When talking about the largest flowering plant families, then orchids is what you are referring to. It has more than 25,000 species and 100,000 hybrids. Now wonder why you can find orchids to almost different parts of the world except Antarctica. You can see more of these plants in south and central America as well as in Asia. Some can also be found in Macquarie Island, Southern Patagonia, and above the Arctic Circle.
There are many reasons why people love to grow orchids. Aside from the beauty of these flowering plants, listed below are some of the most interesting facts you should know about orchids.
Interesting Facts about Orchids
1. Extremely Bizarre Looks
It is no doubt that orchids boast stunning appearances that look different compared to other types of flowers. The size, shape, and color of the orchids depend on the climate where it is grown. Orchids are like human because they can mirror each other from both sides once you cut them vertically. Some of the weirdest types of orchids include the moth orchid, owl orchid, and monkey orchid.
2. Orchids and insects are the best buds
Insects aren’t that harmful to orchids. In fact, these two bond each other. Insects perform an essential role for the pollination of orchids because the petals of the flower look like a female insect. Male insects get attracted to orchids easily wherein they carry the orchis pollen and deliver it to another orchid.
3. Vanilla from orchids
Did you know that vanilla orchids are the source of vanilla used for foods and cosmetics? In their pod, you can find vanilla beans which are extracted to get the vanilla.
4. The name orchid is derived from a Greek word which means testicle.
With the elegance and beauty of orchids, you won’t believe that the name stands for testicle. In the ancient Greek, orchids look like the male genitalia which is the reason why it was named orkhis. No wonder why it symbolizes fertility, sexuality, and virility. Greek women also believed that if an orchid tuber was eaten by the father of an unborn baby then the gender will be a boy. On the other hand, if the mother ate the orchid tuber, then the gender of the child is girl.
5. Hunt for orchids in the Victorian Era
You wouldn’t believe that because of the intense demand on orchids during the Victorian times, people hunt for orchids because of their unique appearances and delicate blossoms. Orchid hunters go to different places like Papua New Guinea, Philippines, and Amazon to search for orchids that they can exchange for hefty sums once they return to their countries. However, hunting for orchids is never that easy before. In fact, orchid hunters have to face lots of risks like wild animals, tough terrains, deadly diseases, and other rival hunters.
6. Difficulty in growing orchids
Orchids have tiny seeds making it hard for growers to grow and care for these flowering plants. You also have to know that orchid differ with their lifespan. As you can see, there are plenty of varieties that orchids have. So, before you start growing one, make sure that you have acquired the essential information on how to grow and care for the orchids.
7. Phalaenopsis orchids are perfect at home
If you want to grow orchids at home, then the best choice is the Phalaenopsis orchids. It is because this type of orchids requires some shade and also enjoy home temperature. You only need to water this plant once every 7 up to 10 days. You also need to give these orchids fertilizer between the month of March and October. They can hardly survive under the temperature of below 15 degrees Celsius. If the orchids are exposed to this temperature, then you will surely notice that the buds will start to appear and fall before they open.
8. Overwatering is the common reason why orchids collapse
Excessive amount of water can threaten the life of the orchids. It is much easier for them to survive drought rather than dealing with humidity. You don’t have to water the orchids everyday instead you can give them water after a day or two.
9. Long lasting life of orchids
Though it is true that growing orchids is quite challenging, it is expected that these plants can last for days once cut. Despite their vulnerability, orchids can last for a month if cared properly depending on their type. Orchids can stay alive even without water for a day. They can also withstand different temperature from freezing to room temperature.
10. Habitat affects the growth of orchids
The kind of habitat where you will grow orchids have an effect to their appearance. Orchids that are grown in humid and tropical climate will have outstretched and slim leaves. On the other hand, for those that are grown in drier places usually have a waxy coating. You might also see orchids that don’t have leaves. It is best that you have an idea about the origin of the type of orchids that you would want to grow.
Orchids are not only unique in appearance but they are also lots of things that you should know about these plants. You will surely discover amazing facts about orchids that will capture your attention and encourage you to have these plants at home. Besides, the difficulty of growing orchids is worth it in the end once you see these plants bloom.
