It can be said that Orchids are one of the most beautiful and popular plant species on the planet, they are ideal to have in the garden and decorate it with their beautiful colors. Of course, before planting them, it is good to find out a little more about them and investigate, among so many species, how many Types of Orchids exist? Find out here.
What are Orchids?
Orchids are a type of flowering plants, which according to experts in the field turn out to be one of the largest families of flowers that exist on the entire planet earth. Of these there are approximately 30.000 different species that scientists have identified as the Orchidaceae group, which corresponds to their orchid names scientists.
These plants are really sensational, capable of living in any type of environment, except for glacial areas where it is very cold and arid deserts, since this family needs enough water to survive. But it is precisely for this reason that orchids can be found in different areas of the planet with a great variety of ecosystems, such as Oceania, the entire extension of the American continent, Asia, Africa and Europe,
All these species have a unique and special charm, orchids are really beautiful among the large number of flowers that exist in the world, in addition to the fact that there are different types of orchids They are ideal for planting in any space you want, as long as you are aware of all the care they need.
Characteristics of Orchids
There are many kinds of orchids and they are all so different from each other, both in their constitution, as in the colors they have and all the environments where they grow and develop. Despite this, there are many peculiarities that are so similar between the different species and that include them in the same family, these characteristics are the following:
- Most of these flowers have three sepals and three petals, however one of them is different from the others and has the name of labellum, which is the one used to provoke pollinating insects.
- Regarding the last point, it is important to note that these flowers do not have a nectar that attracts the reproductive species, so they use a kind of deception to bring them thanks to the great variety of colors they have.
- In addition, the fruit of the flower contains many seeds that can be propagated very quickly.
- The different types of orchids They have a very interesting peculiarity, and that is that their structure is completely symmetrical, since if it is divided in half, two equal sides can be seen.
- Orchids have a wide variety of different aromas, there are between sweet and bitter, some give off an aroma similar to other species of flowers, and there is even a type that has a vanilla aroma.
- They make up the largest species of plants, with many orchid varieties They have a very varied morphology.
- They usually grow on top of other plants, although this does not happen with all species.
- Orchids do not produce their food, as the rest of the plants do through photosynthesis, but they feed on the nutrients of other plants, such as fungi
- On the other hand, the roots of these plants are aerial.
- They have different types of leaves depending on where they are located. On the one hand, those with thick leaves grow in dry environments and the thin ones grow in warm environments.
- Orchids are an emblem of elegance and abundance, although they have many other meanings depending on their color.
- According to some beliefs, they have medicinal and spiritual qualities, although this has not been proven.
Types of Orchids
There are many types of orchids, so many that it is almost impossible in the entire human life to get to know them all, and it is even suspected that there are thousands more apart from those that are already known.
They come in all colors and sizes, among them the most popular are the phalaenopsis orchids, which are easy to care for and can be found practically anywhere. Apart from this, there are many other types of orchids, however, depending on the circumstances of growth, three kinds of orchidsThese are:
epiphytic orchids
These orchids for many people who do not recognize them with the naked eye, can come to take them as an ordinary parasitic plant, because they can be seen growing on other plants.
However, the epiphytes acquire their nutrients from the humus that rests on the bark of the plants where they grow, necessary for their development and from the humidity of the environment, the epiphytes grow on the trunk of the plants and in the canopy of the Tree, since there they receive the sunlight they need.
Semiterrestrial Or Lithophyte Orchids
The semiterrestrials are one of the types of orchids belonging to a very rare class, they grow rooted on top of stones covered in moss, or on the ground on leaves that are in the decomposition phase, such as Laelia.
Terrestrial Orchids
Terrestrial orchids would be the same as most plants, which means that their roots are born under the ground, in the same way that they feed on the soil and environmental humidity, such as Cymbidium and Paphiopedilum.
Orchid Genera
On the planet there are approximately 30.000 classes of Orchids recognized by scientists and in addition to some 150.000 species that have emerged through crosses made by gardening experts, specimens that are called hybrid plants. Next, we mention the types of orchids that are best known and marketed, as well as others that are not as well known, but are just as beautiful:
Calanthe
They are a class of terrestrial orchids that produce many flowers, usually have a white, pink and yellow color, these particular species develop in environments with a tropical climate. They are native to Japan, Austria, China, South Africa, Tahiti and Central America, in addition to the fact that they have a curious characteristic and that is that in some seasons of the year they lose their leaves, however this does not prevent them from producing their spectacular flowers.
studarettia
They cover about 50 different types of orchids and they come from Africa and Madagascar, where they are classified as epiphytes, since they grow on the flakes of trees. These plants are small, with spikes of flowers and are usually white in color, in addition to having pleasant aromas and are also known as hummingbird orchids.
Cambria
The Cambria are products of crosses between two species of the same family, that is to say that this type does not grow naturally. They have their origin in the year 1911, with the crossings of Odontoglossum Crispum, Miltonia and Cochionda Noetzliana, but these are not the usual Cambria, they are a class called Vuystekeara and the crossing of this one with the one named Odontoglossum Clonius, is the one that generates the Cambria.
