Orchids and their homeland. Homeland of the orchid: where did the most mysterious flower originate? Homeland of the houseplant archidea

These tropical flowers never cease to amaze. The variety of orchid species makes up 10% of all blooming flora.

Exotics are as tall as a 6-storey building, and live up to 100 years. Some are underground, pollinated by underground insects, others are in the air. Some even know how to copy the smell of bees to lure them to their flowers.

Where did these mysterious creatures originate and where is the birthplace of the orchid plant?

The history of the oldest plant can be traced back to 65 million years back centuries.

It originated in the tropics of South America. Today it can be found in all corners of the globe, except Africa and the Far North. Prefers a hot, humid climate with long daylight hours.

The name of the flower comes from the Greek "testicle" as it resembles an egg in shape.

There are more than 30,000 species of orchids, and their number continues to grow.

Phalaenopsis legends and myths

The most unpretentious and popular orchid is phalaenopsis... Includes over 70 species. Its name means "like a butterfly".

Dutch botanist Karl Blume, while traveling around the islands of the Malay archipelago from afar, mistook these flowers for butterflies. Coming closer, he was amazed at their beauty. This is how the name “Phalaenopsis” came into being.

Phalaenopsis

Phalaenopsis is considered the birthplace of Australia, the Philippines and Asia.

In world mythology, there are several legends about the birth of Phalaenopsis:

In ancient Greece, her origin was associated with the goddess of love Aphrodite. A beautiful flower grew in the place where the goddess dropped her slipper.
According to New Zealand Maori legend, the orchid was born from shards of a rainbow.

It is the phalaenopsis that is the progenitor of indoor species.

The most popular indoor species

Indoor varieties, which are very fond of flower growers, were bred by selection from natural ones. Therefore, the homeland of the room orchid is also South America.

Brassia. It is also called “spider's foot” for its unusual appearance. The flowers are greenish, up to 10 cm in diameter. Unpretentious care. It begins to bloom in late spring. After the end of flowering, watering is stopped and she is allowed to rest.
Cambria. It is a hybrid of three varieties. Flowers come in various sizes and shapes. Peduncles are long enough, so they need support. In summer, Cambria should be protected from direct sunlight. In winter, watering is reduced, but not completely stopped.
Cattleya. The largest of the domesticated species. Very showy, "waxy" flowers. They are both gigantic and miniature. The color is varied. They begin to bloom in the spring and bloom until the fall. After flowering, they should be allowed to rest for 6 weeks. Watering at this time should be reduced. Leaves are rubbed with a sponge from time to time.
Cymbidium. Recommended for beginners. The color is varied. It blooms in autumn and winter. Each vertical peduncle has more than twenty flowers. They live for 8-12 weeks. After flowering, the cymbidium is left alone, reducing watering. The place for the flower should be bright, sunny.
Cymbidium
. Includes many species, varied in size, shape and color. Bloom throughout the year. After flowering, it may lose leaves. Dendrobium needs a bright place without direct sunlight. The most popular variety is Dendrobium noble. It blooms in spring white and pink.
Dendrobium
Lycasta. Flowers are yellow. One flower is located on the peduncle. The plant is famous for its very strong aroma. Active growth is observed in summer. It is then that the lycast needs abundant watering. In winter, they put it in a cool place, and reduce watering. At this time, leaves fall and flower stalks are formed. A large number of hybrids with large flowers and various colors have been bred.
Paphiopedilum. The flowers are shaped like shoes. Each is located on a separate peduncle. Paphiopedilum needs moisture all year round.
Paphiopedilum
Phalaenopsis. The flowers are flat, on curved peduncles. They live for about a month. Hybrid varieties are unpretentious in cultivation, they can bloom periodically all year round. Blossom at + 28 ° C. In the fall, phalaenopsis should be placed in a cool place for several weeks.

When choosing a plant for indoor cultivation, it should be remembered that some species are more demanding to care for, others less. For beginners, it is better to start with easier-to-grow orchids (cymbidium or phalaenopsis).

