How to Correctly Identify Different Types of Orchid

Of all the thousands of different species of orchids and hybrids

, there are just the two main types of orchid. They are the terrestrial orchid that are "ground based" and the epiphyte orchid that are "air based" and grows above the ground.

The Terrestrial Orchid

Terrestrial means "earthbound". These types of orchids have a root system that is below the ground and its' nourishment is from the nutrients found in the surrounding soil. There are also a few species of terrestrial orchid that are categorized as "semi-terrestrial" because they not only have underground roots but aerial roots as well. The Cymbidium orchid is just such an orchid. It's terrestrial as it has a root system below the ground but it can also grow on trees, rocks and even rotten wood and decomposing leaves. With approximately 40 species and thousands of hybrids, the Cymbidium orchid was also one of the very first orchids to be cultivated and originates from South East Asia, Japan and Australia. Along with the Phaleanopsis orchid, the Cymbidium is not at all difficult to grow and is quite popular with beginners.

The Epiphyte Orchid

The designation of "epiphyte" does not refer to orchids at all, but rather to any kind of plant that requires support to grow and uses a host to live upon for that support. It then survives on the nutrients that gather between itself and its' host. A very well known orchid that is classed as an epiphyte is the Dendrobium and there are around 1200 known species. Although not hard to grow, they do require a little more looking after than the Cymbidium or the Phaleanopsis, and they don't flower as easily and as regularly either. The Dendrobium is a native to the north of India, South East Asia, Australia and Polynesia. Because they are accustomed to a tropical climate, the Dendrobium orchid needs a humid environment to live in. By implementing a simple, yet very effective, artificial high-humidity growing condition they are very easy to maintain. To setup this high-humidity environment, please go to Guidelines for Watering Orchids for further information. The Dendrobium is a stunning specimen and is quite often seen at weddings due to their amazing spectrum of colors.

The Survival Process of an Epiphyte

As discussed previously, the orchids in the epiphyte class maintain themselves by attaching to a host such as a tree or rocks. But their nourishment isn't actually sourced from the host itself. In the most usual case, they first adhere themselves to a tree by using their roots to cling to the branches or bark. Between the roots and the branch, an organic substance will begin to form. This organic matter is then used as the nourishment the orchid lives on and also serves as a backup food source for the wet and dry periods. The roots are very strong and sinewy and the roots' core is surrounded by a spongy enclosure that is built for absorbing water. During the wet season, this cover will soak up as much moisture as it can and turn a light green color when it cannot absorb any more water. The roots hold this moisture and over time, will pass it onto the plant tissues. Some epiphytes will employ a similar process to use a rock as its host. Because epiphytes are aerial and their light source is trickles through the leaves overhead, they prefer an open environment that has filtered light.

How to Correctly Identify Different Types of Orchid

By: Dane Swann

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