Orchids are delicately beautiful. This flower has been popular for centuries and most people have a flower they really like above all others. Most unusual about the orchid is the orchid anatomy.

Conservatively speaking, the number of native species is over 22,000. I would imagine there are a few more to be discovered. Smart cultivators are fast producing more hybrids with a number over 100,000.

While this flower has a notoriety of being hard to grow, it is actually not a bad plant to grow. Having said that, there are some that require additional attention and some that are rugged. They are looked at as totally tropical in nature and need those conditions that are associated with tropical. Yet, many will tolerate dry and cool conditions. With so many varieties, it is no wonder that there are so many conditions they will accept.

They thrive all over the world from South America to Europe to the pacific islands. With the exception of the Antarctica, you can find them everywhere. The Orchid Island, Hawaii, is a excellent example of massive growth.

Like other plants they do need some care. They are subject to diseases and pests. With little effort all these can be controlled. Snails, spider mites and aphids along with fungus and bacteria will destroy the plants if unattended. All can be prevented.

Methods run from easy washing the leaves and flowers or just removing by hand to compounds made specifically for this purpose. Try drying or organic anti-fungals. Try a small amount of pruning, proper soil and watering. Like people, plants can fight off enemies and diseases on their own.

There are 4 kinds:

• terrestrial- These unusual perennials really endure and flourish in soil and sand in mild to more cold climates. Some even need temperatures at or below freezing for some months every year to keep appropriate growth, alot like tulips or daffodils.
• epiphytes- Plant that derives moisture and nutrients from the air and rain; usually grows on another plant but not parasitic on it.
• lithophytes- Plant that grows on rocks or stony soil and derives nourishment from the atmosphere.
• saprophytes- They feed on dead organic matter especially a fungus or bacterium.

Picking one, in fact, is harder than taking care of one. There are varieties with different colors, shapes and sizes and if you sat down with a orchid book it would take a full month to go through the entire collection. You'll find some with no leaves and others with long or wide leaves. Miniature flowers on some and then you will find blooms that 12 inches long.

No matter you're expertise in gardening, decorating and desire somewhere an orchid is waiting for you.

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Other interesting pages on orchids

Jewel Orchids
Orchid Pests
Phalaenopsis Orchid Care

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