About Orchids

Long ago when the dinosaurs roamed the earth a beautiful flowering plant came into being-the orchid.People have been fascinated with orchids since ancient time. They represent the symbol of love, beauty, and luxury. Orchids thrive on every continent except the Antartica. They adapt to living in all kinds of enviroments, mountains,grasslands and rainforests. There are 35,000 orchid species that populate the planet. There are at least three known orchids that grow in Colorado (my home state) .....Colorado Ladies Slipper Orchid, Spotted Coralroot Orchid and one more named the Rattlesnake Plaintain Orchid.

Cattelya Orchid

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The Cattelya Orchid pronounced (KAT-lee-a) was dedicated to William Cattley, a 19th century English horticulturist: one of the earliest persons to build a collection of exotic orchids. This genius is called the "Corsage" Orchid. The cattelya is amongst the most flamboyant orchids around. This orchid is also known as chocolate box orchids due to the fact they are often depicted on such packaging. The come in a wide variety of colors from the classic orchid lavendar to white, red, yellow, orange, green, and blue. Many cattelya are very fragrant. They prefer intermediate home temperatures. If you want to get those big showy blooms to come forth from your plant, you must provide medium-bright light. Mostly the plants are epiphytic (grow on trees) or Lithophytes (grow on rocks). Cattelyas are among the most commonly grown orchids, and their culture is often used as the basis for comparison with other types of orchids. An orchid plant adds grace to any room. They have become surprisingly affordable to any orchid enthusiast. These orchids continue to fascinate people all over the world. Cattelya orchids are some of the most rewarding plants to grow.

Phalaenopsis Orchid

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Phalaenopsis Orchid pronounced (fal-en-OP-sis) is probably one of the best plants for the beginner to start with. Phalaenopsis are the most widely grown orchid. In 1983, phalaenopsis plants accounted for less than 5% of the market; while in 1994, they accounted for 66% of the market. They are sometimes called Phals for short. They prefer lower light and warm home temperatures where winter nights do not drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The phalaenopsis orchid is commonly known as the moth orchid as the flowers are borne on slender arching stems and the blooms look like moths in mid flight. Phalaenopis orchids have become widely available due to improved transportation and new seed propagation techniques. These plants orginated in Indonesia and Java.

Dendrobium Orchid

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Dendrobium Orchids are often one of the first orchids that are attempted by growers new to orchids. It has sprays of 10-12 dainty flowers on slender stems, often like daffodils in shape. They used to be considered exotic and extravagant but in recent years they have become much more widely available. They are very glamorous and elegant with just a couple of stems adding a sophistacated touch to a room. They are very long-lasting both on the plant and once cut, looking fresh for up to three weeks or more. They are available all year round. Available in creamy white, bright magenta, purple, pink, green, red and some striped. Some of these dendrobium orchids orginated in South East Asia and the Himalayas and live at fairly high altitudes.