Types of Orchids

Types of Orchids: Orchidaceaeare Cattleya Cymbidium Dendrobium Paphiopedilum Phalaenopsis Miltoniopsis Reed Orchid Native Orchids Alaskan Rein Orchid Calypso Orchid Green Rein Orchid Hooded Lady's Tresses Pacific Coralroot Rattlesnake Plantain Spotless Coralroot Striped Coralroot White Bog Orchid Flower Power

Orchids (family Orchidaceaeare), the largest family of flowers in the world, commonly get associated with the tropics.

In fact, adaptibility represents the key to the Orchidaceaeare success. They grow almost anywhere, with many species found in temperate and colder climates.

The majority of orchid species are characterized as epiphytes, plants that grow on trees. The top picture shows an Oncidium orchid, the largest genera of orchids. Most are epiphytes.

Others grow on and around rocky outposts, forest floors, and like other flowers, from the earth's soil. The calypso orchid is one example of a terrestrial orchid.

With over twenty five thousand species organised by over eight hundred genera, a discussion of types of orchids could range from a brief and practical review to an encyclopedic review.

Because their colorful flowers make them a favorite house plant, botanists and orchid enthusiasts commonly discuss types of orchids in terms of their light, water, temperature and nutrition needs as house plants. Some genera such as Cattleya, are high light orchids, requiring a good deal of sun or artificial lighting when grown indoors. Phalaenopsis, on the other hand, are medium light orchids that grow well without extensive sun exposure.

Species in the Cattleya, Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilum genus are considered relatively easy to grow house plants. Dendronian and Miltoniopsis growers usually encounter a few more challenges.

Approximately two hundred and fifty native orchids grow in the United States, with roughly fifty percent native to Florida.

Elsewhere many native orchid species can go unnoticed because unless they are viewed close-up, most tend to look little more than stick figures growing from the ground.

The album divides almost evenly between native and non-native species. Species listed under native orchids fit into five different genera.

© 2006-2009 Patricia A. Michaels