Orchids - Queen of Flowers

Epiphytic plants from the family Orchids. Originally from Southeast Asia and northeastern Australia. Natural habitats are wet plains and mountain forests.

Orchids grow on other plants, or are permanently attached to them, yet they do not get any nutrients from them. They use photosynthesis to produce nutrients and energy, while they receive moisture from air and precipitation. They are not parasitic plants. They grow independently of the plant-support, but use it only as a support.

Care and Growth

Orchids are photophilous, although they do not tolerate direct sunlight in the summer. The best lighting for them is a soft, diffused light. In winter and summer they can be placed under fluorescent lamps, or any other artificial light. During growth (in spring and summer), watering should be abundant, it is always better to keep the soil moisturized. You need to feed a special fertilizer for orchids. When using universal fertilizers, the amount should be taken half as much as recommended in the instructions. It is desirable to spray the orchid in the summer and during the growth period. Pots with orchids can be placed on a pallet with wet pebbles or water.

Orchids are distinguished by an extraordinary variety, they come in various sizes, colors and shapes of flowers. Among the orchids are Wanda , Dendrobium , Cumbria , Cattleya , Miltassia , Miltonioopsis , Miltonia , Oncidium , Pafiophyllum , Phalaenopsis , Cimbidium . All of them can be seen here.

A few words about the Queen among the orchids - Wanda . The main feature of this plant is that it does not need soil at all. It is enough to lower its roots once a week in water for 30-40 minutes, and then just hang it in any lighted place and admire the beautiful inflorescences. A very original gift!

Another remarkable plant from the family of orchids is Cattleya , still undervalued by flower lovers. It has extraordinarily graceful colors and a beautiful, charming aroma.

Interesting Facts

Since ancient times, orchids have been used as medicinal plants. They were used in the treatment of skin diseases, tuberculosis, fever. To reduce nervous excitability and enhance potency. In ancient times, from the roots of orchids, a special powder was prepared, called " salep " and was unusually nutritious.

Going on long voyages, the sailors took him with them. This powder "salep" was given even to infants, if the mother did not have breast milk. But not all orchids are harmless, some of them used to make potent poisons.

According to the zodiac sign, the orchid is the flower of Libra, Aquarius, Pisces and Scorpio.