Orchid Care Tips Blog

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.
   

4. 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.
   

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

Every woman’s most special day would not be the same without all the little trimmings that come with it. Details like the perfect dress , menu, and spot for the wedding play an integral role in making the day just right! The perfect accent and finishing touch to all these, are of course, flowers. Let’s not forget that flowers also make up much of the entourage’s accessories, from the bridal and bridesmaid’s bouquets to the little petals that are sprinkled by the attendants on that grand march down the aisle.

Over the years, Orchids have slowly been gaining popularity in the world of wedding flowers. Once revered for being expensive and unaffordable, new techniques in breeding and growing are making this belief a thing of the past! Brides need not be intimidated anymore as a growing surplus of sources assures everyone of more competitive prices.

Because of the extensive variety of colors, shapes and sizes that Orchids come in, it is relatively easy to achieve each bride’s vision of her perfect bouquet! These versatile blooms may convey vibrancy, elegance or simplicity, or any atmosphere one desires.

A single white Cattleya would be the perfect foil for the woman who dreams of a simple but elegant wedding. The large bloom, with its classic features would be the ideal complement to her sophistication. A more festive atmosphere, however, will do very well with the vibrant reds and pink of the Phalaenopsis. The striped and spotted varieties will suit those that are looking for more visual interest.

Another good idea is to mix Orchids with other flowers that complement it. This is an ideal suggestion for one looking for a less expensive option, as opposed to getting a pricier bouquet made entirely of Orchids! Other flowers will highlight your preferred Orchid, still creating a bouquet that is appealing. Popular trends as of late are the addition of lace, ribbons, charms and other sentimental items in the arrangement. This technique may also be employed to highlight your Orchid bouquet!

For a bouquet that lasts indefinitely, it is best to consult a florist that is familiar with Orchids. Ask about the availability and bloom life of the flowers that you want to use. A good florist will gladly dispense advise on the best variety and arrangement to use. This way, the bride can rest assured that her dream bouquet stays fresh and beautiful throughout the whole event.

The choice of Orchids for one’s wedding flowers may seem unapproachable, but equipped with the right approach, and information, every bride is sure to find that the Orchid’s variety, versatility and overall beauty is more than worth the trouble!

The Phalaenopsis Orchid is the most popular kind of Orchid people buy, by far. They are not only easy to grow, but require low light. They are easily grown in the home or office and bloom for an extended period of time. As for whether to grow a white, yellow, or other Phalaenopsis, that is up to you. It isn’t the color that determines how long the plant will bloom. It is the breeding of the plant. A person can look in books, the internet, or at a garden/greenhouse and see what traits the parents of a given hybrid Phalaenopsis has. Knowing the parentage is an ideal way to find out what to expect.

My favorite kind of Orchid is currently this kind of Orchid. I, as many of us do, enjoy the extended blooming one gets with a Phalaenopsis Orchid. If the plant is cared for well, it can bloom up to a year. This may mean cutting the stem one centimeter below the node under the bottom flower when the plant is done blooming.

There are many Phalaenopsis Orchids that can be bought affordably. When purchasing a Phalaenopsis, look for Orchids without all flowers yet open. You also don’t want a plant with no buds open, since you’ll need to see the flowers to choose a plant, and ensure that the buds are strong enough to survive transport home.

Phalaenopsis Orchids do well with a humidity tray that fits the size of their leaves, and fertilizing weakly during most waterings. Make sure to water with no fertilizer every number of waterings so that no salts build up in the medium.

Article by Jordan Hardy of Orchid Tips and JordanHardy.net.

Orchids are said to be one of the most delicate plant in the world but you will be surprised to learn that orchids can be easy to maintain if you know the right technique about the proper way to care for them. There are actually various sources over the internet such as books including “The Complete Guide to Orchids” and “Orchids for Dummies”. These books contain valuable information that will aid you in caring for orchids. If you are looking for online resources though, there are also many informative websites can be very helpful to you.

