Types of indoor varieties of orchids with names. Orchids: Types of orchids Flower with leaves like an orchid

If you want to determine the type of orchid you have or just get acquainted with existing species, carefully read the photos and descriptions of the most popular and beautiful types of orchids. When purchasing flowers in a store, most often on the label you will see the inscription orchid. However, for proper care and proper maintenance it is necessary exactly.

Types of orchids. Photo and description.

Brassavola(Brassavola) or orchid "Lady Night" It has a delightful aroma that intensifies at night. Will be a wonderful addition to any orchid collection. It has rounded leaves that appear along the central rhizome. Elegant white flowers appear in early winter.
Orchid is unique and unusual. In nature, it blooms in different ways. Her flowers can be male or female and they are very clearly different! When grown at home, it most often produces flowers of one sex depending on the light intensity. Female flowers require more light. They have a clearly defined period of winter dormancy.
Orchid cattleya- This is a popular and useful species for growing at home. It has large, tall growths called pseudobulbs topped with leaves. They bloom with delightful “shaggy” flowers. They have many different shades.
Orchid cycnodes(Cycnoches) - Member of the aforementioned Catasetum tribe. Very fragrant. It is similar in care to Katassetum and has a winter dormant period. Blooms in early autumn. Flowers are often yellow, red or green. It can bloom in the second half of summer, which is extremely unusual for orchids.
The orchid (Cymbidium) is large, shaggy and perhaps the most daring of all orchid species. If you find the right approach, it will grow and bloom very beautifully. If she doesn’t like something, you won’t see flowering!
Orchid dendrobium(Dendrobium) – tall and stately with small leaves. Its graceful flowers look like splashes. Dendrobiums like to grow in very small pots, often the pot looks ridiculously small compared to the height of the orchid. Dendrobiums suffer during transplantation and may even die if the timing is poor.
Orchid epidendrum(Epidendrum) – tender and aromatic. They need good, intense lighting, without which they will refuse to bloom. It is recommended to take this type of orchid out into the fresh air in the summer.
Orchid encyclical(Encyclia) is called “jellyfish orchid” due to its shape. The flowers open sequentially, allowing this type of orchid to bloom for a long time.
Orchid l Ikasta has large, wax-like flowers. Most lycasta species bloom in summer. Many have an interesting and tasty aroma - from lemon to cinnamon.
The orchid (Ludisia), oddly enough, is valued more for its foliage than for its flowers. Ludisia flowers are small and not expressive, but the foliage is incredibly decorative. This type of orchid grows quickly and intensively.
Orchid masdevallia(Masdevallia) blooms are simply amazing! Three fused sepals form triangular-shaped flowers. The leaves completely hide the tiny pseudobulbs, making the orchid look like ordinary houseplants when not in bloom. These miniature orchids bloom in summer.
Orchid (Miltonia) also blooms in summer. It has large flowers that seem even huge compared to the miniature foliage. This type of orchid is often called “pansy” because of its external similarity. Miltonia loves evenly moist soil.
Orchid (Miltassia) is an intergeneric species of orchids. Produces intricate and unusually beautiful flowers.
Orchid (Oncidium) or dancing lady may be yellow, tricolor or red. Has a chocolate smell. Easy to grow and therefore extremely popular. Loves moisture.
The orchid (Phaius) has beautiful wide leaves and can grow all year round without a dormant period. It looks a bit like a mysterious sea plant.
Orchid paphiopedilum(Paphiopedilum) or "slipper" is very popular and attractive. Easy to care for. Does not tolerate excessive humidity.
Orchid phalaenopsis(Phalaenopsis) is the most common type of orchid. It is easy to grow and blooms for a long time, which is always nice. It has elegant inflorescences of various shades - from pure white to unusually bright and spotted.
Orchid phragmipedium(Phragmipedium) loves water so much that they prefer to be constantly slightly flooded. This is what distinguishes them from most other orchids. The flowers are similar to paphipedilum.
Orchid psychopsis(Psychopsis) – butterfly orchid. These are unique and whimsical orchids with attractive foliage and tall blooms that look like butterflies dancing in the wind. The flowers bloom sequentially, allowing the plant to bloom for many months. They love good lighting. They do not like acidic soils.
Orchid (Sarcochilus) is a wonderful miniature orchid native to Australia. They bloom profusely in spring.
Orchid Wanda(Vanda) is amazing and unique. Unlike many other types of orchids, Vanda grows best in baskets with the roots hanging in the air. Loves plenty of light and humidity. Under favorable conditions it can bloom several times a year.

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Kira Stoletova

Orchids are people's favorite indoor plants. But not every person has the opportunity to provide these flowers with proper care. There are less whimsical flowers, similar to orchids.

Sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish between different types of flowers externally. Some of them resemble an orchid. They can decorate a room or area just as well. This:

• alstroemeria;
• schisanthus;
• evening;
• iris.

They are used both as indoor crops and for decorating flower beds. To make them bloom faster, it is important to plant them in suitable soil and provide them with proper care.

Alstroemeria

Alstroemeria also has another name - “Alstroemeria”. She appears to be a cross between a lily and an orchid.

The plant is popular as a garden decoration. It attracts gardeners for several reasons:

• the bush of the desired color can be easily grown from seeds or prepared as seedlings;
• an adult flower is successfully propagated by division;
• The flower is planted in the warm period of spring, at the same time as tomato seedlings.

The optimal temperature in summer for the crop is not lower than 23°C. You should follow the watering and fertilizing regime, then flowering will occur faster and will be of better quality.

Alstroemeria loves loose nitrogenous soil, so it is fed with mineral fertilizers. The soil is loosened before planting. The flower is planted in an open, bright area without the scorching rays of the sun.

To make flowers cut from a flowerbed last longer, unopened buds and small leaves are cut off. They will open up in the vase and the bouquet will last longer.

