Determining the Type of Orchid You Own

Though there are thousands upon thousands of species of orchids and thousands more hybrids, there are just two fundamental orchid types. The two types in question are the terrestrial orchid that makes its home on the ground, and the epiphyte orchid that makes its home above the ground.

Terrestrial Orchids

A terrestrial orchid means that it’s limited to growing in the ground or “earthbound”, and the nutrients it survives on are gotten from the soil via its root system. But there are a few terrestrial orchids that are classed as “semi-terrestrial” as they have both underground and aerial roots. For instance, the Cymbidium orchid is a terrestrial orchid with approximately 40 or so species and thousands of hybrids. The Cymbidium orchid was also one of the first species to be cultivated. It’s terrestrial as it has a root system below the ground but it can also grow on trees, rocks and even rotten wood and decomposing leaves. The natural habitat of the Cymbidium orchid extends from South East Asia to Japan and can also be found in Australia where they are extremely popular. Along with the Phaleanopsis orchid, the Cymbidium is not at all difficult to grow and is quite popular with beginners.

Epiphytic Orchids

The term “epiphyte” is not restricted to any type of orchid at all. Rather, it refers to the type of plant that gains support from another plant known as a “host”. It then survives on the nutrients that gather between itself and its host. With around 1200 species, the Dendrobium orchid is probably most well-known of epiphytic orchids. Although not hard to grow, they do require a little more looking after than the Cymbidium or the Phaleanopsis, and they don’t flower as easily and as regularly either.

The Dendrobium species is native to the northern states of India, South East Asia, Australia and Polynesia (a sub-region of Oceania consisting of about 1000 islands). Since their acclimatized to tropical conditions, the Dendrobium does require a humid environment to grow in. By implementing a simple, yet very effective, artificial high-humidity growing condition they are very easy to maintain. These orchids are so gorgeous that they are most often used at weddings and can have a variety of different hues such as pinks, yellows and sometimes even display stripes.

How the Epiphyte Sustains Itself

As discussed earlier, an epiphyte uses another host plant for physical support but it doesn’t receive its nutrition from the host itself. In most cases, they cling to trees by embedding their roots on the bark or the branches. An organic substance then forms between the bark or branch and the roots. This is what is used as nutrients but it also serves a secondary function – as a stockpile for the wet and dry seasons. The roots are very strong and sinewy and the roots core is surrounded by a spongy enclosure that is built for absorbing water. When the rains arrive, this wrapping absorbs the moisture and turns green when completely full. The roots hold this moisture and over time, will pass it onto the plant tissues. The same tactic is employed by some epiphytes to cling to rocks. As epiphytes hang from trees or cling to rocks, they flourish in filtered light and should be kept in an open, airy environment.

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