1. www.orchidlady.com – this is Linda’s page where you will be able to browse tips, photos, and information about orchids.
2. www.orchidworks.com – you will be able to see an interactive demonstration here, you will also be able to browse incredible private collections of some growers.
3. www.orchids.org – this website is run by organizations that are dedicated to orchid growing.
4. www.orchid.org.uk – this site is maintained specifically for orchid growers all over the world who needs information about this plant.
5. www.phalaenopsis.net – if you want to have a more in-depth knowledge about orchids, then this site is the place to go.
6. www.millennium-orchids.co.uk – another great resource, you can find various tips, photos, and recommendations on this site.
7. www.orchidsasia.com - most of the information contained here are about orchid species found in Asia
8. www.orchid.or.jp/orchid/people/tanaka/indexe.html - this contains a lot of instructions about how you can grow, hybrid, and deflax orchids.
9. www.orchidenthusia.com – you can view some of the most beautiful orchids in Malaysia on this site.
10. www.botany.wisc.edu/Orchids/Orchids_of_Wisconsin.html - an interactive website that is centered on the naturalized orchids in Wisconsin.
11. www.sunbulb.com – contains a lot of information about how you can properly take care of common types of orchids.
12. www.miltoniopsis.com – this site actually specialized in a particular type of orchid, particularly the Miltoniopsis.
13. www.oneorchid.com/orchidsmain.htm - features different galleries, photos, and advice
14. www.orchidhut.com – useful guide for any orchid lover whether you are a beginner or a hobbyist.
15. www.orchidgreenhouse.com – learn how to cultivate orchids from this site and interact with other members as well.
16. www.retirees.uwaterloo.ca/~jerry/orchids - has FAQ and cultural notes to help any orchid enthusiast.
17. www.orchidkerala.googlepages.com – this is a great catalogue of orchids.
18. www.gardenweb.com/forums/orchids - communicate with other enthusiast about your passion to orchids
19. www.conbio.bio.uci.edu/orchid - has reference database about valuable information for different orchid species.
20. www.pbs.org/nova/orchid - this site investigates why some people love orchids so much.

It is not necessary for you to be an expert in gardening in order to grow orchids successfully. There are many species of orchids that are easy to grow and maintain even for a beginner. It is important to note though that there are certain types of orchids that require special care and attention for them to live and bloom. “Ortho’s All About Orchids” which is a book with description and tips about the proper care for orchids offers a guide for beginners and experts alike about the proper care for different types of orchids.

On the other hand, you may also want to look into the book, “The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Orchids” to know the varied types of orchid species and choose the best orchid that is best for you and your level of expertise. But for you to successfully choose the right kind of orchid for you and your home, here are some things you might want to know first:

Orchid Nomenclature

All kinds of orchids have scientific names. This term is a two-part name in Latin that aids in letting everyone speaks the same language when they want to identify living things. Identifying orchids are the same because when you look at the names of orchids, you will notice that the plural genera (genus) will be capitalized and it will be followed by another name in lower case.

Orchid Hybrids

There are orchids that are mixed with each other, these kinds of orchids are called orchid hybrid. You can know if an orchid is a hybrid or not by looking at its name. For example, hybrid plants will have the term “X” between the names of each of its parent. Orchid hybrids are also sometimes cross-bred to create new kinds of orchids and it can be seen in its name.

Orchid Genus

If you are only beginning to discover the world of orchids, it is first essential for you to be familiar with the name of genus. This is because orchids with the same genus require the same growing conditions and techniques so you will know how to grow different types of orchids under the same genus.

Orchid Genera

Although being familiar with the orchid genus is very important for a beginner, there are also some genera that a beginner should be familiar with such as Dendrobium, Phalaenopsis, and Oncidium because these are common types of orchids.

The book “Flora’s Orchids” by Isobyl LaCroix also has contributions from twelve expert botanists who have created an outstanding, readable, and easy to understand specialized book on Orchids suitable for gardeners and growers at all levels. The book consists of 368 pages and presents more than 1,500 different genus of this versatile plant. There are about 1,300 wonderful color photographs accompanying some entries.

