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Orchids at The Butterfly House

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- Growing Orchids
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Orchids thrive at The Butterfly House

I love to see the brightly colored orchids at The Butterfly House. It seems like everywhere you turn there is a variety of orchids. The hot, humid temperatures in the conservatory work well for the orchids.

Because of this, I was under the mistaken notion that orchids were just tropical plants. This is not true, although 80% of orchids are from the tropics. Orchids actually grow on all continents except the Antarctica. There are 35 species of orchids in my home state of Missouri.

In this lens I will share photographs of the orchids that I have taken at The Butterfly House where I volunteer. I will also share a few interesting facts about orchids that I learned at a training session for volunteers.

The Butterfly House Celebration

During the month of October The Butterfly House in Chesterfield, MO will again be celebrating Owls and Orchids. If you visit during this month you will see over 300 beautiful orchid plants and more than 2000 Owl butterflies.

Countdown to Owls and Orchids

Owls and Orchids: October 1, 2012

Species

There are 30,000 naturally occurring species of orchids.

Cymbidium Orchids

Cymbidium Orchids by mbgphoto
See other Cymbidium orchids Cards

Growth of Orchids

Monopodial: Central stem of growth and no pseudobulbs, but produce new growth from the crown of the plant.

Sympodial: Forms a rhizome, which sends out a shoot

Pollination: Often trick insects into it through very elaborate systems.

Seeds need assistance to grow because they have so little food, fungi provide the sugars and nutrient in nature.

Growing Orchids

If these photos have made you long to have orchids, here is a guide to grow them.

Understanding Orchids: An Uncomplicated Guide to Growing the World's Most Exotic Plants

by: William Cullina

Amazon Price: $25.51 (as of 06/03/2012)

Moth Orchid

Lady Slipper Orchid

Here are three of the Lady Slipper Orchids that I photographed at The Butterfly House.

Lady Slipper Orchids by mbgphoto

Smallest

World's smallest known orchid at 2 millimeters across is nearly see-through. It was discovered on 12/3/09 nestled in the roots of another flower in Ecuador.

Purple Orchids

Largest

The largest orchid: Grammatophyllum speciosum, can weigh two tons.

Owl Butterfly among the Orchids

Tallest

The tallest free standing orchid is Sobralia altissima from the high forests of Peru. It reaches up to 44 feet.

Purple Orchids

Purple Orchids by mbgphoto
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Purple Delight by mbgphoto

Yellow and Purple Spotted Orchid postcard

Yellow and Purple Spotted Orchid by mbgphoto

Growth Roots

Epiphytic- Grow on trees clinging to branches or in the trunk apex of the tree.

Uthophytic-Cover the bases and forks of trees or fill crevices in rocks.

Terrestrial- Grow in the ground.

Dark Purple Orchids at The Butterfly House

Maroon Orchids

Maroon Orchids with Oval Framing by mbgphoto
Browse more Maroon orchids Buttons

Pink Orchid by mbgphoto

Man-made

The first man-made orchid hybrid was created in 1856.

Cymbidium Orchids on CafePress

Orchid Postcards

Orchids at the Butterfly House by mbgphoto
Browse more Orchids Postcards

Orchids for Dummies

A great place to get some basic tips on orchids.

Orchids For Dummies

by: Steven A. Frowine, National Gardening Association

Amazon Price: $8.80 (as of 06/03/2012)