While orchid plants themselves are extremely varied, in their flowers they know no bounds in terms of variation in structure and colour. The flowers are so diverse and often incredibly beautiful, in stark contrast to what some see as distinctly unattractive plants. Many people are amazed that such beautiful flowers can come from what they consider to be untidy or ugly plants, though to the true enthusiast, most orchid plants are handsome.
In cultivation, hybridization has continued apace since the middle of the 19th century, when the unique structure of the orchid flower was understood. Many early experiments failed because the growers around at that time had little knowledge of compatibility or the relationships orchids had with each other. It was soon realized, however, that most species would breed readily with others of their own genus to produce interspecific crosses.
One part of the flower has always become much exaggerated, with petals or lip dominating the flower. All these modifications have evolved to attract a specific pollinator, and to do this some orchids have gone to extraordinary lengths.
Orchids are largely insect pollinated, and their flower structure reflects this. Each flower consists of six segments - three petals and three sepals - that are known collectively as the tepals. The outer three are sepals; the inner three petals. The third of the petals has developed into the labellum, or lip, which provides an ideal landing stage for the pollinating insect. Often the lip is lightly hinged, so that it can position the insect correctly for pollination, as well as ensuring that only the rightsize insect enters the flower. In many orchids, the lip is large and highly coloured and has a bright patterning quite distinct from the rest of the flower.
Certain plants will quickly need to be moved to a less sunny aspect. Whichever room the orchids are growing in, they need to be close to the window and the light. Indoors, this light is usually available from only one direction, so remember to take full advantage of it. Always place the orchids so that the back of the plant is facing the window, with the new growths facing into the room. In this way, tender new leaves cannot become accidentally burnt, and the older pseudobulbs can be well ripened to assist flowering.
The pollen masses are golden yellow and attached to a viscid disc by two thin threads. As an insect emerges from a flower, the sticky pad attached to the pollinia adheres to its head or thorax. The anther falls away as the insect flies off, carrying the pollinia to the next bloom.
Orchids should not be stood so dose to the window that their leaves touch the glass. Ideally, double-glazed windows are best, so that in winter the old does not impinge on the plants. Blinds or curtaining prevent the plants 'Dm being too close to the window, Ahich is ideal. On winter nights, ensure that heavy curtains are drawn behind the orchids, leaving them inside the room. In summer, windows can be left open to give the orchids a flow of fresh air whenever the weather is warm enough, but this should not cause a cold draught.
The largest of all orchid flowers is produced by the slipper orchid, Phragmipedium grande. In this species, the petals hang down to a length of 45cm (18in) when held out horizontally, and the flower measures a huge 1m (3ft) across. At the opposite extreme, there are minute species of Stelis whose flowers would be covered by a pin's head. In between are thousands of highly desirable flowers from one to several inches wide.
In cultivation, hybridization has continued apace since the middle of the 19th century, when the unique structure of the orchid flower was understood. Many early experiments failed because the growers around at that time had little knowledge of compatibility or the relationships orchids had with each other. It was soon realized, however, that most species would breed readily with others of their own genus to produce interspecific crosses.
One part of the flower has always become much exaggerated, with petals or lip dominating the flower. All these modifications have evolved to attract a specific pollinator, and to do this some orchids have gone to extraordinary lengths.
Orchids are largely insect pollinated, and their flower structure reflects this. Each flower consists of six segments - three petals and three sepals - that are known collectively as the tepals. The outer three are sepals; the inner three petals. The third of the petals has developed into the labellum, or lip, which provides an ideal landing stage for the pollinating insect. Often the lip is lightly hinged, so that it can position the insect correctly for pollination, as well as ensuring that only the rightsize insect enters the flower. In many orchids, the lip is large and highly coloured and has a bright patterning quite distinct from the rest of the flower.
Certain plants will quickly need to be moved to a less sunny aspect. Whichever room the orchids are growing in, they need to be close to the window and the light. Indoors, this light is usually available from only one direction, so remember to take full advantage of it. Always place the orchids so that the back of the plant is facing the window, with the new growths facing into the room. In this way, tender new leaves cannot become accidentally burnt, and the older pseudobulbs can be well ripened to assist flowering.
The pollen masses are golden yellow and attached to a viscid disc by two thin threads. As an insect emerges from a flower, the sticky pad attached to the pollinia adheres to its head or thorax. The anther falls away as the insect flies off, carrying the pollinia to the next bloom.
Orchids should not be stood so dose to the window that their leaves touch the glass. Ideally, double-glazed windows are best, so that in winter the old does not impinge on the plants. Blinds or curtaining prevent the plants 'Dm being too close to the window, Ahich is ideal. On winter nights, ensure that heavy curtains are drawn behind the orchids, leaving them inside the room. In summer, windows can be left open to give the orchids a flow of fresh air whenever the weather is warm enough, but this should not cause a cold draught.
The largest of all orchid flowers is produced by the slipper orchid, Phragmipedium grande. In this species, the petals hang down to a length of 45cm (18in) when held out horizontally, and the flower measures a huge 1m (3ft) across. At the opposite extreme, there are minute species of Stelis whose flowers would be covered by a pin's head. In between are thousands of highly desirable flowers from one to several inches wide.
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