Orchid

Orchids

Many people all over the world show fondness for orchids’ lovely blooms. Although they are often grown as a houseplant, orchids are popular in floral arrangements as well. You can find out more about orchids by reading the details below. 

About Orchids

The orchid flowers are usually fragrant and colourful, easily distinguishable by their apparent derived characteristics. Most of these plants have stunning flowers with spots and stripes. Others are not so good, with some even having warty bumps and hairs. Orchids can grow in your garden and in rainforests, where they love the shade and humidity provided by the environment. They are considered forest-dwelling plants, growing on trees and clinging to thick aerial roots.

Scientific Name

Orchid or Orchidaceae is a large, widespread, and diverse family of flowering plants. It is one of the two flowering plants with the biggest families, along with Asteraceae. The number of species in this family ranges from 22 000 to 28 000, spread across 763 genera.

Origin and History

The first mention of orchids was dated 300 B.C by Aristotle’s student named Theophrastus. Orchids were first identified by a Greek physician and medical botanist, Dioscorides, in the 1st century. Nowadays, there are different species of orchids worldwide. However, these flowering plants are native to areas in the Himalayas, Australia, and the Philippines.

Symbolism and Meaning

This graceful, exotic, and delicate ornamental plant represents strength, luxury, love, and beauty. In ancient years, orchids were linked to fertility. The flowers, on the other hand, symbolize beauty, refinement, and mature charm. Today, its meaning is more romantic, representing seduction and desire, as well as feminine grace and perfection. Different orchids also have different meanings, with pink orchids signifying sensuality, yellow orchids symbolising warm love and eroticism, and black orchid meaning power and authority.

How to Take Care of Orchids

Keep orchids moist all the time and, as much as possible, avoid overwatering the plant. Different orchids have different requirements for proper care. For the indoor orchid plant, avoid overwatering since this can result in root rot. Place your orchid in a bright windowsill that faces west or east. Applying fertilizer at least weekly is recommended.