(ARA) – From corsages pinned to prom dresses to exotic specimens in greenhouses, orchids are the most glamorous flowering plants in the world, but few know just how easy orchids are to grow and how affordable they’ve become. “Believe me, orchids are easy to grow,” says orchid grower Steven Frowine in his book “Orchids for [...]

Everyone will have his or her favorite flower, but there’s a reason that orchids have been so popular since their introduction to Victorian society over 100 years ago. Orchids are exquisite. Orchids come in four varieties – epiphytes that cling to trees, lithophytes that grow on rocks, saprophytes that make a home in leaf litter, [...]

Orchids possess an anatomy that is unique. Though there are over 20,000 natural species and possibly as many as 100,000 or more hybrids, they share many common characteristics. Those give the orchid its distinctive appearance. Like animals species, flowers have male and female parts. The orchid is unusual in that its male and female aspects [...]

Selecting a species of orchid to grow will, of course, be heavily influenced by personal taste. But within that broad spectrum, those choices can and should be influenced by the care a given orchid needs. That, in turn, is determined by the native conditions of that species. For example, orchids naturally thrive on every continent [...]

There are over 20,000 naturally occurring orchid species, and over 100,000 hybrids. That leaves an enormous range of possible choices, a variety that can be overwhelming. But the choice can be made easier by investigating a few examples. Cymbidiums, for example, are a very popular option. They’re very hardy and will reward the orchid grower [...]

The title is actually a little misleading since orchids don’t really live in soil. In the wild, some cling to the sides of trees, getting support from the bark. These are called epiphytes. Nutrients come from the air and they receive water as it drips down the side or falls from branches above. Others, called [...]

Orchids thrive in unusual circumstances in the wild. They adapted to cling to trees, rocks or make a home in leaf litter on the forest floor. They receive water wherever it happens to fall – down the side of a tree, dripping from the leaves on a branch, sliding down the side of rocks. But, [...]

Orchids are sometimes known as ‘hothouse flowers’ because many species thrive in warm, humid environments. Having a greenhouse or hothouse is one of the best ways to provide those conditions. Greenhouses come in all shapes and sizes. Some are glass and as large as an ordinary house. Others are little more than a doghouse-sized structure [...]

The Phalaenopsis genus is one of the most popular orchid groups. And for good reason – they’re attractive and easy to grow. Most orchids have the reputation of being hard to care for. That’s justified in some cases. But the Phalaenopsis is very forgiving. And they produce flowers that simply say ‘orchid’. They do well [...]

Orchids from the Cymbidium genus retain their popularity year after year. The ease with which they can be cared for and their beauty virtually guarantee it. These lovely plants are native to the South Pacific region, growing wild in Japan, Australia, Southeast Asia and elsewhere. They produce lovely flowers that come in a wide variety, [...]

Orchids have a reputation for being difficult to care for. Some species are. But most will respond well if you remember the old saying ‘feed weakly, weekly.’ Fine advice, but feed what? Like all plants, orchids thrive on a combination of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Some of that they get from the [...]

Many islands support orchid populations. One of the most well known is the big island of the Hawaiian Islands chain: Hawaii. Often referred to as Orchid Island, this tropical paradise is festooned with flowers of all types. The Dendrobium orchids are a popular choice for those who enjoy this type of bloom. They come in [...]

Orchids have the reputation of being among the hardest plants to grow. For some species, that’s definitely true. But there are thousands of species of orchids and some are no more difficult to care for than an African Violet. Some are even nearly as trouble-free as a cactus. Without a doubt, one of the more [...]

Orchids, like many plants, are prone to a number of common pests. Sometimes treatment can be as simple as brushing the offending pest off the plant. In other cases, mild chemical sprays can help keep your orchid pest free without harm to you or the plant. Get off to a good start by ensuring that [...]

Like most plants, orchids are vulnerable to many different diseases. Treatment ranges from simple brushing off to a whole routine of ‘hospital’ care. Among the most common problems are viruses. There are over 25 reported viruses known to infect orchids, but there are probably many more. Two of the most common are the cymbidium mosaic [...]

There are different types of orchids and accordingly there are different requirements for repotting. Orchids such as Dendrobium, Pahiopedilum, Miltonia and Phalenopsis can do with annual repotting while Cattleya, Odontoglossum, and Oncidum need repotting once every two years. Orchids such as Cymbidium and Vanda would do well if repotting was done every third year. Keep [...]

Growing orchids can be the most amazing hobby you will ever have. Once considered a pastime for only the very wealthy, growing these beautiful plants is now possible for everyone. Their popularity has made them more affordable, and information about how to care for them is readily available. People who have grown orchids for years [...]

Many people consider orchids to be the most beautiful plants in the world. They are thought of as exotic and sensual and can fill your home with their breathtaking colors. Orchid blooms are truly spectacular, and some plants have unique color combinations that make them a desirable and attractive addition to any home. However, choosing [...]

Orchids arrangements are one of the more popular arrangements ordered from florists all over the world. This fact is probably because orchids are beautiful flowers and come in many different colors, sizes and shapes. The exotic looking orchids’ arrangements also catch almost everybody’s eye. These are also unique flowers that speak of being almost exclusive [...]

When you think about the habitats of wild orchids, there are many places that come to mind like Tokyo, Bangkok or the Rio.  But did you know that you can find wild orchids in one of the most un-tropical of places – Alberta, Canada?   These wild orchids of Canada are not the massive, sensual, fleshy [...]