Orchid Family Secrets - Part Two

Orchids may also be classified as saprophytic, terrestrial, semi-terrestrial, and epiphytic.

Saprophytes depend upon the mycorrhizal fungus in their roots for their entire supply of nourishment. These plants do not possess any chlorophyll and their plant-body is reduced to a knob–like stem and a bunch of coralloid roots. They emerge above ground only during the flowering--small inconspicuous flowers only interesting to botanists.

The terrestrial, or earth-bound, orchids have roots that grow beneath the surface of the soil, as with most other kinds of plants.

Cypripediums, the lady-slipper orchids, are mainly of this type, though some are semi-terrestrial, having both underground and aerial roots. The lovely spray orchids, cymbidiums, are terrestrial; they grow in the loose humus of rotted wood or decayed leaves.

By far the largest, most varied, and most showy of the orchid family are included in the semi-terrestrial and epiphytic groups. These are tropical or subtropical and live on trees in the rain swept coastal jungles or on bare rocks in the hot sun.

Their elevation ranges from sea level to two thousand feet above sea level. They abound through parts of Asia, the islands of the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, and South and Central America. The Himalayas and the Andes are also congenial to lovely orchids.

Most Phalaenopsis orchids are epiphytic shade plants. In nature, epiphytic orchids establish themselves by their fleshy roots on branches or bark of trees. Organic matter that accumulates between the roots and branches furnishes their nutrients. Suspended from trees or on lofty rocks, the epiphytes dwell in filtered light and always in open, airy situations. Some also accommodate themselves to extremes of torrential rain and extended drought.

To produce their exotic orchid blooms in profusion in your greenhouse, you’ll need to create an approximation of their natural conditions, particularly in regard to light and air. Some claim a dry period between growing and blooming is essential for these flowers.