When it comes to choosing from the various orchid types for planting, there are certain considerations that you should take into account. You may not be aware of it, but there actually are a lot more types of orchids than just the three or four types that you will find at your local gardening store. Each type is unique in appearance and growth habits. They are also all different types of plants. Here, we will go over some of the more common orchid species and look at how you can best choose them for your own personal garden.
The Pennyroyal orchid is the type most people think of when they hear about orchids. They are typically small, cheap flowers that bloom in a variety of colors. They are typically found in Asia and were introduced to Europe a few decades ago.
The Cymbidium orchid, also known as the Milkweed orchid, is another common type. This type of orchid is native to Thailand. They are very easy to care for, although they tend to grow quite large or may begin to flower before their time. Because they grow so quickly, it’s important that you do prune them on a regular basis.
The hybrid Cattley orchid is a favorite with many people. Some orchids such as this come in several different forms, such as pines, cedars, and flowering orchids. Because they are such a popular plant, you should try to avoid keeping orchids that have already bloomed for the winter.
The Panchana orchid is a type that is grown primarily for the blooming flowers, and is not generally suited for the growing orchid enthusiast. These plants rarely come up to the size of their counterparts and will need a significant height difference between them. Typically, Panchana orchids are kept singly by many people, and because of their size and rather sparse growth patterns, they are not suitable for most people.
One of the best-known species for beginning orchid owners is the Paphiopedilum, orchid. While there are other similar orchid species, none are as common or popular as the Paphiopedilum. Paphiopedilums come in several different shapes and sizes. Because of their popularity, some of these orchids are hard to find, and are commonly found growing wild across Thailand and neighboring countries. In addition, this species is invasive species, which can make it difficult to get rid of once it takes up a substantial portion of your orchid garden.
The Anemone orchid is another plant that is growing in greater numbers than other types available for orchid cultivation. Unlike many of its counterparts, the Anemone looks much better when partially or completely submerged in water. This allows the orchid to appear to be blooming while remaining dormant in nature. The Anemone is a good choice for people with restricted space for an outdoor orchid garden, as it does not require a large amount of care. This type of orchid will do well under direct sunlight as long as the underside of the leaves or petals are not exposed to the sun.
When shopping for orchids, it is important to choose plants that can tolerate a good amount of moisture without being too compacted. Most types available for orchid gardening come with varying degrees of tolerance to moisture, but some orchids, such as the Paphiopedilum, should be kept in dry conditions the majority of the time. The final consideration should be the plant’s ability to provide you with a good amount of air and sunlight.