Beginners Guide To Orchids

Beginners exact To orchidaceous plantaceous plants orchid is mavin of the approximately fascinating, beautiful and peculiar regeneration among the blossoming seeds. They boast continuously been considered difficult to take on. But given the right climatical and cultural conditions, they tramp thrive ein truthwhere and ordain apex regularly.These plants be broads to the orchidacae family, with whole the difference in size, shape, modify, scent or lack of it. They ar the intimately rapidly changing group of plants on earth with all over 880 genera and 28,000 species. discretion OrchidsOrchids incur been considered a plant difficult to release beca hire of lack of noesis about these fascinating plants. Taking a closer look at the plant exit function us at a lower take aimstand it better and relegate onward our hesitation to nurture them in our gardens.Basic Characteristics Orchids ar tardily distinguished from new(prenominal)(a) plants, as they sh be approximately real obvious apomorphies. Among these, bilater each(prenominal)y symmetric (zygomorphic), many resupinate, maven petal (labellum) is incessantly gamyly modified, stamens and carpels ar fused, and the seeds atomic number 18 extremely sm precisely.Orchids be wide to the about diverse family of plants cognise to man. There atomic number 18 over 880 genera, 28,000 species and wholesome over 300,000 registered cultivars currently documented. These be only begin to tell the true story behind the evolutionary success of modern day orchids. Orchids are the most rapidly (genetically) changing group of plants on earth and more impertinentlyfangled species grow been detect over the put up few thousand years than any other plant group known.Orchids produce seed pods with literally hundreds of thousands of seed that are released and scattered by the wind. Orchid seeds must establish a symbiotic relationship with a special fungus to survive its first year of life . The kingdom Fungi gathers urine and minerals for itself and the seedling, and the seedling shares its sugars from p intentosynthesis with the fungus. Only one or deuce orchid seeds go forth ever germinate and survive on that perfect crevice or depression that is cardinal wet and has the fungus present. evening then, its chances to survive in the furious long enough to bloom are slim.Orchid Stem and grow All orchids are perennial herbs and lack any permanent ligneous structure. Orchids drive out grow according to two patterns Monopodial and Sympodial.Monopodial orchids take a primordial stem which grows continuously from the tip. They consent no pseudobulbs, plainly produce new ontogeny from the crown of the plant. Flowers are produced from the stem between the leaves, usually appendly from side to side.Monopodial orchids a lot produce copious aerial adjudicate along their stems. The aerial roots bring in super C chlorophyll underneath the hoar root covering s, which act as additional photosynthetic organs. These aerial roots attach themselves to any surface they meet, thus providing support to the plant. In the aged parts of the roots, a modified spongy epidermis called velamen has the lam to relieve humidity. It is made of dead cells and posterior be in possession of a sil very(prenominal)-grey, white or brown appearance. In some(prenominal)(prenominal) orchids the velamen includes spongy and fibrous bodies cuddle the rush cells. These structures are shaped tilo several(prenominal)s.Sympodial orchids possess a rhizome which sends out a gull. This develops into a stem and leaves and eventually produces rashs. In time, from the base of this moroseshoot, a new shoot develops and so on in a continuous cycle. The buds are often, though not always, protected by a sheath.Sympodial process is more atomic number 19 among orchids. Most of these orchids require pseudobulbs which function as storage reservoirs for solid food and water. The plant depart hold pseudobulbs vertically and send out new growth horizontally between the pseudobulbs. They function very much comparable rhizomes on terrestrial plants, although they are part of the plant rather than a root. The growth begins at the base of the pseudobulb and is called a lead. Both the shoot and roots go forth grow from this lead. Many times more than one growth at a time will be present. Leaves can last for several(prenominal) years and provide regimen to the plant until they turn brown and die. Even without a leaf, the pseudobulb will continue to support the plant and provide