orchids species

All orchids belong to the Orchid Family, Orchidaceae ). Orchids are divided into two: monopodial and sympodial. Monopodial orchids have a central stem which grows continuously from the tip. Flowers are produced from the stem between the leaves, usually alternately from side to side. Sympodial orchids, such as cattleyas, laelias and paphiopedilums, possess a rhizome which sends out a shoot. This develops into a stem and leaves and eventually produces flowers. In time, from the base of this growth, a new shoot develops and so on in a continuous cycle. The buds are protected by a sheath.

The mid section of stems of sympodial orchids are often expanded into water-storage organs called pseudobulbs. These vary greatly in size and shape, ranging from tall and pencil-thin to bulbous and onion-like. The leaves vary too, some being soft and folded like a fan, others thick and leathery. The roots of epiphytic orchids have an outer layer or corky cells called velamen, which protects the thin, living cortex within. These adaptations allow orchids to absorb water and nutrients rapidly from raindrops, but protect roots, stems and leaves from water loss during dry periods. Most orchids are adapted to conserve water and should be cared for as such.

The way you are watering orchids is very important as this is one aspect that could spell the difference between life and death of that particular plant. Unlike regular flowers orchids are very sensitive to water and light and hence the wrong way of watering orchids can easily kill it.

Watering Orchids The Right Way

There are a number of factors that you should take into consideration when you water your orchids. First would be the season and climatic conditions. A safe method would entail that you water your plants twice a week in hot and dry climate and about once a week in winter. Pay attention to the size of the pot as well this is important. Generally in ideal conditions, a six inch pot would require watering once a week, while a four inch pot would need a repeat every five days.

Next is the medium which you are using for your potted orchid. Bark tends to loose moisture faster than other mediums so you would need to pay extra attention to pots which use this medium. Check the medium every alternate day by inserting your finger or a pencil for about two inches inside the medium. If it comes out moist it is okay; however, if it is dry you need to water your orchid immediately. Keep in mind that the medium needs to always be moist not soggy. Watering orchids too much is also a killer.

The type of water used for watering orchids is also very important. Do not use tap water unless there is no other way available for you. This is because the tap water is usually treated with chlorine to make it potable for humans; chlorine is not a friendly element for orchids, though. The best is to collect rainwater and use that for watering your orchids.

Another very important aspect which is often ignored by orchid lovers is the temperature of the water used for watering orchids. The best would be to have the water at exactly the same temperature as the weather where the orchid lives. If the water is too cold comparatively it would damage the plant very badly if not even kill it.

A Word Of Caution

Ensue that the leaves of your orchid are not wet after you water the plant. If water falls and gets trapped between the leaves, take the trouble to wipe it off or you will loose all the leaves. Yellow leaves are a sign that tell you your orchid is over-watered - reduce the frequency.

Haiku Orchids Shows The Poetry Of Hawaii

To writers, "haiku" is a form of poetry that originated in Japan. It usually celebrates the natural world in as few words as possible. A haiku poem is very much the embodiment of orchids, which by one flower, the grandeur of Nature is seen. But if you live in Hawaii, then you know that Haiku is the town in Maui famous around the world for Haiku orchids.

Tropical Paradise

Hawaii is trying hard to stop overdevelopment to save what is left of its unique environment, which includes species of birds and orchids found nowhere else on earth. Haiku orchids and birds are a big draw for tourists to come visit Maui. Unlike most plants that grow from the ground, orchids like Haiku orchids grow from the bark of trees in humid and moist conditions.

Since Maui is an island, another big draw for tourists is the beach. Consequentially, a lot of the businesses in Haiku are set up to cater to the tourists. There are many bed and breakfasts in Haiku. Orchids grow around these places, as well, as long as they are not too close to the beach.

Orchid Tours

Haiku knows orchids bring about a certain religious fervor in some people. You become as devoted to orchids as living art forms as an art collector would about seeing all Leonardo daVinci paintings in the world. Traveling to Hawaii has many rewards, but for some people it is the orchids that make such an expensive and luxurious trip essential. It is like going to an orchid-lover's Mecca.

You don't have to go around trying to find all of the kinds of Haiku orchids all by yourself, trying to explain all to all of the other non-orchid lovers looking at you as if you were crazy. You can ask your favorite travel agent to book you on an orchid tour of Hawaii, which usually includes a stop in Haiku.

If you want to be more selective in your orchid tour, you can book yourself to a trip of orchid nurseries in Hawaii or to one of the many orchid gardens in Hawaii. One of the largest is the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden in Papaikou, very close to the beach. It is located on the Big Island of Hawaii, not the island of Maui, but those two islands are right next to each other.

You will find a lot of artistic inspiration for flower growing or for writing poetry in an orchid tour of Hawaii.