Terrestrial Orchid Species

Terrestrial species have roots and common leaves. They are grasses up to 50 cm in height. There are few leaves: most often one or two. The roots are underground. From them rhizomes, the so-called "root cones", depart. In the spring, a new shoot grows from the root cone, flowers are formed on it.

Epiphytes

Epiphytes grow by attaching themselves to trees with aerial roots. "Food" is obtained from the environment and the bark of trees and is very fond of sunlight. On their stems there are thickenings that resemble nodules. These are false bulbs where the plant stores moisture and nutrients.

Lithophytes- a similar variety. They settle among stones and rocks, sometimes at an altitude of two thousand meters. In the wild, they are found in the countries of South America, which is officially considered the birthplace of the orchid plant. The roots of lithophytes are similar to the roots of epiphytes. They tolerate cool climates well.

Saprophytes

Saprophytic orchids have no leaves. On the shoot, covered with scales, a brush of flowers is formed. The plant is interesting because it lacks chlorophyll. The flower receives nutrition from organic substances that are contained in humus.

Hybrids

There are a huge number of natural orchid species. At the same time, new hybrids (varieties) are constantly artificially created. There is an assumption that at the moment their number is approaching a million.

Hybridization is designed to reduce the demands of flowers on growing conditions. This is done for easier home care.

Spreading

Orchids are among the largest flowering family. They are distributed practically all over the world. Most of the species are native to the tropics.

The greatest diversity in the countries of Asia, South America, the islands of the Malay Archipelago, New Guinea.

The orchid has long won the love of flower growers as a houseplant. There are many specially bred hybrids for indoor cultivation.

Indoor orchid is an incredibly beautiful plant that, due to its attractive appearance, adorns the windowsills of residential buildings and offices. The flower is quite picky about its person, since it was brought to us from abroad. Where is the home of the room orchid located, and what are the nuances of caring for the plant?

Homeland of the room orchid

For the first time, the remains of an orchid were indicated in the works of the eminent philosopher Theophrastus in the fifth century BC. The plant was found in Verona, therefore, Italy is considered the flower's native home. Theophrastus described the plant in a systematic treatise, where he indicated that the orchid has two tubercles at the base, which closely resemble human ovaries.

However, one should get to the eleventh century, to China.

The Chinese praised the indoor orchid, as they believed that it was able to drive out evil spirits from the house. It was they who "tamed" and for the first time began to plant the plant in a vessel. The orchid bloom was associated with the onset of the spring holidays.

Today, orchids are so popularized that they can be found anywhere in the world. Despite all its cuteness, the flower boasts voluminous sucker roots. Thanks to the roots, the plant can "cling" to any surface, be it a stone, tree or earthen soil. It is noteworthy that the orchid does not dry out in the air, so there is no vital need for soil.

Amazing Orchid Facts:

There are over 20,000 species of orchids.
The plant has a flower symmetry similar to that of a human face.
Orchid is a source of vanilla.
Some plant species can live up to 100 years.
This type of plant serves as the main ingredient for the preparation of an oriental drink - salep.

Over the past few years, the plant has gained widespread popularity among modern flower growers. And all thanks to the variety of plant colors and long flowering. Most believe that the orchid does not do well in our climatic conditions, but it is worth saying that with proper care, you will be delighted with the unpretentiousness of this plant.

How to care for the "queen" of indoor flowers?