Schizanthus

This species was called the "poor man's orchid." Schizanthus (another name is schizanthus) resembles varieties from the Orchid family, but itself belongs to the nightshade family. It is not often cultivated in home gardens, although it produces a large number of beautiful flowers.

It is also easy to grow from seeds if you prepare the seedlings in advance. Already at the end of May, small sprouts are planted in open ground.

Schizanthus is also suitable for growing as a houseplant:

• In summer it is placed on a ventilated balcony without scorching rays.
• In winter, they are brought into the apartment and left at rest for this period.

Schizanthus does not like overly moist soil. It reacts to excess moisture with accelerated stem growth and lack of flowering. Excessive moisture is also harmful to the root system: it can rot.

Lilac, white or carmine with spots, pinnate schizanthus resembles an orchid more than other species. This is an annual flower, so it will have to be planted annually. In favorable conditions, schizanthus grows so that its flowers cover the leaves.

Vechernitsa (night violet)

The nocturnal violet received the name “night violet” for its similarity with violets and because it smells strongly at night. This is a semi-wild crop that grows in self-gardens or is planted by humans. It is grown in flower beds - it is not a houseplant.

An adult flower has small inflorescences with 4 leaves, a large, well-defined stem, and drooping leaves.

Positive qualities of night violet:

• blooms for a long time - from May to August;
• unpretentious in care, survives drought and short cold snaps well;
• its seeds take root well in open ground and germinate well.

The crop does not require special care: it is enough to water it occasionally, if the drought persists, and weed it. She doesn't need feeding.

The noctule plant has one drawback: it is a two-year crop; it blooms only in the second year.

Iris

Iris combines a large number of varieties of different shapes and colors. The flowers are similar to an orchid, only tightly curled and with fringe at the edges. Irises are often chosen for growing in the garden, but they can also be grown indoors. One of these subspecies is Neomarica.

To achieve spectacular flowering in March, suitable conditions are created for it:

• In summer, keep it on the balcony, in a bright place, and be sure to ventilate it.
• In winter, set the temperature at 8°C-10°C, place the flower in a dark place for 2 weeks, do not water or fertilize.

All flowers are beautiful in their own way, but there is a flower that can bewitch with its magnificent, truly royal appearance. We are talking about orchid.

Have you ever been to greenhouses or landscape design centers? Is it possible to tear yourself away from the rows where orchids are displayed?

Is it possible to resist buying a copy that you especially like, despite the huge number of others that are no less beautiful? This is, indeed, with which many legends and myths are associated. And how can you not get confused among the species diversity of orchids and choose the one that you can grow yourself at home?

In this article we want to help you a little and tell you about the most popular types of orchids adapted to our window sills.

You can find a detailed description of this crop and its agricultural technology in our previous article. We advise you to read it before you begin choosing the orchid variety that suits you.

Types of orchids suitable for propagation at home

1. Cattleya

In indoor culture, this is one of the most beloved flowering orchids by gardeners. This plant owes its name to the English gardener William Cattley. The natural habitat of this species is the American tropics and subtropics (Brazil, Amazon jungle). The first Europeans to see Cattleya flowers considered it so divine that they named its varieties after Christian saints and significant dates.

Cattleya distinguished by its unusually colorfully painted lip. In addition, its flowers can take on a wide variety of colors - purple, pink, crimson, yellow...

This plant species has such interesting intergeneric hybrids as Leliocattleya, Brassocattleya, Sofroleliocattleya.

Cattleya in home culture

These orchids need warm or moderately warm content (from +15 to +30 degrees). Flowering periods are also different. But all orchids of this species need to be provided with moderate humidity, bright lighting, good ventilation, and effective drainage. Watering should be done with warm (+30-+35 degrees) softened water, but only after the substrate has completely dried. Fertilizer is recommended moderate once every three weeks during the growth period.

Advice
This type is often used in floristry for making flower arrangements - its flowers can retain their freshness for up to 6 weeks. In the summer, if you choose a dark, windless place, protected from rain, for your orchid in the garden or on the balcony, you will give not only yourself and your loved ones the pleasure of seeing a magnificent flower, but also the orchid itself - conditions close to its natural growth.

2. Cymbidium

If scandals often occur in your home, and your household members are unable to contain their irritability, then get yourself Cymbidium orchid. It is ideal for growing on a windowsill.

The orchid will gladly accept your care and will thank you not only with delicate, pastel colors, small flowers (up to 4 mm in diameter), but will also fill your home with warmth, peace and mutual understanding.

This orchid blooms in winter, and it can grow up to 70 cm in length. Its flowering period is quite long - several months.

3. Dendrobium

The name of this orchid speaks for itself, dendron– in Greek means “tree”, bios- means “life” in Greek. Dendrobiums, these typical representatives of epiphytes, there are about a hundred varieties and hybrids. In nature, the most widespread of them are Dendrobium Bouquetflower, Dendrobium Noble, Dendrobium Phalaenopsis.

Dendrobium at home

In indoor culture, they have taken root most Lindley's Dendrobium And Dendrobium Parisha. These orchids produce white, lavender or a combination of these two shades with a flowering period of about 3 weeks.

The temperature of the dendrobium is +15-+28 degrees, watering is plentiful despite the fact that the plant is quite drought-resistant. In order to form healthy flowers, it requires mandatory feeding throughout the entire growth period and bright lighting. Every two to three years, you should change the substrate in which the dendrobium grows. Normally tolerates humidity of 55-60%, subject to periodic spraying.

Advice
For the summer, it will be nice if you move the pot with the orchid to the balcony or garden, but only if you provide the plant with protection from rain, wind and direct sunlight.

5. Lelia

This genus of sympodial orchids has been known to plant growers since 1831 thanks to John Lindley. According to its appearance Lelia similar to Cattleya. The culture does well when bred at home.

Features of caring for Lelia

Laelias require cool keeping in bright, damp rooms. To ensure the required level of humidity during the growth period, this crop should be frequently sprayed with a spray bottle. During flowering and dormancy, spraying is stopped.

