Today, most orchid species are grown in nurseries and are readily available, unlike in the mid-1800s when plants were taken from the wild and harvested by wealthy greenhouse owners. Most of us will have given or received a beautiful phalaenopsis or moth orchid whose flowers last for months. Propagation by tissue culture allows many identical plants to be grown, starting with tests on nutrient-enriched agar gel.
The orchid family, Orchidaceae, competes with the daisy family (Asteraceae) to be the largest in the plant kingdom. There are about 763 genera and 28,000 species, some of which grow on the ground, but many are epiphytes and cling to trees via aerial roots, which can also absorb moisture and nutrients from decaying organic matter. Many make storage structures called false bulbs to keep them flowing during the dry season.
Orchids were the first family of plants to evolve about 120 million years ago, and the flowers we find so attractive evolved to attract pollinating insects. Some are master mimics, mimicking the scent and texture of specific female insects to attract males to their pollen masses. The large number of small seeds that are produced have no food reserves and depend on the presence of mycorrhizal fungi for germination. Fortunately for orchid growers, they will grow on nutrient agar.
Orchids are very hardy, and if you find the best location for each and pay attention to watering and feeding, you'll soon be eager to see new blooms.
Here are ten different types of orchids that will make durable plants for your indoor garden. These are not always available, so it pays to keep an eye out for your favourites.
Author: Anne Sweetinbank
Stock Photo John Richmond/Alamy
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