Indoor orchid reaches a height of 60-90 centimeters, and a width of 15-20 centimeters. The color is bright and long. The house flower belongs to evergreen plants, its leaves are distinguished by a rich green color. Proper care consists of:

Observance and creation of the correct humidity. In summer, there is no problem with humidity in residential buildings. In winter, a humidifier will come to your rescue. You can occasionally spray the plant with warm water, this will help moisturize the leaves, and remove such unwanted dust.
Regular watering. The indoor orchid needs abundant watering, but it is worth remembering about the sense of proportion. The next watering should be done only when the soil is dry. It is better to allow the flower to be saturated with water on its own through the root system.
Transplanting and feeding the plant. You need to transplant an indoor orchid every year, in the spring. Renewal of the soil and pot allows the root system to "breathe" and be saturated with minerals. It is better to feed the plant with the help of ready-made mineral supplements. But do not "overfeed" the plant, otherwise it has a chance to burn the roots.
Compliance with the temperature regime. In principle, an indoor orchid, a thermophilic plant. In the summer, you can put the pot on the windowsill, but you should take care that the sun's rays do not come into direct contact with the leaves - otherwise, you will encounter a burn. In winter, you should beware of drafts and frost.

In severe frosts, the flower must be protected from being on the windowsill. If you strictly adhere to these simple rules, then caring for a room orchid will not be too difficult and confusing, and the hostess will be able to enjoy the long flowering of the plant.

Difficulties in growing an orchid

Any plant needs special care. This is due to the anatomical features of the indoor flower. What difficulties can a florist face when growing a room orchid?

Difficulties in growing orchids:

Brown spots on the leaves. Most often, they indicate a sunburn. The hostess should take care of darkening the place where the plant stands.
The plant grows at an angle. Most likely he lacks light. If there are no problems with lighting, the reason may lie in poor watering.
Plaque and fungus on the leaves. In most cases, the appearance of these problems is associated with dampness and cold in the room.

If the plant does not bloom the plant, or it blooms, but very poorly - look for the reason in insufficient fertilizing with mineral fertilizers or poor care. Caring for a room orchid can be reduced to maintaining humidity, regular watering, and competent feeding. With proper care, the plant is sure to answer you with a beautiful and long flowering.

Orchids - herbaceous perennial plants, which are divided into two groups - terrestrial and epiphytic (growing on other plants). The humid tropics of South America are considered the homeland of epiphyte orchids, they also grow in the tropics of Southeast Asia. Terrestrial orchids are common in South and North America, Australia, and Europe.

Today, there are more than 30,000 species of orchids and the discovery of new ones continues. They grow all over the globe, excluding the Far North and deserts, regardless of the homeland of the orchid. With a huge variety of orchid species, they all have the same structure. They have simple petiole leaves, flowers have three outer and three inner petals. One of the petals is called a lip and differs from the others in shape, size and color. The lip can have the most bizarre shape and incredible color, because it is she who attracts insects for cross-pollination. Orchids have a long flowering period and can last for months. The fruit of an orchid is a pod with a huge amount of dusty seeds.

Orchid varieties

Orchids are incredibly beautiful and are considered one of the finest plants. Their uniqueness lies in the rich variety of shapes, smells and colors. Orchid flowers can range in size from a few millimeters to nearly a meter. Some orchids are shaped like stars, fantastic animals, open palms. Or they can be modest, like the two-leaved Lyubka (night violet) found in our forests. Flowers can be glossy or silky delicate, almost crystal or marble-like. And the colors should be bright, like the plumage of tropical birds or brindle, sometimes reminiscent of the wings of butterflies, decorated with bright spots or be pastel delicate shades.

Whatever homeland of the orchid, the scents of flowers are incredibly varied too. Some smell like vanilla and some spices, others smell like hyacinth or rose. The smell of tropical orchids is very exotic, mysterious and pleasant. In general, orchids are exotic flowers, much more than all others.

A special kind of orchid grows in the tropics - the precious orchid. This plant has inconspicuous small flowers, but absolutely fantastic, velvety leaves with luminous patterns, which begin to flicker at the slightest movement. Those who see these orchids for the first time simply freeze with delight. The French collector V. Cavestro called them the aristocrats of the plant world.

In ancient legends, orchids were credited with the ability to increase potency. Today, vanilla is flat-leaved with its wonderful aroma without the orchid, it is impossible to imagine the cosmetic and food industry.