In summer, Lilies should be protected from the bright rays of the sun by shading. During this period, plants need abundant watering. But from the end of summer and throughout the fall, this crop needs to be provided with bright lighting and fresh air. At this time, new shoots ripen. In winter, Lilley reduces the intensity of watering.

6. Miltonia (Miltoniopsis)

German gardeners call it the “pansy” orchid for its resemblance to this flower. Natural habitat Miltonia- American tropics. Moreover, in Colombia there are cold-loving species of Miltonia, growing on the rocky slopes of mountains, and heat-loving species, found in the Brazilian jungle.

Features of the content of Miltonia

For this type of orchid, the concept of “heat-loving” is relative. Because even Brazilian Miltonia prefers a year-round average temperature of +21-+23 degrees during the daytime and +13-+15 degrees at night. Humidity and watering conditions are increased.

In summer and spring, protection from direct sun is required. It will be nice if for the summer you remove Miltonia from the windowsill and into the interior of the room. But at any time this orchid needs a gentle flow of fresh air. At the end of flowering, the temperature of the plant should be lowered to +14 degrees.

The root system of this type of orchid is thinner and less fleshy compared to other species, so make sure that its soil is evenly moistened at all times. The watering regime in summer is intensive, in winter – moderate. Considering the delicate weak structure of the Miltoniopsis root system, do not allow the nutrient substrate to become waterlogged or dry out. Otherwise, you risk losing the plant.

7. Paphiopedilum

This orchid, with such an unpronounceable name, is the famous “ lady's slipper". The shape of a woman's slipper is given to this flower by a bag-like lip, characteristic of flowers of this species. This orchid comes from the subtropical regions of Asia. This is a terrestrial type of orchid.

Features of growing Paphiopedilum

Not all varieties of this species are used as indoor crops, but only those that are adapted to being kept in warm rooms during winter. As a rule, these are hybrids of Paphiopedilum (Paphiopedilum Milenky, Paphiopedilum Remarkable, Paphiopedilum Sukhakula, Paphiopedilum Spicer, Paphiopedilum Callosum).

Depending on the type, “Venus slippers” can bloom either in winter or in summer, and flowering can last from several weeks to 2.5 months. In addition to the attractive original flower, these plants have spectacular variegated leaves.

The temperature regime for keeping the crop is +18-+25 degrees, watering is plentiful. Make sure that the substrate in which the orchid grows does not dry out. Feeding mode - moderate, replacement of the substrate and pot - after a year or two, lighting mode - shaded, ambient humidity - 50-70%.

Advice
This plant can safely spend summer in the fresh air, on the balcony or, of course, in a place protected from rain, direct light and wind.

8. Wanda

Another famous type of orchids. Name "Wanda" translated from Sanskrit means a variety of orchid. This plant is distinguished by two types of leaf shapes - flat and cylindrical. Long peduncles produce many large flowers that grow from the axils of the leaves. This species can produce flowers of a color uncharacteristic for orchids - blue. Almost all varieties Wanda have a pleasant aroma. The orchid blooms from late autumn to early winter.

Vanda in indoor culture

For this species, breeders have bred many hybrids, but keeping them in an apartment is not so easy, but possible.

First of all, Wanda needs a lot of light and high humidity. In winter, the temperature should not be allowed to drop to +13 degrees. And in the summer, this orchid can be moved to the fresh air of a loggia or summer cottage - it can calmly withstand even streams of direct rays of the sun.

9. Bletilla

Bletilla, a beautifully flowering, herbaceous orchid growing from the ground, came to us from East Asia. There, some of its varieties are used in landscape design as an ornamental plant.

Features of Bletilla content

For breeding at home, the Bletilla hybrid is usually used - Bletilla hyacinthina.

The resting period of this orchid begins in the fall, after the leaves die. Therefore, it should be kept at low temperatures - +5-+13 degrees. No watering is carried out. If you cannot provide the plant with a period of cold dormancy, then do not expect flowers from it.

But if everything turned out fine with the dormancy regime, then in the spring Bletilla will definitely delight you with beautiful flowers. In summer, a flowerpot with an orchid can be taken out onto the loggia or into the garden, and you don’t have to worry about darkening it - it can easily tolerate the bright sun. Just don’t forget to water this beauty with large flowers abundantly and regularly.

10. Vuilstekeara

This unusually spectacular orchid was born in 1914 as a result of the hard work of Flemish breeders - crossing Miltonia, Cochlyodes and Odontoglossum. That is why the orchid’s lip has a beautiful painting and the flower resembles a bright star.

This hybrid was originally bred for breeding in almost unheated rooms. Just a century ago, a more expensive flower could not have been found. The most popular are orchids V. Edna, V. Cambria, V. Monica V. Plush, V. Linda Isler.

Caring for Vuilstekeara at home

This orchid has special requirements for fresh air and good moisture. Subsequent watering should be carried out only after the substrate has completely dried. In winter, the intensity of watering should be significantly reduced. But the plant is not left without moisture, spraying the substrate daily with a spray bottle, trying not to touch the flowers. Temperature mode:

• for winter at night - +13-+18 degrees, during the day - +18-+20 degrees, a short-term decrease in night temperature to +5 degrees is allowed,
• In summer, the orchid feels great in the fresh air of a balcony or under the dense crown of a tree in a summer cottage or in the garden.

If you do not have the opportunity to put the orchid outside, then place Vuilstekear's flowerpot on the eastern windowsill.

This orchid can bloom for 2 months, and the peduncle of an adult plant branches. You can achieve re-blooming if you provide coolness for two weeks in the fall at a temperature of +12-+13 degrees at night.

These common orchids occupy a leading position in their elegance, have long peduncles and bloom for months. In addition, this is one of the budget varieties of orchids, so it is available to any gardener.

Features of growing Phalaenopsis

Phalaenopsis is quite suitable for growing at home at temperatures from +18 to +30 degrees. The orchid requires moderate watering. But the soil should be watered only after it is completely dry.

