Top Ten Countries Where Orchids Grow Naturally
Orchids are mostly found in tropical areas all over the world. They can be found in all continents except Antarctica where the climate is very cold. These flowers are most abundant in places like Southeast Asia, South America, and other places with warm climates. They grow in rainforest-type places.
Since there are many countries that are under this category, let us narrow down the top ten countries where orchids grow naturally:
- Brazil
Brazil’s climate ranges from hot and dry in the interior to the hot, humid tropical rainforests of the Amazon jungle. Because most of the country is located in the tropical zone, its climate has a little seasonal variation. However, its year-long climate varies from the Tropical North to the temperate zones. Brazil has five climactic regions: equatorial, tropical, semiarid, highland tropical, and subtropical. Coastal Brazil tends to be hot and sticky for most of the year but it can get cold in the south and in the mountains during the winter months. Rainy season occurs from January to April in the north, April to July in the northeast and November to March in the Rio and Sao Paulo area. This book covers orchids in Brazil and other areas.
- Ecuador The Andes mountain range and its coastline is responsible for Ecuador’s warm and subtropical climate. The weather varies within the country. Andean regions are cooler and it is especially cold at nights in the mountains. Ecuador has a big variety of climate which is determined by its altitude. Rainfall is high in coastal and jungle areas whereas in the Galapagos region the weather is dry and mild.
- Hawaii
The climate of Hawaii is warm whole year. Though common for a tropical area, its temperature and humidity tend to be lower than other tropical areas because of the constant trade winds. Its average temperature is 24 to 29°C. There is no considerable variation between summer and winter temperatures. In the months of December to February, heavy rainfall occurs in some mountainous areas. However, most regions only receive short showers, while others remain totally dry. This is an interesting book: Orchid Isles: The Story of Orchids in Hawaii.
- India
Is a country with hot tropical weather with climatic variations happening from every region. The coolest months are from November to mid-March, while the hot days are from April to June. From mid-July to September is the time for the Monsoon rains. Winters in India are favorable with plenty of sunny days except for regions in the North and North East. Depending upon the region, the minimum and maximum temperatures can range from -5oC to 47oC. The 2007-2012 Outlook for Cut Orchids in India.
- Indonesia Indonesia has a tropical climate which varies from area to area. The country is split into two by the equator. The eastern monsoon causes the driest weather, which is from June to September, while the western monsoon brings the main rainfall during the months of December to March. Rainstorms occur all throughout the year. The higher regions are comparatively cooler than the coasts and lowlands.
- Japan
The country has four different climates. March and April brings the spring. It is not too hot and not much rain. The summer months between June and August obtain some rainfall. During this time, the temperature and humidity are high. Autumn is from September to October with endurable temperatures. Winter, during November to February is very, very cold.
- Mexico
The coast and lowlands are hot and humid all year. The highlands and the plateaus are mild and dry, but can become sub-zero between December and February. Rainfall is insufficient throughout most of the country. Minimum temperature is 6oC and Maximum goes up to 27oC during the hotter days. Read The Wild Orchids of Arizona and New Mexico.
- Peru
Peru’s climate differs according to area. In the coastal regions, winter lasts from June to September. During this period, it is oftentimes sunny in the day and cold at night time in the mountain areas. intense rains in the mountains and jungles last from December to April.
- Philippines
The Philippines is a tropical country. Its climate is occasionally visited by constant sea breezes. There are three seasons: the rainy season which is from June to September, the cool and dry season occurring during the months of October to February, and the hot and mainly dry season during March to May. Typhoons occasionally occur from June to September. The country’s ideal climate is responsible for different flora to exist. The Read Orchids of the Philippines.
- Thailand
Thailand is a country with a tropical climate and a high temperature as well as humidity. It is subjugated by monsoons most times during the year. April and May experiences the hottest months of the year while the month of June is the beginning of the South West Monsoon that brings with it the rainy season, with alternating rains lasting until the end of October. The country experiences a pleasant climate starting from November to the end of February with low temperatures and a reduced humidity level. The minimum temperature is 29oC and maximum reaches 37oC during the hotter days of the year. Check out A Field Guide to the Wild Orchids of Thailand.
There are many more places where these beautiful flowers can be found, and the above-mentioned are just those that top the list. No need to worry for those who live outside the ones mentioned because as long as you are in a tropical area, your orchids are just hanging somewhere.