“Which Orchid is Your Type?”

Growing orchids really is easy.

The only hard part is choosing which type of orchid you want to grow. There thousands of different species and hybrids of orchids (some experts say upwards of 75,000) However, there actually are only two different types of orchids:

Terrestrial orchids which are species that grow on the ground
Epiphytes orchids which grow in trees, rocks or on poles

Terrestrial orchid species are some of the most popular orchids to grow.

Terrestrial orchids have roots that grow beneath the surface of the soil just as do other kinds of plants. However, some terrestrial orchids are really only partially terrestrial because they have both underground and aerial roots.

The Cymbidium orchid is an example of a terrestrial orchid. At last count it had 40 species and literally thousands of hybrids.  They were one of the first species of orchids to be cultivated. They are fairly cold-tolerant…much more so than many other orchids. Because of this Cymbidiums will show off for you in the dead of winter with full sprays of blooms.

What’s also interesting about Cymbidiums is that they grow both on the ground and on trees and rocks.  And they also grow in the loose humus of rotted wood and in decayed leaves.

You’ll find Cymbidiums in their natural habitat from Southeast Asia to Japan to Australia.  They are simply one of the easiest orchids to grow, making them a great choice for novice orchid fanciers.  And with proper care, they will provide beautiful flowers for years to come.

The term epiphytes does not only refer to a type of orchid.

It actually refers to any plant that has a root system above ground.  Epiphyte orchids are relatively easy to grow, but require slightly more care than Cymbidiums. They also do not flower as easily on a regular basis.  They thrive in filtered light and always in open, airy situations.

Dendrobium is the best known epiphytes orchid. With over 1100 individual species, they grow almost everywhere – from hot, wet regions to high-altitude mountains.  Their natural habitats are in tropical conditions of Northern India, South East Asia, Australia and Polynesia.

Interestingly enough, some dendrobiums are evergreens while others are deciduous. They all enjoy strong, natural sunlight which brings about their best blooms. In fact they enjoy more of everything – water, fertilizer, temperature and humidity

Phalaenopsis is another popular epiphyte orchid. These are the orchids you frequently see in many gardening stores. They grow from a single stem and are easy to grow because they are not too demanding.  They have thick leaves and elegant, arching sprays of long-lasting blooms.

They, unlike dendrobiums, enjoy low-light. You’ll find phalaenopsis blooming typically in late winter and early spring. Their flowers open successively along their single arching stem.

Phalaenopsis have only about 60 true species, but have thousands of hybrids. They’re a very popular wedding orchid because they come various colors including stark white, pinks, yellows, and even stripes.

Epiphytic orchids grow upon structures like trees…and even rocks

However, epiphytes do not receive nourishment from the tree. They establish their fleshy roots on the branches or bark of trees. The organic matter that accumulates between their roots and the branches provide nourishment for the plant.

Their roots also serve as a reservoir for the orchid and sustain the plant through both dry and wet times.  The root has a tough, stringy core that is surrounded by a spongy off-white covering. This covering easily absorbs water.

When it rains, this cover soaks up water.  Completely saturated, it turns light green.  The orchid’s roots retain this moisture, and release it gradually to the plant tissues as it is needed.

Now If You Can’t Choose Between Them…

…you don’t have to. Just go for it. And grow both types of orchids for year-round enjoyment and minimal effort.

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