The feeding regime is also moderate, once every ten days. Replace the substrate and pot every two years. Lighting mode – darkened southern or south-eastern window sill in summer and light southern window sill in winter. Calmly tolerates low apartment humidity from 40 to 70%.

1. Dracula simia orchid

The Almighty was in a great mood when he created this miracle of nature and painted a funny monkey face on the petals of Dracula simia. This plant is forced to imitate someone all the time in order to survive in nature and continue its genus.

2. Vanilla

Yes, this is the same vanilla, the ovaries of which we are accustomed to use as a sweet spice, dried by a special method, and belongs to the genus of fragrant orchids. Vanilla is the only representative of this genus that people use for food.

This is another original type of fragrant orchid; its flowers not only resemble violets in appearance, but are also capable of emitting an incredibly pleasant smell at night and in cloudy weather.

In our country, this orchid is protected by law because it is extremely rare. The natural habitat of this orchid, unusual in its shape and color, is the carbonate soils of lowland swamps, limestone quarries and marshy meadows of Asia Minor and Europe.

4. Makodes petola

These orchids have extremely beautiful foliage, but their flowers are small and inexpressive. Therefore they grow Makodes petolu solely for the sake of its precious leaves, covered with silver or golden streaks and veins. This group includes a number of genera such as Macodes, Ludisia, Anectohilus, Gudiera originating from the tropics. Habitat: forest floor, tree trunks.

These terrestrial plants do not have a dormant period. Orchids produce creeping, strong, fleshy shoots at the top of which short-petioled, velvety, round leaves of emerald color sprout from a loose rosette. The leaves of Makodes petola are covered with veins that shine in the sun. Against their background, reddish-brown white-lipped flowers look like poor relatives. The flowering period is autumn - winter, but is it really of interest to us in this case?

5. Oncidium

This is a charming butterfly orchid with flowers of golden color and intricate shape. In total, 100 species of this resident of the American tropics are known. They mainly prefer mountainous areas.

The Brazilians called these orchids butterflies - it is in their country that specimens resembling this insect are found. And among American plant growers it is customary to call this beautiful orchid a “dancing doll.” Pragmatic Germans call it the calloused orchid because it has warty growths on its lip.

The flowering period of this species is autumn – winter. Bird-beak Oncidium produces flowers in the shape of a bird's beak that smell like vanilla. And the most unpretentious ones to breed are Oncidium Kudoyavy, Oncidium Forbesa, Oncidium Wide.

In the video you will see for yourself how beautiful orchids are.

And finally, we want to bring Some tips on what to pay attention to when purchasing an orchid in a store, garden center or nursery:

• the most suitable place to replenish the orchid collection is a nursery,
• when purchasing, be sure to inquire about the type of orchid, the preferred conditions for keeping it, and not just inquire, but write it down on paper or ask for a printout with a description,
• buy only flowering orchids, otherwise you not only risk buying a pig in a poke, having no idea about the color or shape of the flowers, but also buying a diseased plant,
• don’t be fooled by discounts, free cheese is in a mousetrap, orchid flowers should be bright, fresh, strong and elastic, there should be no torn or dried flowers on the peduncles,
• carefully examine the leaves, they should have a uniform emerald green or reddish-green color, and there should be no dark spots or yellowed areas on them. The foliage should not be limp or dried out.
• the roots should be hard and fleshy, it would be nice if some of them came out of the substrate, this is a sign of good health of the plant,
• After you are sure that you have chosen a viable plant, ask the seller to package the orchid so as not to expose it to large atmospheric changes and damage during transportation.

Happy shopping!

The orchid was appreciated by poets in ancient times. They composed poems and songs in honor of the gentle beauty. Orchids are distinguished by their mystery, which is associated with their healing power. Read about the varieties of orchids, their names and flowers similar to them in the article.

A huge number of genera and species of plants with and without flowers grow in nature. Many plants from the same family are similar in appearance to each other. But it also happens that similar-looking plants belong to different families. Examples of some of them are presented below in the article.

Schizanthus

This name is given to a flower that looks like an orchid, but has nothing to do with the orchid plant. Schizanthus belongs to the nightshade family. Its closest relatives are tomatoes and potatoes. The flower is so beautiful that it is grown everywhere: in flower beds in the garden and in home or office spaces.

The orchid-like flower, whose name is schisanthus, loves light areas warmed by the rays of the sun. In shaded areas the plant also blooms, but not so luxuriantly. The decorativeness drops sharply.

The flower loves loose, fertile soils, so before planting the plant in the soil, it should be fertilized with humus. For a home flower, you can use an earthen mixture with good drainage.

Dracula

The orchid-like flower belongs to the orchid family. There are one hundred and twenty-three species, many of which are beautifully flowering representatives of their species and can grow indoors: a room, office or greenhouse. The flower got its name for its resemblance to the face of a dragon. These flowers are also called the son of the dragon, baby dragon, little dragon.

Natural growing conditions are high wooded slopes, areas with unfavorable weather conditions, where it always rains, low temperatures, low levels of light and high humidity.

Night violets

These flowers, similar to small orchids, belong to a completely different family. Violet is similar to cymbidium - a flower from the orchid family. She is called Matrona's vespers, simply vespers. This plant with a widely developed stem grows up to one meter in height. In racemose inflorescences are collected with four petals of a white or purple hue. There are violets with double flowers.

The flowering period begins at the end of May and lasts for a whole month. It always blooms actively, with the exception of dry periods. The orchid-like flower is very beautiful. Therefore, it is used to decorate parks and garden areas.

Bearded iris

This flower looks like an orchid, although it belongs to the iris genus. The lower petals are decorated with a strip of fibers of a contrasting color, similar to a wedge-shaped beard, like the French. Some irises also have a beard on their upper petals.

The bearded iris flower, like all rhizomatous plants, prefers a lot of light, moderate watering and fertile soil with good drainage. Does not like rainy weather, dampness and high humidity.

