Dear Orchid Friends:

Orchids are fascinating plants. A better understanding of their habitats and preferred conditions will assist you in determining their care needs.

Orchids are found throughout the world in nearly every ecosystem. The only places orchids are not found are in dry, arid deserts or climates of permanent frost. They are usually classified as warm growing, temperate or cool growing varieties.

Orchids are generally grouped as either terrestrial or epiphytic. A third grouping (but less commonly used grouping) are lithophytes. Terrestrial means growing on the ground. Terrestrial orchids are usually found in marshes, forest floors and grasslands in many tropical and sub-tropical countries. Many of these plants have creeping rhizomes or root-like stems.

Lithophytes grow on rocks. These orchids derive nutrients from organic matter that collects around the roots (as in orchids on high mountain tops). Epiphytes (air plants) are orchids that can grow on other plants (i.e., on tree trunks), but are not parasites. Epiphytes develop aerial roots allowing them to attach to tree trunks and absorb nutrients. Some of the epiphytic species develop pseudobulbs to store water and food.

Orchids are also divided into two growth patterns: monopodial or sympodial. Phalaenopsis and vandas are examples of monopodial orchids. Monopodials grow from a main stem and grow upward. They have unlimited growth and produce leaves from the stem center. Their flower spikes form between the leaves. Monopodial is a latin term meaing single stem growth.

Sympodial orchids are characterized by individual spreading shoots with limited growth. Cattleyas and oncidiums are examples of sympodial orchids. These orchids spread over the surface of the potting medium and grow outward. Their stems are called rhizomes. Sympodial is a latin word which means spreading growth.

Learning about your orchids and their care requirements are part of the fun about growing orchids. I hope this information will help you understand the terminology and will enhance your own knowledge of and about orchids. So keep growing and enjoy!

Until next time-

Vivi

Again, I'd like to welcome the American Orchid Society to the Web.

Review my May 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Growing Cattleyas.
Review my April 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Orchids Galore!.
Review my March 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Cultivating Vanilla.
Review my February 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Cultivating an Interest in Orchids.
Review my January 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article on Phaelonopsis Culture.
Review my December 1995 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article on Dendrobium Culture.

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Last updated June 1, 1996

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