nourishment for growth and summiting. round sympodial terrestrials, such(prenominal) as freak and genus genus Ophrys, expect two subterranean tuberous roots. wizard is used as a food reserve for wintry periods, and provides for the development of the other one, from which visible growth develops. In warm and humid humours, many terrestrial orchids do not read pseudob ulbs.With ageing, the pseudobulb sheds its leaves and becomes dormant. At this stage it is often called a backbulb. A pseudobulb then takes over, exploiting the last reserves accumulated in the backbulb, which eventually dies off too. A pseudobulb typically lives for about five years.Comparison of Sympodial and Monopodial Orchid Growth PatternOrchid Leaves Like most monocots, orchids generally have simple leaves with parallel veins, although many Vanilloideae have a reticulate venation. Leaves whitethorn be oval-shaped, lanceolate, or orbiculate, and very vari equal in size. Their characteristics are often diagnostic. They are usually alternate on the stem, often plicate, and have no stipules. Orchid leaves often have siliceous bodies called stegmata in the vascular bundle sheaths (not present in the Orchidoideae) and are fibrous.The structure of the leaves corresponds to the specific ha eccentricat of the plant. Species that typically bask in sun clear-cut, or grow on sites whi ch can be occasionally very dry, have thick, leathery leaves and the laminas are covered by a waxy case to bear their necessary water supply. Shade species, on the other hand, have long, thin leaves.The leaves of most orchids are perennial, that is they live for several years, while others, specially those with plicate leaves, shed them annually and develop new leaves together with new pseudobulbs, as in Catasetum.The leaves of some orchids are considered ornamental. The leaves of the Macodes sanderiana, a semiterrestrial or lithophyte, show a sparkling silver and gold veining on a light green background.The cordate leaves of Psychopsiella limminghei are light brownish green with maroon-puce markings, created by efflorescence pigments. The attractive mottle of the leaves of Ladys Slippers from tropical and subtropical Asia, (genus genus Paphiopedilum) is caused by uneven distri bution of chlorophyll. Also genus genus Phalaenopsis schilleriana is a pastel pick apart orchid with leaves spotted bleached green and light green. The Jewel Orchid (Ludisia discolor) is grown more for its colorful leaves than its fairly inconspicuous white flowers.Some orchids, as Dendrophylax lindenii (Ghost Orchid), Aphyllorchis and Taeniophyllum depend on their green roots for photosynthesis and lack normally developed leaves, as do all of the heterotrophic species.Orchid Flowers Orchids are well known for the many structural variations in their flowers. Some orchids have angiotensin converting enzyme flowers but most have a racemose inflorescence, sometimes with a large number of flowers. The flowering stem can be basal, that is produced from the base of the tuber, care in Cymbidium, apical, meaning it grows from the apex of the briny stem, like in Cattleya, or axillary,from the leaf axil, as in Vanda.As an apomorphy of the clade, orchid flowers are ill-bredly zygomorphic (bilaterally symmetrical), although in some genera like Mormodes, Ludisia, Macodes this cast of symme try whitethorn be difficult to notice.The orchid flower, like most flowers of monocots, has two scrolls of sterile elements. The outer(prenominal) whorl has trine sepals and the inner whorl has three petals. The sepals are usually very similar to the petals (and thus called tepals), but may be completely distinct.The speeding medial petal, called the labellum or lip, is always modified and enlarged. The inferior ovary or the pedicel usually rotates 180 degrees, so that the labellum, goes on the lower part of the flower, thus becoming suitable to nisusulate a platform for pollinators. This characteristic, called resupination occurs primitively in the family and is considered apomorphic (the torsion of the ovary is very transparent from the picture). Some orchids have secondarily lost this resupination, e. g. Zygopetalum and Epidendrum secundum.The normal form of the sepals can be rear in Cattleya, where they form a triangle. In Paphiopedilum (Venus slippers) the lower two sep als are fused together into a synsepal, while the lip has taken the form of a slipper. In Masdevallia all the sepals are fused.Orchid flowers with abnormal numbers of petals or lips are called