You can easily tell when a rose is rose, but orchids are quite a bit more complex and varied when it comes to their flower shapes and the construction of their leaves, stems, and roots. In Part 3, I give you lots of information on flower, leaf, and stem construction of specific orchids. In this chapter, I talk generalities.
Certainly, the flamboyant colors of modern orchid hybrids are a standout and are the primary reason these plants are so treasured. But there are so many distinct types of orchid flowers, so the question is, “Which one is typical?” There is no correct answer to this question. Many people think of the cattleya-type orchids (see Chapter 11), whereas others may picture moth orchids (see Chapter 10).
To get a better idea how orchid flowers are constructed, look at a typical cattleya flower and compare it to a more ordinary flower, a tulip (see Figure 1-1). Table 1-1 shows some of the major differences between these two flowers.
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FIGURE 1-1: Comparing a cattleya flower with a tulip flower.
So, what makes an orchid an orchid? The column. This fused sexual structure located in the middle of the flower is what separates the orchid from all other plants.
TABLE 1-1 Differences between Tulip and Orchid Flowers
| Flower Part | Tulip | Orchid |
|---|---|---|
| Petals | The most obvious part of the flower and what makes a tulip look like a tulip. | A very prominent part of the flower but comprises only half of the show. |
| Sepals | Hardly noticeable in the tulip flower, especially after they open. | Very striking in many orchid flowers. Can be as brightly colored as the petals. |
| Lip or labellum | Not found in the tulip. | Usually a very showy part of the orchid flower. Actually, a modified petal. |
| Anther and stigma | The two sexual parts of the tulip. The anthers are male reproductive organs, and the stigma is the female part. | These separate organs are not found in the orchid; instead, orchids have a column in which the male and female parts are fused. |
| Column | Not found in tulip. | Only found in orchids. |
Knowing Where Orchids Come From
About 80 percent of orchids are from the tropics in both the New World (mostly Central and South America) and the Old World (Asia and Africa). A smattering of mostly hardy orchids can be found in countries with more temperate climates.
The ones that grow in your home, though, are all tropical or semitropical origin. They mostly hail from areas of high rainfall and humidity and enjoy tropical to above-freezing temperatures during the winter.
Orchids are divided into two major categories based on where they grow:
Epiphytes: They’re commonly found clinging to branches of trees. Epiphytes have thick roots (called aerial roots because they’re frequently suspended in the air), which are covered with a silvery material called velamen, which can absorb moisture from the air like a sponge (see Figure 1-2).
Semiterrestrials and terrestrials: They thrive growing on or in the ground. Many of the terrestrial roots are hairy, like those found in the slipper orchid (see Figure 1-3).
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FIGURE 1-2: Epiphytic orchids have thick roots covered with silver velamen.
© John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
FIGURE 1-3: Terrestrial and semiterrestrial orchids, like most slipper orchids, frequently have hairy roots.
Seeing Why You Should Grow Orchids
Growing and studying orchids provide you the ultimate horticultural experience and pleasure. Here are some key reasons to start growing orchids now:
Growing orchids is fun! That’s the most important motive.
Orchids are easy to grow. See Chapter 5 for tips on how to be successful.
You can start with beginner orchids that any newcomer can be wildly successful with. See Part 3 for some plants to start you off.
Orchids cost less than they ever have, and you can easily select just the right one for you. See Chapter 2 to make this process a snap.
No group of flowering plants comes close to the delicious perfumes that orchids emit. Pay attention to the Fragrance icon used throughout this book to find the most-fragrant orchids.
Orchids are available from big box stores, specialty growers, orchid shows, garden centers, botanical gardens, orchid societies, and mail-order suppliers. These outlets have large selections, which was unheard of a decade ago. Even better, the orchids are reasonably priced.
Because of the huge diversity of orchids, you’ll never tire of them. You’ll always find new ones to try and enjoy. Check out the chapters in Part 3 for some of the many possibilities.
You’ll meet new friends who are as fanatical about these plants as you are. See Appendix A for lists of orchid societies to join. Their magazines are a marvelous source for information and gorgeous pictures. These are some of the best-quality plant magazines in the world.
Orchids