Cattleya
The Cattleya is so called due to the first man who managed to cultivate this orchid, who was the European William Cattley, these are from the central and southern region of America, their flowers are extremely large, with very strong and striking colors, in addition to They can measure up to 30 centimeters.
Coelogyne
Of this kind of orchid, a large number of bright white flowers are concentrated and their reproductive part is yellow, they have different customs of development and formation in terms of the shape of their flowers.
Dendrobium
The Dendrobium belong to the types of orchids that grow only in the canopy of trees and these mostly grow as epiphytes, on trunks and branches, however, there are also some lithophytic species that can grow on rocks, corresponding to approximately 1.500 different specimens, they are native to southern China , Japan, Australia, Tasmania, Sri Lanka and some islands in the Pacific.
They adapt to various types of environments, but are more prevalent in tropical environments with Humidity, its flowers can be raised or hanging, they have a very common characteristic that is called the chin. They are very famous because their care is really easy and without many demands, in addition to the fact that they are produced in large quantities.
Cymbidium
These are orchids native to tropical Asia and Australia, they are very popular and commercial in various regions of the world, and the reason is that these types of flowers are capable of lasting a long time, in addition to their appearance that makes them look as if they were made of wax, they have long and very thin leaves.
Dracula
They can be epiphytic and terrestrial orchids, they are also known as dragon or monkey face orchids, thanks to the small spots that form in the middle, they are unique and a bit strange flowers, which commonly occur in certain regions of America, mainly in Colombia. and Ecuador. They have a rough texture, which is due more than anything to a kind of fuzz that forms on the petal.
Lycaste
The Lycaste is a type of orchid that multiplies by the storage organ that derives from the stem, from there come its large, folded leaves and large flowers, they are native to Peru, Mexico, Brazil and some Caribbean islands, but in these places are still very difficult to get.
Masdevallia
The masdevallia or kite orchids, are exotic flowers with very stunning colors and shapes, but their petals are small and their leaves are very long, so much so that they almost reach the ground, they are native to Brazil, Mexico, Peru and the Caribbean islands. In florists, hybrids of these plants are usually sold, since the natural ones do not resist summer temperatures.
Miltonia
The Miltonia is so called due to an Aristocrat who collected them and who had the name of Milton, they are of the epiphytic genus from Peru and especially from Brazil, they are also known as the flower of thoughts, due to the type of flowers they produce .
Odontoglossum
This class is native to Colombia, Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala and Costa Rica, these correspond to being well-known orchids, all thanks to the fact that their flowers are very striking, with very intense and shiny colors, in florists it is normal to get more than all hybrids derived from these species.
Oncidium
The Oncidium is usually yellow in color, in some cases they have brown and pink stripes or dots, its flowers have a branching shape that simulates floating in the air, in addition to the fact that they are usually all small, they can be found in Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Mexico.
Paphiopedilum
It is usually a terrestrial plant and is one of the most impressive among the orchids, since most orchids have unique and very special qualities, and this type has a very particular characteristic and that is its hood-shaped lip, in addition Paphiopedilum do not have storage organs, that is, they do not have to have periods of rest.
Of this class there are approximately 60 types that are very different from each other, with one or more flowers that have a long stem, their growth is very slow. They are native to China, the Himalayas, India, Southwest Asia, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands.
Phalaenopsis
The Phalaenopsis is probably one of the most popular species of orchids, they are highly commercialized throughout the world, since these flowers are butterfly-shaped, they are available in all florists, nurseries and flower farms, they are plants that have a very fast and steady.
They have approximately 50 different types of hybrids and are native to the Philippine Islands, Indonesia, China and Australia. They have spread everywhere thanks to the fact that they are easy to care for and bloom very quickly, in addition, these are species that can be planted in ordinary gardens.
Vanilla
This is the species of orchid from which the well-known essence of vanilla is obtained, which is used by everyone mostly in the kitchen or to make fragrances, it is native to Central America and Mexico, however it has currently spread to other regions and They have more than 100 different species.
vanda
This species has the scientific name of Vanda Coerulea, the size of its flowers is great, they are very beautiful and bright blue, although they can also be found in yellow, red and orange, they are epiphytes and one of their most highlights is that they are monopodial, which means that they form hanging in the air from the branches of trees.
They are highly commercialized flowers and if they are planted in our garden, we must be aware of constantly watering their roots, so that they can be well nourished. Originally from New Guinea, India, Australia and Sri Lanka, they are generally very abundant plants.
Zygopetalum
The Zygopetalum belongs to the types of orchids that have fewer varieties of species, since there are only 15 different types, however, some hybrids have been created from these. This type of orchid is beautiful, with beautiful colors and has a very strong aroma, as well as being pleasant.
Arundina
The Arundina orchid is a type of flower that has its origin in the Asian region, it is a plant that is also called bamboo orchid, these can be planted in the ground in a place where the sun hits them and they tend to reach at 2.5 meters high.
