Features and habitats of the orchids
Although there are many different orchid species and hybrids, there are ultimately only two types of orchids. One type are the terrestrial orchids that grow on the ground. The other type of orchids are epiphytes, this species grows on other plants such as trees or on rocks and piles.
Terrestrial orchid species (ground roots)
Terrestrial orchids are the most popular of the two species. Although the roots of terrestrial orchids, like most plants grow under the ground, some terrestrial plants, semi-terrestrial orchids. That is, they have both underground root as well as aerial roots.
The Cymbidium orchid is a terrestrial orchid, which has 40 sub-species and thousands of hybrids. She is one of the first orchid species have been cultivated. This orchid is a wonderful example of a semi-terrestrial orchid that grows not only on the ground, but also on rocks and trees. They grow extremely well in loose humus from old bark or leaves.
In nature, the Cymbidium orchid found in an area that extends from Southeast Asia to Japan, in Australia it was found. Cymbidium orchids are very popular because they are easy to hold and are therefore a perfect choice for orchid beginners. With the proper and orderly running orchid care this plant will reward you every year with a beautiful flower.
Epiphytic orchid species (air roots)
The orchid species occur in many different shapes and colors.
The term epiphyte is not a term used exclusively for orchids. Epiphytes rather describes each plant, which has its roots from the ground. Dendrobium is the best-known epiphytic orchid. Even though this orchid is easy to hold, but it need more care than the Cymbidian orchid and blooms are not easy at regular intervals.
There are more than 1000 species of it. Under natural circumstances, the Dendrobium orchid is found in tropical areas. This area stretches from northern India, Southeast Asia, Australia and Polynesia. Because of their natural tropical habitat, should the orchid in hot and humid conditions are kept and are always moist.
Another popular epiphytic orchid is the Phalaenopsis. This orchid is easy to hold and has long-lasting flowers. This flower is often used at weddings and is available in different colors such as pink, yellow and even striped recover.
The epiphytic orchids grow on tree-like structures. Although they grow on trees, they derive their nutrients not on the tree. They attach themselves by using its fleshy roots from the branches and the bark of trees. Only the organic matter accumulates resumed between the roots and branches as nutrients by the plant.
The roots of epiphytic orchids can bring lasting the plant by wet and dry periods. The tough, filamentous core of the root is covered with a spongy layer, which can readily absorb water from their environment. When it rains, it sucks layer on the water.
The roots of the orchid store moisture and release it gradually to the plant tissue. There are also several species of epiphytic orchids that grow on rocks. Since the epiphytes grow on trees or rocks, they are always open and airy environment.
Cattleya Orchid Species
The Cattleya orchid – Tips for proper care and special features
The Cattleya orchid is growing epiphytic, i.e. it grows on other plants. We distinguish one-and two-sheeted Cattleyas, of which the latter are better for the windowsill. The species develop up to 25 cm long pseudobulbs, which are thickened portions of the stems from which relates the plant nutrients. The flowers are rather waxy and fleshy tube-shaped with a lip. There is the Cattleya orchid species and hybrids in many beautiful flowers in many colors and color combinations.
The optimal care of a Cattleya orchid
Hold, the Cattleya orchid in a climate of uniform temperatures, Teperaturbereich 15-29 ° C, never below 15 ° C. It is important that you set the Cattleya orchid no temperature fluctuations and provide a humidity between 50% and should be 70%. The humidity can increase by the plant daily with water and spray during the growth phase set (such as from March to September) in water-filled saucer of pebbles.
In the growth period and flowering time you can pour the Cattleya orchid strong, while the rest should, however, very little is poured and not fertilized. As soon as new buds show, you can increase the supply of liquid manure and back again and use something for this a special orchid fertilizer.
The Cattleya orchid also needs a lot of light, but you should not expose them to direct sunlight. The right or wrong supply of light can be seen the plant to the leaves: light or yellow-green leaf color is evidence of too much exposure to light, black spots indicate a real sunburn, the leaves are too dark, the plant has enough light.
The repotting, you should make at or just before engine start in the spring. After repotting, you should take your plant for two weeks leave in a little more shaded place.
