Orchids, Wild, and Potted

Welcome to downunderorchids.com. There are few flowers as unique and exotic as orchids.

Orchids are the most common exotic flowers; they can live in every environment except glaciers and deserts. They’re commonly found in the tropics–especially in Asia, South America and Central America. Hundreds of subspecies make this the most diverse exotic flower, but common petal colors include blue, white and purple. Orchids are also very practical; perfumists often study the pleasing scent of the flower and vanilla is among the orchid genus.

There is a passionate and burgeoning culture of orchid-enthusiasts out there. Whether these people collect and grow phalaenopsis orchids, cymbidium orchids, and dendrobium orchids in their homes, or spend years of their lives trying to find the perfect hybrid to make a truly black orchid – some people are just crazy about the seductive curves of this flower family.

Orchid care can be tricky, and sometimes only seasoned orchid growers can master proper orchid care of rare and temperamental species. There are quite a few species of orchids that practically anyone could grow – it is just a matter of providing the right growing conditions and the right orchid care. It also helps to have a healthy plant to begin with – a lot of stock in large home-and-garden stores are often dying before they’re sold. Check the root stock before buying – the roots should not be exposed or white and shriveled-looking.

Proper light-exposure is the best way to ensure a healthy orchid. As with any plants, direct sunlight may cause plants to burn, while not enough may prevent them from flowering. The best way to tell if your plant is absorbing enough sunlight is the color of their leaves. For example, bright-green leaves indicate a healthy plant while dark green leaves mean the plant’s not getting enough sunlight. In contrast, yellow or red leaves mean that the plant is getting too much direct sunlight.

Even if you are not growing an orchid plant of your own, you can surely appreciate the beauty of any orchids that you might see in photographs or in another person’s home. There is just something hypnotic and tantalizing about orchids.

Again, there are likely some who prefer roses to orchids, but perhaps this is simply because roses are more common, and people have not yet had enough exposure to the beauty of orchid flowers.

Nonetheless, the love of orchids is a love that will burn brightly in a culture for as long as orchids exist. There are so many different orchids out there in the world, it is practically impossible to not fall in love with at least one species, or type. After all, there are dendrobium orchids, Thai orchids, white orchids, blue orchids, phalaenopsis orchids, cymbidium orchids, and countless hybrids!

This Web site has been set up solely to offer you excellent information and articles on orchids – we are not selling anything. Go ahead and browse through our FAQs, articles, and other great information on orchids. Check back often for updates and new articles about orchid buying, cultivating, care and more.

Orchids | Wild | Learning Center | Site Map | Links | Contact | Home

Copyright © 2008