Dendrobium Orchid Flower

Although there are many different species of orchids, none are as diverse as the Dendrobium Orchid. There are an estimated 1200-1600 varieties of this single genus. None have such diversity in the range of habitats they can be found in. They are found thriving in the Himalayan mountains, the lowland tropical forests and the Australian desert.

Some Dendrobium orchids mimic another popular variety, the Phalaenopsis because the flowers look similar. The difference is that the Phalaenopsis varieties are evergreen and the Dendrobium Orchid leaves fall off in the fall and winter. The stems are quite strong and the distinct colors make them very popular in cut flower arrangements.

This species of orchid has been found to have many medicinal qualities. It is commonly used in Chinese medicine as one of the fifty fundamental herbs. It has also been found to remove harmful chemicals such as xylene and toluene from the air.

When growing Dendrobium Orchids, most of their care differs from other orchid species. One of the things that make this variety different are that these orchids love light. They can handle up to 50 percent light. Natural light is best but you can use incandescent bulbs if necessary.
Unlike some orchids that can handle a variance of 20 degrees between day and night temperature, the ideal zone is between 50 and 90 degrees with a variant of no more than 10 degrees between night and day.

Humidity is a major factor in the success of this type of orchid as well. Humidity levels should be about 50 to 60 percent. You can pick up gauges that monitor humidity level in your pet store located in the reptile supplies. You can mist the leaves and stalks with a water bottle as long as you check to ensure you don't over water and cause mold to grow.

Unlike other orchids who like to be re-potted frequently, Dendrobium Orchids should only be re-potted once every three years. This ensures that the plant roots have sufficient time to grow undisturbed.

It has been reported that some blooms have lasted up to ten months. Although this may not always be the case, Dendrobium Orchids are one of the most popular in bouquet arrangements and can bring beauty into your home.

Having been studying orchids for a long time, Steve Fortuna has lots of tips and information to share on orchid flowers. You can find more information and pictures on phalaenopsis orchids, dendrobium orchids, and more by clicking a link above

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Fortuna

Learn About the Lovely Orchid Flower

Ask any gardener which bloom is their favorite, and you will hear "orchid flower" possibly more often than any other flower. The orchid is a much-desired plant for many gardeners. They are lovely, to be sure, but orchids need a lot of attention, and very correct conditions if they are to prosper. There are different types of orchids, and each one may require care just a bit different from the rest.
The orchid needs its humidity kept at around sixty percent. This makes the greenhouse one of the more logical places to grow orchids. If you don't have a greenhouse, you can grow them in pots, in a tray filled with rocks and water, and let the plant take in as much as it needs.
If you grow your orchid flower plants inside, you don't need to worry as much about too much sunlight, although you might want to supplement dark rooms with a grow light. Make sure your orchids are in a well-ventilated area. You can open the windows if the weather isn't too cold, or turn a fan on low. This will help your orchids to remain bacteria and pest-free.
Make sure your orchids are well-watered, but don't drown them. As long as you keep water in the rocks of the tray underneath your orchids, they can gather what they need. Use filtered water, as it is the easiest for your orchid flower to draw moisture from.
You may fertilize your orchids if they look hungry - a weak solution is best. Alternate one application of fertilizer per four or five water applications. If you water too soon after fertilization, the water may wash away the nutrients that you want in the soil for your plants.
Orchids are picky about the temperature they need to stay healthy. Most orchids are accustomed to warm temperatures, so be careful not to expose them to cooler temperatures. Recently, some breeders have developed orchids that can deal with cool weather better, if this is a concern in your area.
Don't change the pot of your orchid flower more than once every year or two. You might think they need transplanting sooner, but orchids typically do their best when the roots are tight, not loose. Let an orchid go for a few months after you think it needs repotted, and then repot it,
Most orchids kept in pots will break down their growing medium within two years, so this is also a good reason to repot at that time. Remove the old mix from your pot, rinse the root system of your orchid flower, and put the plant into a new pot, filling in around it with new medium. This will help your orchid to grow happily for the next couple of years, until it's repotting time again.
For tips on orchid facts and peony facts, visit the Plants And Flowers website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_J_Lee

Orchid Flower Anatomy

1. Sepals - Although they may look like petals, they are actually the glorified remains of the flower bud. There are usually three of approximately equal size.

2. Petals - Orchids always have three petals. Two are "normal," and the third becomes a highly specialized structure called a lip.

3. Lip or Labellum - The lower petal of an orchid. Used by the flower to provide a 'landing platform' for its pollinator.

4. Column - A finger-like structure that carries the orchid's reproductive organs--the stigmatic surface (female organs) and the Pollinia (male organs) located under the Anther Cap.