There are a lot of beautiful flowers in nature that you can’t take your eyes off. But there are plants with unusual flowers that resemble living creatures or magical images. Of course, everyone's imagination is different. But no matter how you look at such flowers, their image does not change. Orchids are especially striking with their unusual shape. Some of them are presented below:

• Angel is an orchid-like flower with white flowers. The plant has eight hundred species. It grows on all continents, with the exception of cold Antarctica.

• The flying duck is an exact copy of the figurine of a duck in flight. The beak, wings, and body are clearly defined, as if they were specially carved. This orchid is from Australia.
• Spider - the shape of an orchid flower performs an opportunistic function, attracting wasps for pollination. They attack the flower, catch pollen on their paws and transfer it to other plants.
• Dove (Holy Spirit) - peoples all over the world associate the flowering of this orchid with a prosperous period in life. The white flowers seem to be made of wax, they look like a dove.

• Hot lips are unusual flowers with bright red bracts. Looks like a woman's lips painted with lipstick. This flower shape is necessary for the plant to attract pollinators.

Monopodial growth type

Plants are characterized by vertical growth, during which the size of the new leaf will always be larger. Over time, the newly formed and previous leaves will become the same size. Examples of orchids of this type are phalaenopsis, vanda and others.

• Phalaenopsis - This plant in the wild reaches a height of two meters; indoors its size is much smaller. Standard plants - up to one meter, dwarf plants - up to thirty centimeters. The flower has many varieties and hybrids. The plant has powerful flower stalks, numbering forty corollas. The flowers look like moths.
• Vanda - this plant belongs to the monopodial type of orchids. In its natural environment it grows in the plains and mountain forests of southern countries, including China in the east. Cut flowers have the unique property of not withering for a long time, due to which the plant is considered a popular cut crop in southern Asia. A variety of this flower is Vanda blue. Place of growth - India and Thailand, Burma and China. It is distinguished by a strong, erect stem without leaves at the base. The height of the plant ranges from sixty to eighty centimeters. The leaves are arranged in two rows, opposite. They have a dark green color and an unusual shape in the form of two unequal blades. The leaves are hard and located only at the top. Their length reaches eighteen centimeters, and their width reaches three. Inflorescences thirty to sixty centimeters long are lateral. They contain up to twenty large blue flowers, their diameter is nine centimeters. Flowering time is autumn (from August) and winter (to December).

Sympodial growth type

Plants differ in the location of their rhizomes. In such orchids it is horizontal and is called a rhizome. Sympodial varieties include such types of indoor orchids as Cattleya, Miltonia, Cymbidium, Cambria.

• Miltonia - this plant has many varieties and hybrids. Miltonia is capable of interbreeding, growing in the open air. According to its lifestyle, it belongs to those characterized by the presence of a small succulent pseudobulb and lanceolate leaves. The structure of orchid flowers and the corollas of garden viola is similar. The shape and color are different. Flower growers value the orchid for its bright and frequent flowering, several times a year.

• Cambria - this flower is unpretentious, so many gardeners grow it indoors. The Cambria Orchid is a hybrid with powerful thickened shoots. The pseudobulbs are very juicy, the leaves are long. The advantage of the plant is its star-shaped flowers. The lower petal has a contrasting pattern.

Indoor orchids

The structure of orchids that are grown indoors is not much different from flowering plants of other species. But orchids have their own characteristics. Some varieties of the flower have false bulbs, they are called pseudobulbs. They were originally formed from wild flowers and performed protective functions against natural conditions in unfavorable places of growth.

At home, this function of pseudobulbs is significantly reduced. But the bulb is not a useless part of the plant. With its help, nutrients that are necessary for the development of the plant are distributed.

Orchid roots have a special property. They are divided into main and subordinate ones, the place of formation of which are stems and shoots. This structure is due to the fact that in the wild the roots needed to absorb a lot of nutrients, and additional means for this in the form of stems and shoots were not superfluous.

Leaves are a unique mechanism of adaptation to environmental conditions. Thus, indoor light-loving varieties of orchids are endowed with thick leaves of rich color. Shade-loving leaves have a light color.

In many varieties of indoor orchids, the seeds do not have the ability to germinate in ordinary soil due to their small size and the lack of endosperm reserve inside them, which does not allow nutrients to flow from the soil into the seed. To help them germinate, it is recommended to use agar-agar.

Ludisia

This is the most unusual indoor plant. It amazes not with the beauty of the flowers, but with the decorativeness of the pointed, egg-shaped leaves, the surface of which is decorated with intricately shaped patterns. The veins are green, yellow or pink, depending on the variety. The orchid is small in size, fifteen to seventeen centimeters in height.

Cymbidium

This is a tall plant. Reaches a height of two meters, growing outdoors. For indoor cultivation, less tall flowers are used, fifty to one hundred centimeters.

With good care, cymbidium pleases with bright, large flowers, the corollas of which have a large diameter: thirteen centimeters. The racemose inflorescences are very powerful, the color options are very diverse.

Garden orchids

Orchids are grown not only on the windowsill, but also in open-air areas. Here they grow as annual flowers. There is always a place for strange beauties in the garden. This flower combines durability with endurance and enchanting beauty. That is why it is grown in the garden.

They are distinguished by lush greenery that forms clumps. The structure of the flowers is asymmetrical. The leaves and lily of the valley are similar. They are elongated, with veins visible on their surface.

Orchids have a fairly wide variety of species, but only three are suitable for growing outdoors in our climate. Of these, only one species has varietal diversity - the lady's slipper, or paphiopedilum.