The best price we have found for Flora’s Orchids can be found by clicking here to go to Amazon.com

The flowers in the book are arranged in an alphabetical name format starting from A to Z. Each entry first lists the scientific name of the genus in Latin, accompanied by a Latin meaning of the name and wherever appropriate the translated common name being used. The book contains a handy reference table where one can find the required climate and cultivation information for each species.

Each entry also has information on the plant spread and height, which are listed both in inches and centimeters. The brief intro descriptions of each flower explains the type of genus, geographic area where commonly found and bloom and dormancy seasons. The book also provides valuable information, tips and advice on cultivation which includes propagating, mulching and treating dormant tubers. A detailed cultivation table for each of the species is found in the appendix section of the book.

At a very reasonable price, one can find additional information on pest and diseases from which orchids suffer, how to prepare orchids for exhibition and some step by step photographs of propagation, repotting, and transplanting.

The book provides in-depth information on Genus entries relating to:

• Natural distribution
• Characteristics and cultivation tips
• Description of species
• Type of plant - whether terrestrial, lithophyte, or epiphyte
• Average plant height and spread
• Ideal temperature and light requirements
• Natural growing locations
• Growing conditions
• Frost tolerance
• Preference of cultivation – pot or mount
• Type of flowers produced – color, size, petals

The book is an important and valuable resource especially for aspiring botanists and average gardeners providing background information of each flower and explains various orchid varieties, taxonomy, hybridization, history, cultivation and propagation. The history section of each flower throws light on the fascinating historical development of the plant for culinary and medicinal usage and also unfolds the use of orchids in myths and literature use centuries ago. Overall the book has well laid out photographs, readable text and is written in simple English with not much botanical jargon been used.

As most garden experts know, Orchids are one of the most prized flowers in the world. Orchid growing is one of the top hobbies of people around the globe. Orchids are prized for their glamour and beauty. There are some varieties of Orchids that are easy to find but there are also those that are extremely rare and hard to find anywhere. Here are some of the rarest orchids in the world.

• The Asian Slipper Orchids are one of the rarest type of orchids that have a luscious lower petal. They are related to the rarest flower in Britain, which is the lady’s slipper.
• The Phal amboinensis flava or the albino variety of Orchid is one of the rarest Orchids in Singapore. It is known for its yellow petals. Only experts and serious Orchid collectors know about its existence. In addition, it has been discovered only thirty years ago.
• The Phal appendiculata is one of the smallest and rarest Orchids there is for it was thought to be extinct. Its buds only measure up to ten millimeters.
• The Phal speciosa var. tetrapis is a very strange Orchid for its blossoms are unique in appearance. They look very different from one another even if they grow from the same plant. So, it is always a surprise to see what the flowers look like.
• The Spy Orchid or Ophrys Sphegodes is one of the rarest orchids in Germany. It has yellow and blood red petals.
• The Maxilliara mombarchoensis and the Epidendrum glumarum are two of the rarest orchids in Nicaragua, which are only found on the Mombacho mountaintops. In Mombacho, there are a hundred Orchids that are of this variety that were found.
• The Bulbophyllum hamelinii is a gorgeous epiphytic orchid that grows in the rainforest in Madagascar, which suffers very much due to deforestation.
• The Eulophiella roempleriana is one of the largest Orchids in Madagascar. It has purple petals.
• The Angraecum longicalcar is an endangered species of Orchid where there are only a few plants of this type that are in conservation grounds.
• The Aeranthes henrici is a gorgeous epiphytic Orchid which has been endangered due to the deforestation of its habitat, the rainforests in the north and north east of Madagascar.
• The Grammangis Spectabilis is a very rare Orchid in Madagascar and it is also endangered and rarely seen in its natural habitat.
• The Paphiopedilum Rothschildianum Orchid is one of the rarest Orchids that used to be found in Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia. Some of the plants of this variety is now kept at the Kew Gardens.

It is sad to say but mostly, these types of Orchids have become rare and endangered due to the destruction of their natural habitat. If we work together to protect the rainforests and ecosystem where these Orchids grow, we can hope that these orchids will grow there once more.

