Two Common Types of Orchids and Their Well-Known Species

Orchids fall into two common classes or types: terrestrial or epiphyte. Terrestrial means the species grows in the ground. Epiphyte means that the plant grows on another object as on a tree, on a rock or on a pole.

A terrestrial orchid is generally planted in the ground. Similar to common ground plants, some terrestrial orchids can have roots that are beneath the surface of the soil. Some orchids are considered semi-terrestrial, where they have roots both in the ground and roots aerially. The Cymbidium orchid, a terrestrial orchid, has 52 species plus many hybrids. It was probably one of the first orchids to have been cultivated. These orchids are robust in the sense that they can not only grow in the ground, but also on trees and rocks. They do well in decayed leaves or in the loose humus of rotted wood. In their natural habitat they can be found in the range from Southeast Asia to Japan. They can also be found in Australia. They are easy to grow and have become very popular; they are the perfect choice for beginning orchid growers. Given the correct care, they will provide flowers annually.

An epiphytic plant is a plant that grows on another object such as on a tree. Dendrobiums are the best known epiphyte orchids. Although they are generally easy to grow, they need a bit more care than Cymbidiums and do not flower on a regular basis easily. Their natural tropical habitat includes Northern India, Southeast Asia, Australia and Polynesia. Dendrobiums will thrive best in warm, moist and humid conditions because they require tropical conditions. Another well-known epiphyte type is the Phalaenopsis. These orchids are usually easy to grow and can have flowers that last long. They are usually present at weddings and can be found in varying colors including yellows, pinks, and even stripes.

Although epiphytic orchids live on a tree, they do not steal the nutrients and moisture that the tree depends upon. They absorb the nutrients and moisture that surround them in their immediate environment. They grab onto the branches of the bark of the tree with their fleshy roots. The collection of organic matter that forms between their roots and the branches is what they use for nutrients. These roots help to sustain the epiphytic orchids in dry and wet periods. A spongy off-white color covering surrounds their tough, stringy core roots that can easily absorb moisture. When water is available, this covering will absorb the water that it needs. The root will become dark green when it is completely saturated. The roots will hold the water until the plant needs it. When it does, the roots will release it gradually to the plant tissues as needed. Other types of epiphytic orchids grow on rocks. These orchids thrive in locations where the light is filtered and usually where it is airy and open.

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