Orchid Types

How Many Orchid Types Are There?

Executive Summary about Orchid Types by Charlotte T. Bailey

In general, there are only two orchid types. These are the terrestrials or those that thrive on the ground, and the epiphytes or those that thrive in trees, poles, and rocks. The most common type of orchids that can be seen almost everywhere is the terrestrial orchids. 

Amongst the many orchids, Cymbidium are those that have many different species and hybrids. They are considered as terrestrial orchid types and are known to be one of the first orchids to have been cultivated. These types of orchids are good examples of semi-terrestrial as they do not only thrive on the ground, but you can also see them growing on trees and rocks. 

On the other hand, epiphytes are those orchid types that grow roots above the ground. They thrive well in natural tropical conditions where they can receive ample amount of sunlight and rainwater. They love warm, humid, and moist conditions. 

Aside from Dendrobiums, Phalaenopsis orchids are also a popular epiphyte orchid type. These orchid types are famous for their long-lasting beautiful blooms that come in many different colors such as white, purple, red, pink, yellow, and even stripes.

Startling Facts About Orchids Types

Executive Summary about Orchid Types by Mohd Rozaidi

Orchid types are characterized according to its location, habitat, climate conditions, light requirement, growth habit and scientific classification. 

Orchids are being classified as native and non-native species. Native orchids to America include Alaskan Reid, Calypso, Green Rein, Hooded Lady's Tresses, Pacific Coralroot, Striped Coralroot, White Bog and Flower Power among others. Non-native are Cattleya, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Paphiopedilum, Phalaenopsis, Multiniopsis, Reed and so on and so forth. 

Orchids can manage to live in different habitats. It can even quickly change its terrain to suit its survival. Orchid types of this classification are divided into three groups: epiphytes, lithophytes and terrestrial. Epiphytes are orchids that can grow on trees specifically on trunks, branches, twigs and canopies. Lithophytes live on rocky terrain and high stone protrusion. Terrestrial orchids can adapt to any earthly terrain conditions.

All orchids have thrived on specific climate conditions and they are classified as: cool-climate orchids, intermediate climate orchids, and warm climate orchids.

 

Orchids can also be classified according to the intensity of the light required for them to live: High, medium and low. But the general rule is-orchid must be exposed for at least six hours from indirect sunlight regardless of its classification. 

Orchids according to growth habit are divided into two classifications: sympodial and monopodial. Sympodial growth habits are orchids in which its latest growth comes from a lateral shoot. Monopodial meanwhile are orchids which stem grows yearly from the apex. 

Orchid types are classified scientifically by identifying the species or genus name followed by a unique name given by a botanist. Classifying orchid species and identifying its type (genera) and variations are created so that we could understand more how they differ from each other in terms of the many aspects presented above.

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