Orchid has an incredible beauty and complexity that it has even become one of the national flowers in Indonesia after jasmine and Raflessia Arnoldi. The beauty of orchids is so diverse, with over 30,000 different species, with at least 200,000 of them being hybrids.
The reason behind the orchids' diverse species is that the ability to adapt to the new environment. With the huge variety of orchids we have found today, it is not surprising that the flowers grow in various conditions.
The origin of the orchid flower was written in Chinese and Japanese literature around 700 BC. At that time, the flower is often used as the herbs and remedies such as ailments. Meanwhile, in England itself, orchid cultivation began around 250-300 years ago when army personnel and explorers started to send plants to friends and family. The activity also included the church missionaries, who later invited the sailor to come back home, bringing these exotic plants.
The orchid flower was so rare that only the rich could afford the flowers. Even a lot of them needed to beat the high bids from other enthusiasts. Even though these days orchid flowers aren't as rare as they used to be, this flower still holds its reputation as one of the best gifts for loved ones.
The vast majority of orchid flowers are natively growing in the tropical areas. Besides, many of them are endemic, which can only be found in certain areas, such as a particular mountain ridge.
If you are looking for the most diverse orchid flowers, South America, Southeast Asia, and New Guinea are the perfect places. Their area has a huge variety with the most diverse colors and characteristics.
The habitat of most orchids is around hot and steamy tropical jungles. For example, on the island alone. The orchids are found around the lowland forest at 3,000 feet above sea level.
Orchids generally live as epiphytes attached to other plants but not acting like a parasite. They use other plants as physical supports to get water and nutrients from the air. This is why in the tropical or subtropical rainforest, orchids are found in the branches of large trees.
Some orchids can also grow on the ground and often rely on certain symbiotic relationships with fungi to obtain nutrients. Other orchids can be found on the rocks or hard surfaces and decomposed organic matter.
The cultivated orchids thrive well in an area with temperatures between 10°C and 29° C, while the humidity level works well at 60%-80%.
Speaking about the shape, the orchid flowers tend to be unique and complex. Each species has its own characteristic. However, in general, the orchid flowers have three sepals and three petals that resemble a certain object or creature's faces, such as bees to moths.
With a huge variety of orchid flowers, the colors can be very diverse, from white, yellow, pink, green, purple, red, blue, and also orange. Some flowers have additional hues around the petals, such as the subtle whites at the edge.
Meanwhile, the fragrance of orchids is very diverse depending on the species. In general, the orchid flowers have a very subtle smell, ranging from powdery to sweet, and sometimes floral. Other orchids have unique scents, such as fruity smells and cinnamon, to no scent at all.
The orchid flowers are known to be unique flowers with their beautiful colors and appearance. As since hundred years, flowers have been used for gifts, and orchids hold special meaning depending on the cultures and relationships with the people in certain areas. In general, the orchid flowers have beautiful symbolic meanings, such as:
Growing and caring for orchid flowers is more challenging than other common houseplants. However, as you grow and take care of it properly, this flower will thrive and produce beautiful flowers.
As you have gotten the orchid flowers from the nursery plants, you need to pay attention to the environment so it can mimic its natural habitat.
The orchid itself needs indirect and bright light to produce flowers, so you can place the flower near the windows. The flower needs a well-draining potting mix to help it circulate the air. There are many orchid mixes from the combination of perlite, bark, and sphagnum moss that you can buy from the shop.
Speaking about watering, make sure you water it sparingly and regularly. You have to wait until the potting mix is almost completely dry, and then you can water thoroughly until the water drains from the pot. Besides, make sure you don't water it on the leaves to avoid rotting.
So, that is all about the orchid flowers that you can pay attention to. If you want to bring special gifts for someone who loves orchid flowers, Athaya Florist provides you with orchid flower arrangements for any kind of occasion. We provide you with the best flower arrangements that you can customize according to your needs. For more information, check our catalogues and contact our team.