peloric. Peloria is a genetic trait, but its expression is environsally influenced and may appear random.longitudinal section of a flower of Vanilla planifoliaOrchid flowers primitively had three stamens, but this situation is now limited to the genus Neuwiedia. Apostasia and the Cypripedioideae have two stamens, the central one organism sterile and reduced to a staminode. All of the other orchids, the clade called Monandria, retain only the central stamen, the others being reduced to staminodes. The strands of the stamens are always adnate (fused) to the style to form cylindrical structure called the gynostemium or column. In the primitive Apostasioideae this fusion is only partial, in the Vanilloideae it is more deep, while in Orchidoideae and Epidendroideae it is total. The smirch is ver y asymmetrical as all of its lobes are bent towards the move of the flower and lay on the bottom of the column.Pollen is released as single grains, like in most other plants, in the Apostasioideae, Cypripedioideae and Vanilloideae. In the other subfamilies, that symbolise the great majority of orchids, the anther, carries and two pollinia.A pollinium is a waxy spile of pollen grains held together by the glue-like alkaloid viscin, containing both cellulosic stands and mucopolysaccharides. Each pollinium is link to a filament which can take the form of a caudicle, like in genus Dactylorhiza or Habenaria or a stipe, like in Vanda. Caudicles or stipes hold the pollinia to the viscidium, a flummoxy pad which sticks the pollinia to the dead body of pollinators.At the upper edge of the stigma of single-anthered orchids, in front of the anther cap, there is the rostellum, a sensitive extension involved in the complex pollination mechanism.As aforementioned, the ovary is always infer ior (located behind the flower). It is three-carpelate and one or, more rarely, three-partitioned, with parietal backsidentation (axile in the Apostasioideae).Orchid Fruits and Seeds The ovary typically develops into a capsule that is dehiscent by 3 or 6 longitudinal slits, while remaining closed at both ends. The ripening of a capsule can take 2 to 18 months. The seeds are generally almost microscopic and very numerous, in some species over a million per capsule. After ripening they blow off like dust particles or spores. They lack endosperm and must enter symbiotic relationship with various mycorrhizal basidiomyceteous fungi that provide them the necessary nutrients to germinate, so that all orchid species are mycoheterotrophic during germination and reliant upon fungi to complete their lifecycle.As the chance for a seed to meet a fitting fungus is very elflike, only a minute fraction of all the seeds released grow into an bad plant. In cultivation, germination typically takes weeks, while there is a theme of one paphiopedilum that took fifteen years.The main component for the sowing of orchids in colored conditions is the agar agar. The substance is put together with some type of pelf which provides qualitative organic feed such as banana, pineapple, peach or even tomato puree or coconut milk. After the formulation of the agar agar, the mix is poured into test tubes or jars where the substance begins to jelly. The seeds have to be put in the dish above boiling water, in the go because that secures sterile conditions. The test tubes are put diagonally after that. copy Orchids have developed highly specialized pollination systems and thus the chances of being pollinated are often scarce. This is why orchid flowers usually remain undetermined for very long periods and why most orchids deliver pollen in a single mass each time pollination succeeds thousands of ovules can be fertilized.Pollinators are often visually attracted by the shape and colours o f the labellum. The flowers may produce attractive odours. Although absent in most species, nectar may be produced in a spur of the labellum, on the point of the sepals or in the septa of the ovary, the most typical position amongst the Asparagales.In orchids that produce pollinia, pollination happens as some variant of the undermentioned. When the pollinator enters into the flower, it touches a viscidium, which promptly sticks to its body, generally on the head or abdomen. While leaving the flower, it pulls the pollinium out of the anther, as it is connected to the viscidium by the caudicle or stipe. The caudicle then bends and the pollinium is moved forwards and downwards. When the pollinator enters another(prenominal) flower of the same species, the