• The large-flowered slipper is a plant from the orchid family. The place where the flower grows is the middle zone of our country, its Far Eastern outskirts, southern Siberia, as well as Mongolia and Korea, Japan and China. In the wild it grows in mixed and deciduous forests. Here the flower can be found on the edges and clearings. This garden flower looks like an orchid. As a cultivated plant it grows in garden plots and cottages. Prefers partial shade and soils enriched with humus. Withstands severe frosts. The bush is large, reaches half a meter in height. Flowering begins in early summer, in June. Beautiful large flowers - up to ten centimeters in diameter, have pink or purple petals. The lip is highly swollen and comes in pink, dark red and white shades. The flowers are fragrant with a vanilla aroma.

• Spotted slipper - the growing area of ​​this flower is very extensive: Europe and Asia, America and southeastern Siberia, Alaska and northern Canada, the Himalayas, China and Mongolia. The spotted slipper is an orchid-like flower. It is distinguished by the highest degree of frost resistance and versatility. Comfortable growing conditions for the flower are mountains and plains, forest edges and meadows, sandy screes and rocks. Any soil is suitable for its growth: poor and enriched with humus. An orchid-like flower, whose name is lady's slipper, is highly decorative and easy to care for. On a small bush, up to thirty centimeters in height, flowers grow of amazing beauty with a white lip, decorated with large spots of pink or purple.

Orchid (Orchidaceae, as well as Orchidaceae) is a plant of the flowering department, class Monocot, order Asparagusaceae, of the orchid family (Orchidaceae). Orchids are one of the most species-rich families of the plant world.

The orchid plant acquired its name back in ancient Greece thanks to the philosopher Theophrastus, a student of Plato. As a result of scientific research, the scientist came across an unfamiliar flower with roots in the form of a pair of bulbs and gave it the name “orchis”, which means “testicle” in Greek.

Orchid (flower): description and photo

Orchid flowers constitute one of the largest plant families, the main part of which in nature are perennial herbs. The shrub form and woody vines are less common. The size of orchids can vary from a few centimeters, although some species grow up to 35 meters in height.

The roots of the epiphyte orchid are extremely important organs because they perform many essential functions.

Firstly, with their help, orchids are attached to the substrate, which allows them to maintain a vertical position. Secondly, the roots actively participate in photosynthesis, sharing this function with the leaves. Thirdly, with the help of the root system, orchid flowers absorb moisture and nutrients from the air and the bark of the plants on which they live.

Another, smaller part of orchids are lithophytes that grow on rocky and stony rocks. Terrestrial orchids form a medium-sized group.

Both types are endowed with underground rhizomes or tubers.

The green stem of an orchid can be long or short, creeping or erect. The leaves are simple, alternate; there may be one or more of them on each plant.

Orchid flowers of the most varied colors and sizes form 2 types of inflorescences: a simple spike with a single arrangement of flowers or a simple raceme with several flowers on stalks growing along the stem.

The orchid flower is an insect-pollinated plant, and the pollination mechanisms of each species are sometimes unusual and very diverse. Shoe orchids, which have a “shoe-shaped” flower structure, are equipped with a special trap for pollinating insects.

Orchids have sticky legs, the flowers of this orchid imitate the smell of female bees, thereby attracting males.

The flowers of tropical orchids intoxicate insects with an unusual aroma, while other species shoot pollen towards the pollinating insect.

Orchis

The orchid fruit is a dry capsule containing up to 4 million microscopic seeds, which is a kind of productivity record among flowering plants.

The lifespan of orchids in natural conditions is individual, depends on many factors and, under favorable conditions, can be 100 years. In greenhouse conditions, many types of orchids live up to 70 years.

Types of orchids, names, descriptions and photos

The modern classification of orchids, developed by the American scientist Dressler, contains 5 subfamilies, each of which is divided into several genera and many species:

• apostasiaceae ( Apostasioideae)

A primitive subfamily consisting of 2 genera: non-vidia ( Neuwiedia) and apostasy ( Apostasia) and 16 species of orchids, which are small herbaceous perennials. These orchids grow in Australia, New Guinea, Indochina and Japan.

• Cypripediaceae (Cypripedioideae)

They represent 5 genera and 130 species of orchids, consisting of terrestrial, rock and epiphytic perennial herbs. One of the famous genera is the Lady's slipper, 5 varieties of which are found in Russia. The range of the subfamily is distributed over temperate, tropical and subtropical latitudes of all continents except Africa.

• vanilla ( Vanilloideae)

This subfamily includes 15 genera containing 180 species of orchids. Herbaceous plants or vines are distinguished by a large number of flowers in an inflorescence. Fruits of representatives of the genus Vanilla ( Vanilla) contain vanillin, widely used as a spice, perfume industry and pharmacology. These orchids grow in the tropics of the African continent, Central and South America and Asian countries.

• Epidendral ( Epidendroideae)

The largest subfamily consists of more than 500 genera, forming over 20 thousand species of orchids. They are epiphytic perennials, less often terrestrial herbs, and extremely rarely lianas. A notable genus is Dactylostalyx ( Dactylostalix), listed in the Red Book of Russia. And also the genus Cattleya ( Cattleya), characterized by fragrant, large, exceptionally beautiful inflorescences. These orchids grow in the temperate, tropical and subtropical zones of all continents.

• orchidaceae (orchidaceae) (Orchidoideae)

The subfamily unites 208 genera and almost 4 thousand species of perennial land plants with erect stems. The genus of orchids Anakamptis (lat. Anacamptis) with beautiful spike-shaped inflorescences of bright color. As well as representatives of the genus Fingerroot, or Dactylorhiza (lat. Dactylorhiza), the dried roots of which are used for poisoning and as a nutritional component for depletion. These orchids are found on all continents except Antarctica. Genus Phalaenopsis (lat. Phalaenopsis) is also very common; representatives of this genus are widely cultivated at home.

Phalaenopsis orchid

The shades of Phalaenopsis orchids can be classified as follows:

• black Orchid;
• blue orchid;
• blue orchid;
• yellow orchid;
• red orchid;
• purple orchid;
• White orchid;
• pink orchid.

