Did you know that there are thousands of different orchid species that are all commonly found in the tropical and subtropical regions all around the world? These amazing plants have evolved in such a way that they are able to adapt to their local environment. They have the ability to grow and survive in very limited space. It really is quite amazing.
In the late 1800’s, there were over 400 different species of orchids found in the rain forests of South America. Many of these species never made it to the higher regions of the Himalayas and theCorea del licenses, where they still grow wild. These orchids lived in those regions and never left. It is only now, more than 150 years later, that species that survived the cooler temperatures of the Lost Worlds are now found in Asia. It really is a remarkable case of species and hybrids bonding together to survive the ages.
It is believed that there are now over 35,000 different species of orchids. There are also been 20,000 orchid hybrids created. It’s amazing to see how this long lost art of growing and learning about orchids has turned out to be so popular in such a short amount of time.
Orchid history is as intriguing and beautiful as the plants themselves. It is also important, just like the orchids themselves, to understand how they grow and the forces that shape them. This understanding will make it easier for the orchid enthusiast to make the most of their orchid.
As with any plant, orchids require the correct amount of light and water in order to thrive. Growing orchids is a delightful hobby and a relaxing experience. The right type of orchid lights for your specific species of orchid is the first essential element to successful orchid growing.
Different orchid species have the ability to adjust to different amounts of light. This does not mean that you should force your orchids to sit in the shade. It is quite the contrary. Orchids do quite well sitting in the part of the room that has the proper level of light for them. If you do decide to grow orchids in a room with too much light for them, you will be advised to hang your orchids at least ten feet away from the actual window.
It is a common belief that orchids require long periods of direct sunlight in order to thrive. It is true that they benefit from sunlight but they are not fond of direct sunlight. Orchids that are exposed to too much sunlight will have yellowing leaves. If you do decide to grow orchids in a room that has too much light for them, you will need to take steps to create some shade for them. You can use a curtain to create a screen or a screen of sorts.
Growing orchids is not difficult at all but you will need to understand the specific needs of your specific orchids in order to do so properly. Orchids are quite temperamental actually. You will need to be observant and patient with them. It is very important that you understand their climatic needs in order to properly care for them. You must also consider the atmosphere in the room where you place them. Orchids do not like to be too moist or too dry.
If you are a new grower and are only interested in growing orchids to impress your friends, then keeping them in a room that has the proper level of light for orchids is absolutely fine. You will not be required to dramatically alter the light levels in order to keep them growing the way you want them to be. However, if you are interested in a close relationship with your orchids, then it will be necessary to provide them with both the correct level of light and the correct level of water.
It is wise to try to measure the light level and the humidity in the room where you want to keep the orchids. This way you will be able to make sure that you are meeting the orchid’s needs. Alternatively, you could always provide artificial light. The average fluorescent light produces the right levels of light necessary for orchids to thrive. There are also incandescent lights that are effective when growing orchids.
Be aware that spraying water on your orchids or providing them with too much water can kill them.
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