Orchids are some of our favourite plants. Classically elegant, the orchid is beautifully ornamental and will bring a touch of luxury and refinement to any home.
If you’re a fan of orchids, you’ll know there’s much more to these statement blooms than meets the eye. Here are just a few of our favourite facts about the orchid family.
Orchids are the one of the largest families of flowering plants
Orchids are nothing if not diverse. There are approximately 28,000 species of orchids – four times more than the number of mammal species on Earth. Between 6 and 11% of all plants fall within the Orchidaceae family.
Orchid species range from the well known and popular varieties such as the Phalaenopsis orchid, to incredibly rare plants such as the Hawaiian Bog Orchid – in 2011, only 33 plants were left in the wild in Hawaii.
Orchids will bloom more than once
Flowers of an orchid can survive a few days or up to 6 months, depending on the species. Phalaenopsis orchids tend to keep their flowers for two to three months, and bloom once or twice a year.
After an orchid finishes blooming, they go into a resting period. Fear not – your orchid hasn’t died, and with proper care it will bloom again. They simply need to preserve their energy for the next blooms.
Most orchids have air roots
In the wild, many orchids grow by anchoring to trees in tropical rainforests. These are known as epiphytic orchids and make up 70% of all orchids, including the Phalaenopsis. As a result, these orchids have aerial roots which allow them to absorb nutrients from the air.
You may notice air roots growing out of the pot, but they’re nothing to worry about, and are usually a sign that your orchid is doing well. Do not remove them as this can damage the plant.
Orchids have many uses
The orchid’s most popular and obvious use is as an ornamental plant. Many species of orchid are prized by collectors, and there are hundreds of clubs dedicated to these beautiful plants worldwide.
Alongside this, orchids have many other uses. For example, orchids are often used in the perfume industry to develop new scents. They’re also used in cooking – the Vanilla plant is actually part of the orchid family!
Furthermore, in China, dried dendrobium orchids are brewed in medicinal teas, and in Turkey, the tubers of certain orchids are used to create salep, a flour used in drinks and desserts.
Orchids are ancient plants
Orchids have existed for a very long time. A fossil of a bee dated 10 to 15 million years ago showed an ancient orchid pollen on its back, and further research such as genetic sequencing has shown they may be up to 100 million years old.
Orchids can resemble people and animals
There are many types of orchid, and that means some odd looking varieties show up. Most of these have pretty uncreative names that tell you exactly what they’re supposed to look like, including the Angel Orchid, the Monkey Face Orchid, the Flying Duck Orchid, and perhaps weirdest of all the Naked Man Orchid.
Orchids grow on every continent except Antarctica
Orchids are widespread, and grow everywhere in the world apart from Antarctica. They’re most commonly found in the tropics, but some varieties can even be found above the Arctic Circle.
Can’t get enough of orchids? Head over to our shop and discover our orchid range!