The most beautiful and expensive flower on Earth is the orchid. She was born in that place on the planet where nature does not skimp on the beauty and wealth of the world. The homeland of the orchid, a room beauty, so beloved by many, is the tropics. More than 90% of all orchid species known to the world were born in these moist and richly vegetated forests. Orchids are found everywhere, they have managed to take root in the most unusual corners of the Earth and adapt to different conditions and climates. There are a huge number of varieties of this delightful flower - about 25,000. They are all different, some stun the eyes with the generosity of their bright decoration, while others are modest and unobtrusive.

They began to appear in our homes relatively recently. Orchids are fragile, vulnerable creatures and require careful attention to themselves. But how to properly care for a flower that grew in such an unusual climate for us? The homeland of the room orchid is the subtropical and tropical zone, and this is a humid and airy environment. In it, the dense crown of tall trees reliably protected delicate flowers from the burning sun and winds, the air was always warm, and the daylight hours lasted at least 12 hours.

The tropics in your home

If you decide to acquire such a wonderful flower at home, you should take care of creating a climate similar to it. The homeland of the room orchid is rich in warmth, light and moisture. The air temperature should be within 20-25 degrees. If the air temperature drops, the plant may not bloom at the right time or even get sick. Orchids are delicate plants, and blooming takes a lot of their energy. If the plant is weakened, and the peduncle has already been thrown away, then it is better to cut it off.

The flower is photophilous, but the direct rays of the sun will be detrimental to it. In winter, it is better to place the plant on the southern side of the apartment, and with the onset of summer, move it to the eastern or western zone. When daylight hours are reduced, you will need to provide the flower with an additional source of light. For these purposes, you can use a fluorescent lamp. Place it at some distance from the plant, orchids - at least 11 hours a day.

Life-giving moisture

Wet forests are the birthplace of the orchid. The room darling in your home will lack air humidity. To provide her with optimal living conditions, place her near the aquarium or simply place a bowl of water. As the water evaporates, the flower will receive life-giving moisture from the air. The plant must be moistened with water from a sprayer, but so as not to wet the flowers. Water should be used distilled or boiled, it should be soft, warm and moderately hard. Water plays an important role in the life of an orchid, it is not only a means of nutrition, but also a temperature regulator.

Moderate watering

Watering the plant in summer is necessary once every 3-7 days, in winter - no more than once a week. The ground should not be wet all the time. In the interval between waterings, it should dry out properly. The homeland of the orchid sometimes changes from torrential rains to drought. It is during periods of stagnation that insects fly in to pollinate the flowers, and the orchid prepares for this in advance. If we water less often, the plant will start planning flowering.

Watering can be combined with top dressing, 1-2 times a month is enough. For fertilization, special complexes for orchids are used. When watering, make sure that water does not fall on the axils of the leaves and the growing point. If this happens, remove the water with a cotton swab.

When watering, the substrate in which your orchid grows should be well moistened. Pour water well around the pot; excess water should drain completely into the pan under the pot. We drain it from the pallet and repeat the watering again.

Phalaenopsis

Phalaenopsis is the most undemanding orchid to care for. It was she who allowed professional flower growers to take a decisive step forward, and deservedly took one of the most prestigious positions in many greenhouses. Homeland - northeastern Australia, the Philippines and southeast Asia.

Plants have huge flowers that look like moths. Their colors can be very different, and the flower seems to be made of wax. Phalaenopsis does not require special humidity and temperature extremes. It is hardy, blooms twice a year, and its flowers do not fade for several months. Phalaenopsis have another unusual feature. They can form processes - babies in the axils of the peduncles. When such an outgrowth sprouts, it can be separated and transplanted into a separate substrate.

Soil for orchids

The homeland of indoor plants, the orchid is very unusual, and sometimes even flowers have to adapt to it. Almost all orchids are epiphytes; they grow not on the ground, but in the air on trees. They don't need soil at all. Their roots have mastered photosynthesis, so it is better to grow them in transparent pots.