Phalaenopsis Orchid

Orchid varieties, names, descriptions and photos

There are an endless variety of varieties and varieties of orchids, among which are the following:

• Cattleya lipped (Cattleya labiata)

One of the largest representatives of cultivated orchids, although small cattleyas are also found. This variety has a very beautiful flower with petals covered with a waxy coating and a corrugated “lip”. The colors of the orchid flower, which “lives” for almost three weeks, are the most multifaceted - from soft pink and beige tones to deep purple.

• Orchid Cymbidium (Cymbidium)

An excellent variety of orchids, resistant to stress and easy to care for. Hanging peduncles contain 10-13 orchid flowers of the most unimaginable palette - from boiling white to purple or bright orange. This variety of orchid blooms profusely and continuously for 8-10 weeks.

• Lycasta fragrant “Golden”(Lycaste aromatica)

This variety of orchid is loved by connoisseurs for its spectacular bright lemon-colored flowers with a delicate and persistent aroma. Peduncles are tall, up to 25 cm, flowers in diameter often exceed 15-17 cm.

• Darwinar's orchid (Darwinara)

A miniature orchid hybrid with very dark, leathery leaves and an elegant inflorescence, which includes small, 2-3 cm in diameter, blue-violet flowers. The inflorescence is racemose and may contain 7-12 flowers with a delicate aroma.

• Potinara « Burana Beauty» (Potinara Burana Beauty, Rhyncattleanthe)

The hybrid is distinguished by luxurious variegated yellow-red flowers with wavy petals. The peduncle of the orchid is of medium height; this variety of orchid blooms all summer, and with proper care it pleases with its beauty even in the first autumn month.

• Cymbidium"Twelve" (CymbidiumTwelve)

An orchid with long, rather narrow leaves. The bud of the Cymbidium “Twelve” orchid is whitish-pink in color, with a slight reddish speck. Inflorescences drooping, racemose, short.

• Orchid Dendrobium Nobile (Dendrobium nobile)

D sometimes reaches 60 centimeters in height, the minimum height of this individual is about 30 centimeters. The diameter of one flower varies from 4 to 7 centimeters. And the branch of the Dendrobium Nobile orchid can have inflorescences of different tones.

Where do orchids grow?

Representatives of the largest family of orchids adapt so easily to living conditions that they have spread almost throughout the entire globe and feel comfortable in absolutely all climatic zones, except for the harsh Antarctica. The majority of orchid species grow in the tropics, but these luxuriously flowering plants can also be found in temperate latitudes. Europe and Asia, the countries of North and South America - anywhere, orchids adapt perfectly to natural conditions, bloom profusely and expand their range.

Planting orchids at home

Surprisingly, contrary to the established belief that an indoor flower should grow in a pot of soil, orchids prefer to “live” in a container with a substrate made of bark, sand, forest moss, peat and even polystyrene foam. You can buy ready-made soil for orchids, or make it yourself.

The bark is usually taken from pine and always from a “dead” tree. It is crushed, boiled in water and dried. Only the upper green part of the moss is used, after washing it with boiling water and shredding it. Sand for the substrate - only coarse sand. You can also add charcoal, foam chips and small expanded clay to the mixture. The components are mixed and thoroughly moistened immediately before planting the orchid.

By the way, when choosing a pot for an orchid, choose pots made of white or other light plastic: they will bask less in the sun. Wicker baskets or flowerpots are perfect for planting orchids.

The plant must be planted as carefully as possible so as not to damage the rather fragile roots of the orchid. The substrate should not be compacted - just fill the voids around the rhizome of the flower with it.

Orchid care at home

Lighting

Proper lighting is the main factor when caring for a home orchid. The plant needs 12-15 hours of daylight, so on short winter days additional lighting will be required. In other seasons, it is better to place the plant on the east or west side of the room, closer to the window. The southern windows will have to be shaded; the northern side will need constant fluorescent lighting.

Orchid "Flying duck" (lat. Caleana major)

Temperature

The temperature regime for an orchid depends on the type of plant. Phalaenopsis and other tropical species of orchids are kept in summer at temperatures up to +32 degrees; during winter night hours the temperature should not drop below +15.

Dendrobiums, miltonias and other species native to the subtropics prefer a more gentle atmosphere: +22 in the summer daytime and + 12-15 degrees in the winter.

Indoor orchid grows and blooms well at air humidity of 60-70%. Spraying has a short-term effect, and, unfortunately, it contributes to the development of infections and leaf rotting. Therefore, the best option would be to use air humidifiers, install open vessels with water and moisten the gravel in the pan. Spraying the orchid should be kept to a minimum, trying not to get water on the flowers.

Watering

“How to water an orchid correctly?” - a question that concerns many lovers of this beautiful plant. Orchids do not tolerate stagnant water, which can lead to yellowing of the leaves and rotting of the roots. To water orchids, it is better to use soft water - rain, melt or boiled. Summer watering of orchids is carried out after the soil or substrate dries out, 2-3 times a week; in winter they water extremely rarely, as soon as the pseudobulb begins to shrink.

Transfer

Orchids need to be replanted only if necessary; this process is often replaced by transferring it to a larger container. The best “homes” for a flower are ceramic or plastic pots with holes in the walls or a basket.

Brick fragments or granite crushed stone are used as drainage, which fill 1/4 of the container. Holes and cracks are filled with sphagnum. The substrate is prepared from 5 parts of pine or willow bark, 2 parts of sphagnum and 1 part of charcoal. If you add crushed fern rhizomes, fallen tree leaves and peat to the mixture, you can do without fertilizing. The orchid is carefully lowered into the container, the fragile roots are straightened and the voids are filled without compacting the substrate. Then the plant is secured with wire and not watered for 5 days.

With timely (once every 2-3 years) transplantation, orchids can do without feeding at all, receiving the necessary nutrition from the substrate. Excess fertilizer suppresses the plant’s immunity, which reduces the flowering of the orchid and leads to infections. A high concentration of mineral salts can lead to the death of the plant, and if there is a need to feed the orchid, it is better to use special fertilizers: Bona Forte, Kristalon, Pokon, Compo or Greenworld. When using any fertilizer for orchids, the recommended dose should be reduced by 2 times. Orchids are fed only in spring and summer, during the period of plant growth.

