Sep 18th 2007 01:51 pm Some Orchid Species to Choose From
Wow, did you know that there are over 20,000 species of orchid that grow naturally in the wild with a whopping 100,000 hybrids? It’s not surprising why buying orchids for your home can be confusing. Although it’s unlikely to find that many species in your local garden centre, here are a few you might like.
Cymbidiums are very hardy orchids and will reward you with a display of flowers every winter and spring if cared for properly. They can endure extreme temperatures too which means near-frost conditions and full sunshine. They come in a variety of colours to choose from as well.
Dracula has got to be the weirdest name for an orchid. Far from sucking your blood, the name in fact comes from the Latin word meaning “little Dragon” and resemble this mythical beast. They’re similar to the more familiar Masdevallia and there are over 100 species that hail from Central America. Ecuador is full of them.
As a result they are happy with warm days and cooler nights. The flowers are hairy but give a beautiful contrast to the more commonly found forms of orchid. Their sepals are very long and will often taper down at the ends. They are covered with dense hairs and give the plant an unusual appearance.
Another type worth investigating is the Stanhope intermedia. Natives to western Mexico, they grow in the humid barranca forests of the Pacific slope at high elevations (900-1,500m/2,950-4,900ft). They bear yellow, highly fragrant flowers on a pendant with an orange hypochile.
Other Stanhope varieties grow in Panama, Columbia and all the way to South America. Although the flowers often only bloom for a few days, the actual plant is very attractive. They can even give off a fresh mint scent which can only add to their attractiveness.
They thrive in warm conditions that provide moderate light. They should be kept slightly moist by means of proper pot conditions and a humidifying tray.
The Zootrophion hypodiscus is another fine choice. Native to Ecuador, they grow in the wild at high elevations of 2,100m/6,900ft. The flowers that are given out are a deep purple and they are very rounded which tapers at the base of the leaves. The lower sections are offset with white so the effect is really dazzling.
If you like flowers through out the year, the Zootrophion hypodiscus makes a great choice. They prefer moist and cooler growing conditions and do well in moderate light. This is ideal if you live in a cooler part of the world as many orchids prefer more tropical conditions.
Elleanthus amethystinus is found in Venezuela and provides a unique look to any collection. These orchids have small, pink flowers that bloom more than once per year. They may grow as tall as 50 inches/20 cm and the foliage looks slightly like bamboo leaves at certain times of the year.
They also like bright sunny conditions which is unusual for most other orchids. Just make sure they stay nice and moist.
Posted by April / Home and Garden
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