Orchid Types, Terrestrial, Epiphytes
and Lithophytes
In such a large family of orchids, which consist of thousand
of species and hybrids, the orchid family, Orchidaceae is basically divided
into two major types of orchids. The terrestrial orchids, which are all orchids
that grow on ground soil and the epiphytes which include all orchids that live
upon trees. There is a minor group of orchids, namely the lithophytes, which
are growing on rocks and is of minor importance to the caring of orchids.
In such a large family of orchids, which consist of thousand
of species and hybrids, the orchid family, Orchidaceae is basically divided
into two major types of orchids. The terrestrial orchids, which are all orchids
that grow on ground soil and the epiphytes which include all orchids that live
upon trees. There is a minor group of orchids, namely the lithophytes, which
are growing on rocks and is of minor importance to the caring of orchids.
Some among the most popular orchids for cultivation are
coming from the terrestrial type. Some are not truly terrestrial or
semi-terrestrial orchids since aside of their main roots that grow in ground
soil they also have some aerial roots which are exposed into the air.
The first terrestrial orchid species cultivated by men were
the Cymbidiums. These species
include about 40 species and generated thousand of hybrids. Cymbidiums are the
perfect example of a semi-terrestrial orchid that grows on ground soil as well
as upon trees and on rocks. Grounds of loose humus that are composed of rotten
wood and decomposed leaves are the best growing media for these cymbidiums.
Cymbidiums are easily found in the South East Asian region
and Japan , and extended to
the grounds of Australia
Orchids are not the only plants that can be considered and
reserved as an epiphyte. As a matter of fact any plant that possesses roots above
the ground and grow upon other plant, like a tree and are non parasitic can be
considered as an epiphyte, e.g. tea epiphytes, bromeliads, mosses etc. Among
the orchid epiphytes, Dendrobiums
are the most popular orchid to cultivate. Like the cymbidiums they are easy to
grow but need a bit more care. Dendrobiums also do not bloom easily, and if it
blooms it will be on an irregular basis.
Dendrobiums include more than 1,000 species which can be
easily found in tropical regions such as South East Asia, Northern India,
Polynesia and Australia
The
Phalaenopsis is another common
epiphyte orchid type that is also considered as an easy to grow orchid. It has
colorful flowers that last for quite a long time and are frequently seen in
wedding parties or ceremonies.
Another
fact that should be emphasized is that epiphytic orchids are not parasites that
take the nourishment from trees they live upon. They manage themselves to
provide their own nutrition by the means of the roots that capture the
accumulation of organic substances between the roots and tree branches. These
fleshy roots also keep the sustainability of the plant in hard times of dry and
wet periods.
The
sturdy, tough core of the root is enclosed by a white sponge like cover that
could easily absorb water. During rains, this cover will absorb water, and when
it is totally filled up, its color turns into light green. The watery root will
then release the water little by little to keep all tissues fresh.
As
mentioned earlier, there are some lithophytic orchids too. This type clings to
rocks and stones with very limited food resources where the lithophytes could
thrive in strained light, and should always be kept in open and airy condition