Dancer
The well-known dancing orchid is a very delicate and beautiful flower that attracts for its natural charms, it is native to Australia and corresponds to being one of the orchid species that are extremely rare, since it is not easy to care for them, and therefore, it is very difficult to find them in any type of nursery or garden for sale.
barkeria
This flower is native to the countries of Mexico, Costa Rica and Guatemala, its name is due to the British researcher named George Barker, these are small and very beautiful, so much so that in the regions where they grow they are considered a natural treasure. This type of orchid is easy to care for and is very resistant to periods of drought and humidity, however, cultivating this species requires special circumstances that compensate for its usual place.
Hood of Freira
The Capuz de Freira orchid is located in high places of approximately 1.300 meters, it is native to Asia and it can be planted directly in the ground or pots, it has tall branches of approximately 1.8 meters, it has many flowers that are born from the bottom towards above. We must note that these are simply spectacular, and when we talk about orchids, each one brings with it something very particular, beautiful and unique.
goldenrain
This has the scientific name of Oncidium, it is very delicate and has a yellow color that makes it a really cheerful flower, as well as spectacular to decorate the home, they are located at sea level in tropical areas or in the Rocky Mountains of the Andes, it can be outside or be in a place protected from the sun.
They come from Mexico, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and even in the United States you can find these flowers, they have more than 600 species. This class is also known as Dancing Lady Orchid or Golden Rain Orchid, its flowering occurs in spring.
denphal
The Denphal orchid is one of many that belong to the Dendrobium, they have many blooms of beautiful colors and are a flower show, definitely nature shows us the beauties that it possesses through them. They can bloom any month of the year and their flowers last 3 months.
Epidendrum Pink
The Epidendrum Rosa orchid belongs to the types of orchids which are very easy to grow, however special attention must be paid with respect to humidity, they come from one of the most important genera of these flowers, that is, the Epidendrum, and there are approximately 1.427 species of them.
habenaria
This flower is really beautiful and exotic, since they are similar to a heron with open wings, it is native to Japan and can be planted on the ground or also in pots, physically it is very different from the rest of the orchids.
Ludisia
The Ludisia orchid is a species that can be grown on the ground, they are also known by the name of Jewel Orchid, their leaves are naturally green and red, it should be noted that this is the only one belonging to the class. They are native to China and Asia, easy to care for, and very attractive to orchid lovers, or any type of flower collector.
Neobenthamia Gracilis
The Neobenthamia Gracilis Orchid is also known as the bridal bouquet, it is grown on the ground, they are large and reach approximately 2 meters in height.
Princess of Sul
It is native to the country of Brazil, it occurs in humid and cold temperatures, in addition this orchid is the symbol of the state of Santa Catarina, thanks to its great beauty, origins and the meanings it has.
slipper
The Sapatinho Orchid belongs to the Cypripedium genus, it has a shell-shaped lip, it is also known as the shoe orchid and they are easy to care for, although you must be very punctual in the light it receives, since it must remain in a very bright place, but that the sun's rays do not hit it directly, as usually happens with the rest of the orchids.
brassavola
Currently, this class has approximately 20 different kinds of orchids, however, the most popular of these is the Brassavola Nodosa, which is also recognized as lady of the night and has citrus aromas, which attracts small nocturnal butterflies. , come from the Caribbean, Venezuela, Peru and Mexico.
Its name is received from the Italian botanist Antonio Brassavola, this is a species that is widely used by creators of hybrids and is very recurrent among plant leagues. They are spectacular flowers, highly desired by collectors, for their beautiful flowers and the rich aroma that they emanate at night, in addition, thanks to the ease they have to grow, they are highly marketable.
brassia
The Brassia orchid has its name in memory of the illustrious botanist William Brass, it belongs to the types of orchids that are scattered in different places and that are generally epiphytes. Sometimes they have few or many flowers, which are extremely large, usually have a yellowish and light brown color, in addition to narrow sepals and their petals are male with large lips.
cycnights
They generally live in the canopy of trees, at a height of approximately 1.500 meters, they have three to seven pairs of very thin leaves, they are epiphytes and their name is the union of two words of Greek origin, which are swan and neck. . They currently have 39 types of orchids that are recognized by scientists and experts in the field.
The Cycnoches and its relative the Catasetum, are of the type of genus that have feminine and at the same time masculine flowers, which means that they are hermaphrodites and depending on the shape of their column, it can be determined if they are feminine or masculine, since that of the The male is long, while the female has a curvilinear shape that is very thin and short. Like most orchids, these have a special beauty and are flowers that captivate the gaze of any human being.
hybrid orchid
Now, the Hybrid Orchid is the result of the work of man, since they are flowers that are formed from crosses that the human being has made with several species, which has allowed some of their characteristics to be improved and new characteristics to emerge. like colors and shapes that didn't exist. It should be noted that these require the same care as a natural orchid.
