids to grow , as they require a fairly warm environment when flowering and a cool one during their dormant period.  If you are a patient grower and are looking for a challenge, then cymbidium orchids may be the perfect plant for you.

Dendrobium Orchids and Their Amazing Beauty

With over hundreds of types of dendrobium orchid species , and within this genus there is a full range of simple to grow varieties to those that a bit more challenging.   Before you start growing dendrobium orchids , be aware of the specific genus as the light, temperature, and moisture needs will vary accordingly.   If you take care of this orchid properly, then you can see the flowers last from anywhere between four to eight weeks .

The Dancing Lady Also Known as Oncidium Orchids

This orchid is often referred to as the dancing lady, because the flowers, for those with a vivid imagination, may seem like a lady beginning to dance .   The beauty of these flowers is not in their size, but in their sheer amount.  Because of the weight of this orchid it may sometimes actually begin to lean over .

The Right Conditions For Vandaceous Orchids

These orchids are originally from Southern Asia, and so they naturally thrive in warm, humid weather .  Perhaps the most colourful of the orchid variety, they can bloom about three times per year with the right conditions and proper orchid care


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Apr
18

strelitzia

With its large, paddle-shaped leaves and bird of paradise flowers, this is one of the most beautiful of garden plants.

If you can grow Strelitzias you will have a real feature for your garden. They take a bit of establishing and don’t be fooled into thinking of this as a plant for full sunlight (which is what my gardening guide specifies). Recently, I saw it described more correctly as a plant for semi-shade, as can be seen from this photograph.

The photograph was taken in the botanical gardens of Harare, Zimbabwe. Having just arrived there from Scotland as a teenager, I found the impact of the warm climate and beautiful plant-life overwhelming, and this picture certainly brings across that flavor.

Enjoy!

Patricia


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