See Many Rare Orchids on Amazon.com (link opens in new window)

Orchids are definitely one of the most fascinating plants in the world today. Its beauty is very rare and exotic. You can learn all about growing different variety of orchids in the book, “Orchids Grower’ Companion.” This book is written by Banks who has an extensive experience and knowledge about growing orchids himself. You will be able to learn from the best and manifest all these knowledge in your garden.

Not only that, you will also know about the 30,000 species of orchids and distinguish its 100,000 hybrid strains one from the other. This book includes 400 colored pictures of different orchid varieties so you will surely learn a lot about this plant and its characteristics.

Since Orchids Grower’ Companion is about orchids, it would not be complete without information about plant structures, its pollination, and even the plant’s history. Everything about orchids is can be discovered here. Aside from all these information though, there are also practical considerations that are tackled in this book. Banks’ book contains several chapters on plant care and maintenance. You will learn about how orchids can develop either indoors or outdoors and even how to grow it in mounts, basket, or pots.

In addition, the chapters about the temperature requirements, the moisture requirements, the fertilization, watering, propagation, and how to prevent pests are tackled in this book. Both amateur and professional gardeners are surely bound to learn something from the “Orchid Grower’s Companion,” it is very comprehensive and accurate.

But there is one conclusion that will surprise you after reading this book. It is the fact that orchids are actually not difficult to grow as many people think. But you need to learn a lot about orchids to be able to take care of it properly. Gardeners can grow orchids quite easily after knowing about all these but the basic is that as long as the temperature, the moisture level, and the proper housing for the orchids are met, orchids are bound to survive.

“Orchids Grower’ Companion.” definitely offers value for money. In fact, when you compare this book with other books that tackle the same subject, you will inevitably realize that this book is one of the best there is. Every penny you used to buy this book is definitely a penny well-spent. You will simply be astounded by the wealth of knowledge about orchids and you will surely want to buy a similar book to learn more.

Though orchid growing is not as difficult as most people say, you still have to get in mind of the type or variety of orchid that you want to grow and cultivate. And, of course, this largely depends on the country or place where these orchids originate from. Now, if you have chosen the type of orchids you want to grow and take care of, then, select where to get these plants.

For a consumer, it is easy to buy an orchid. You can normally get them in garden shops and the like where there are a number of varieties or species of orchids to choose from. There are even those that were imported from other countries where the climate is gentle on orchids. But have you really thought of such things as: Where these orchids have come from? What sort of climate do these countries have? How difficult is it to import orchids?

Here are the top five countries where these orchids really originate from:

• Ecuador has the largest number of orchids that are native to this country. In fact, it has over three thousand, eight hundred varieties of orchids ever recorded from this Andean country.
• Thailand is a country where orchids bloom due to its mild climate. It is famous for one of its type of orchid, the Nobile dendrobium, where the farm is located in the base or Doi Saket mountains. Also, in this farm, several types of orchids are cultivated such as intergeneric odontoglossum, Miltonia orchids and cymbidium.
• Taiwan is one of the countries that produce and export the best Phalaenopsis variety of orchids that are usually sold in the United States. A lot of these orchids are commonly grown and taken cared of in Taiwan mainly for selling to other countries.
• The wild orchid is a variety of orchid that is a top imported product of Australia. In fact, it has been a champion of the All Imported Stakes Series-3 competition, where the last one was held last June 10 at the San Lazaro Leisure Park in the small town of Carmona in Cavite, Philippines.
• For many years, the Netherlands has been known as the top producer and exporter of different flowers such as tulips, which is famous for but aside from tulips, not many know that it is also one of the top exporter of orchids that grown native in this country. Mainly, it exports orchids to Canada and the United States.

We’ve posted 5 new articles to our home page on the Orchid Tips Website about Orchid care and other topics:

Top 20 Orchid Species and Why

Top 20 Orchid Hybrids and Why

The Orchids to Grow That Bloom the Longest

The Most Difficult Orchids to Find and Grow

The Most Colorful Orchids