To stimulate flowering, it is advisable to treat orchids with the preparations “Ovary”, “Bud”, “Tsveten”.

Reproduction

Representatives of different species and even genera are capable of interbreeding and producing numerous hybrids. Targeted interspecific pollination has given rise to hundreds of thousands of artificial orchid hybrids, many of which have become beloved houseplants. Particularly popular are representatives of the genera Phalaenopsis, Cattleya and Dendrobium. Each type of orchid has individual recommendation nuances regarding maintenance conditions and rules for care and breeding that are common to all types.

Orchids are propagated by any of 3 known methods:

• lateral stem shoots - children, which are separated from the mother plant and planted separately;
• layering - aerial offspring, using rooting on the mother plant in a special greenhouse and subsequent separation;
• vegetatively, dividing the rhizome and planting fragments containing 2-3 pseudobulbs.

Bloom

Provided proper lighting and proper care, an orchid can bloom 2 times a year, in spring and autumn. Non-infectious diseases in plants occur due to hypothermia, excessive watering, insufficient lighting, and sunburn. Long-term negative effects can lead to the death of the flower.

Black Orchid

Orchid diseases

Orchid diseases are a rare phenomenon and require specialist intervention:

• Bacterial leaf spot

The disease is quite easy to treat. Isolate the “sick” from other indoor plants! Remove damaged parts of the orchid by cutting them off with scissors. Treat the sections with regular green paint, cinnamon powder or activated carbon.

• Anthracnose

In case of this disease, be sure to eliminate all diseased parts on the plant! Spray the orchid with fungicides such as Sandofan, Previkur or Profit.

• Powdery mildew

If there are visible signs of this disease, generously spill the container in which the orchid is growing with water several times. After a couple of hours, spray the plant with a solution of colloidal sulfur or Topsin-M.

• Rust

The disease is serious, but treatable. The orchid plant should be thoroughly washed under running water, without fear of flooding it, and replace the substrate in the container. Then you need to spray the orchid with a faint pink solution of potassium permanganate and treat it with Manual Orchid from a spray bottle.

• Root, black, gray, fusarium rot

The affected areas on the plant must be removed by cutting them off with scissors and sprinkled with crushed activated carbon. Replace the substrate with a new one, first washing the container and the roots of the orchid in a pink solution of potassium permanganate.

• Sooty mushrooms

The flower disease can be cured by pouring the substrate twice and spraying the plant with preparations such as Mikosan or Topsin-M.

Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions among lovers of this plant.

Why doesn't the orchid bloom?

In any case, this beauty refuses to bloom due to the poor conditions of its detention. The absence of flowers can be caused by excessively dry or very humid air, the temperature of the flower below 22-25 degrees, lack of sunlight, or, on the contrary, a too “hot and sunny” window sill.

Why does an orchid turn yellow?

This can happen in different ways. Due to excess fertilizers or excessive organic feeding, due to excess or lack of light, due to damage to the plant by pests, mechanical damage to the roots, dry air in the room and flooded soil in the container.

Why doesn't the orchid grow?

Make sure you have the proper growing conditions! Perhaps you simply flooded the pot with the plant, or you placed the container with the orchid on a window that is too sunny. Another reason is the very small container in which the flower grows and an ill-constructed substrate: the roots of the orchid need space and a lot of air. Heavy soil is absolutely not suitable for this beauty!

Why does an orchid fall off?

There are many reasons for orchid buds or flowers to fall off. Lack of light, draft, heat or cold, dry air in the room, stress as a result of the plant “moving” to another place, incorrect watering regime. In all these cases, the orchid gets sick and drops its luxurious flowers, and sometimes even leaves.

How to save an orchid?

Many people ask this question. To do this, do not allow the orchid to overheat and burn under the scorching rays of the sun, do not place the container with the orchid in winter next to heating devices that dry out the air, do not moisten the soil in the pot unless clearly necessary, and do not “catch a cold” of the heat-loving beauty while ventilating the room in a cold environment. season.

Useful properties and uses of orchids

In addition to exceptional decorative properties, some types of orchids have valuable beneficial properties that are widely used in folk and traditional medicine.

Tubers of certain types of orchids contain a large amount of mucus, rich in antiseptics and immunoglobulins, as well as starch and protein. A decoction of the roots of Lyubka bifolia (lat. Platanthera bifolia) is used for indigestion, inflammation of the bladder, as an analgesic and antiseptic.

Cremastra orchid roots ( Cremastra appendiculata) are used as a pain reliever and antidote for venomous snake bites.

Dendrobium nobile or noble ( Dendrobium noble) is used for gastrointestinal diseases, pain syndromes and as an aphrodisiac.

Kalantha trifold or triple ( Calanthe triplicata) is used to treat diarrhea, relieve swelling and various types of pain.

Anectochilus regalis ( Anoectochilus regalis) is a rare epiphytic orchid from which valuable medicinal oils are obtained.

• The orchid flower is rightfully considered one of the most unusual plants; there are many beautiful legends about it. Confucius called the orchid “The King of Fragrant Flowers.”
• In the 19th century, England was gripped by “orchid fever”: growing orchids was considered a sign of good form, and real collectors were not afraid of the price of 500 pounds for a new plant.
• The amazing beauty of the orchid fascinated Charles Darwin and inspired the scientist to create a fundamental two-volume work on orchids, which is still considered the best in this field.
• Orchids last longer than other flowers when cut, although in many countries it is not customary to give orchids as a gift.
• At the end of the 19th century, the largest orchid flower was discovered in the Malay Archipelago; its petals reached a length of 90 cm.
• According to psychologists, seeing a blooming orchid can cure depression. In addition, the orchid does not cause allergies - a rare quality for flowering plants.