You can easily prepare a mixture for yourself. This will require dry pine bark and the dried bark will need to be boiled, dried, and after a few days, repeat the boiling procedure. After drying, grind the bark into small pieces and mix with moss. The "earth" for the orchid is ready. With a special desire, you can use the earth. In this case, soil, sphagnum and pine bark are mixed in equal parts. Here is such a comprehensively unusual orchid. The homeland of the plant, and he came up with a very extraordinary for her.

Other species

Today we stopped at the most common types of orchids on sale and how to create conditions for them for a comfortable stay in your home. But when buying a flower, it is important to consider that there is still the remaining 10% of flowers that are not native to the tropics. The approach to such plants should be different. The homeland of the orchid flower may turn out to be completely different, therefore, care will need to be provided appropriately. What is good for one species can be fatal for another. Therefore, find out from the seller all the subtleties and nuances of caring for this amazing plant before buying.

How to grow an orchid at home. Prerequisites for growing a home orchid. Phalaenopsis cultivation.

Family: Orchids (Orchidaceae).

Number of orchid species: about 40.

Homeland of the orchid: Southeast Asia.

Description of the phalaenopsis orchid

It is a rosette monopoid plant. In nature, they live in humid areas - on the banks of water bodies or on coastal rocks. They have thick roots of a round or flattened shape, with the help of which plants stick to any surface. The leaves of the orchid are dense, wide, fleshy, dark green, collected in a root rosette.

Phalaenopsis flowers vary in size from 1 to 13 cm in diameter and resemble a butterfly in shape, which is where this name comes from ("phalaenopsis" in Latin means "butterfly"). Inflorescences are located in the axils of the leaves, on one peduncle, depending on the variety, there can be up to 100 flowers. After the flowering of one inflorescence, new ones can develop from the lateral buds. On the peduncles of some varieties of orchids, "babies" are formed, which are easily rooted. The color of flowers can be very diverse, both monochromatic and variegated.

There are two forms of phalaenopsis - standard and miniature. Standard species reach 1 m in height, miniature ones do not exceed 30 cm. They are preferable for keeping indoors.

The flowering time of orchids depends on the species, some of which can bloom three times a year.

Growing an orchid. The necessary conditions

Temperature

The plant is thermophilic, the optimum temperature for phalaenopsis is 22-24 ° C. In autumn, during the laying of flower buds, a temperature decrease to 16 ° C is required for 1-2 months.

Lighting

Orchids prefer diffused light, they cannot stand direct sunlight. It is best to keep them on the east or west windows, but with good artificial lighting, you can put the phalaenopsis in the back of the room.

How to properly water an orchid

Phalaenopsis do not like waterlogging - their roots need a lot of air, so watering should be moderate throughout the year. In order to avoid decay of the plant, it is better to water it not from above, but from a pallet or by immersing the pot in a container with water. Water for irrigation should be soft.

Fertilizers for orchids

Orchids need regular feeding - in the summer, twice a month at the usual dosage, the rest of the time, once a month with a half dose. For feeding, it is advisable to use a special fertilizer for orchids.

Dormant period

Not expressed.

Air humidity

Orchids are very demanding for high humidity. It must be maintained in all ways - by spraying the leaves and air around the plant, placing the pot on a pallet with wet filler, installing it near a miniature indoor pond (fountain).

When spraying, it should be remembered that water should not be allowed to get on the flowers. In addition, the spray bottle should be the smallest so that moisture forms a misty cloud around the plant, without droplets settling on it.

Orchid transplant

Plants are transplanted every 2 years, in May. In this case, the new container should be slightly larger than the old one. The most important thing when transplanting is not to damage the overgrown fragile roots of Phalaenopsis.

The substrate for orchids needs a loose, rough, well-drained medium so that the roots get enough air. So, it can consist of a mixture of coarse sand, sphagnum moss, pieces of pine bark and pieces of charcoal in equal proportions.

Orchid reproduction

"Children" are formed on the stems of the flowers. When they reach a length of about 5 cm, they are separated from the mother plant and rooted in the orchid substrate, immediately planted in a separate pot.