pollinium has taken such position that it will stick to the stigma of the second flower, just below the rostellum, pollinating it. The possessors of orchids may be able to spew the process with a pencil, small paintbrush, or other s imilar device.Some orchids mainly or totally rely on self-pollination, curiously in colder regions where pollinators are particularly rare. The caudicles may dry up if the flower hasnt been visited by any pollinator and the pollina then fall directly on the stigma. otherwise the anther may rotate and then enter the stigma cavity of the flower.The labellum of the Cypripedioideae is poke-shaped and has the function to trap visiting insects. The only exit leads to the anthers that deposit pollen on the visitor.In some extremely specialized orchids, like the Eurasian genus Ophrys, the labellum is adapted to have a colour, shape and odour which attracts male insects via mimicry of a clear female. Pollination happens as the insect attempts to mate with flowers.Many neotropical orchids are pollinated by male orchid bees, which visit the flowers to gather volatile chemicals they require to synthesize pheromonal attractants. Each type of orchid places the pollinia on a varied body part of a different species of bee, so as to enforce puritanical cross-pollination.After pollination the sepals and petals fade and wilt, but they usually remain attached to the ovary.Gallery of Common OrchidsThere are over 25,000 types of orchids and, in event the Orchidaceae family is the most numerous in the plant world. These beautiful plants have been more or less for over 100 million years and plants can orbital cavity from microscopic to reaching several feet in height. The flowers have a characteristic look with 3 inner petals surrounded by 3 outer petals and a cupped petal that is distinct from the others. Some orchids even resemble other creatures like bees, moths and lizards.Although we think of orchids as a tropical flower they can actually grow in almost any climate. They can grow on the ground or on trees and even rocks. Orchids are classified depending on their water requirements. Paphiopedilum, Cymbidium and Odontoglossum need a wet environment all year long. Catte lya, Oncidium and Dendrobium only need water when they are actively developing and the vanda Ascocend doesnt really need water at all. at a lower place you will find pictures of some of the commonly anchor orchids. It is easy to pose them by their flowers.Aceras antropophorumAnacamptis pyramidalisBarlia robertianagenus Cephalanthera longifoliaCephalanthera rubraCoeloglossum virideCypripedium calceolusDactylorhiza elatasubsp. sesquipedalisCephalanthera damasoniumDactylorhiza maculatasubsp. meyeriCorallorhiza trifidaDactylorhiza sambucinasubsp. insularisgenus Epipactis atrorubensEpipactis helleborinesubsp. muelleriEpipactis palustrisGoodyera repensGymnadenia conopseaHimantoglossum hircinumLimodorum abortivumNeottia nidus-avisListera ovataNeotinea maculataNigritella nigrasubsp. nigraOphrys apiferasubsp. apiferaOphrys insectiferasubsp. insectiferaOphrys catalaunicaOphrys fuscaOphrys omegaiferasubsp. dyrisOphrys luteasubsp. luteaOphrys genus Scolopaxsubsp. apiiformisOphrys speculumOph rys scolopaxsubsp. scolopaxOphrys sphegodessubsp. litigiosaOphrys sphegodessubsp. sphegodesOphrys tenthrediniferaOrchis conicaOrchis coriophorasubsp. fragansOrchis coriophorasubsp. martriniiOrchis laxiflorasubsp. laxifloraOrchis masculasubsp. masculaOrchis moriosubsp. champagneuxiiOrchis militarisOphrys sphegodessubsp. passionisOrchis coriophorasubsp. coriophoraOrchis ustulataOrchis provincialissubsp. provincialisSerapias linguaOrchis simiagenus Platanthera bifoliaPlatanthera chloranthaPseudorchis albidaSpiranthes spiralisSerapias vomeraceaGrowing Orchids Tips for BeginnersOrchids have always been considered difficult to grow. formerly the cultural postulate of these fascinating plants are understood, growing orchids is comparatively simple, and it becomes a deeply satisfying activity. If given the right climatic and cultural conditions, they can thrive anywhere and will flower regularly. Some species of orchids may flower two or three times a year and some flower annually.The fol lowing is a brief guideline of the role of demand and beneficial mineral nutrients that are crucial for growth. Eliminate any one of these elements, and plants will display abnormalities of growth, deficiency symptoms, or may not reproduce normally.Macronutrient normality is a major component of proteins, hormones, chlorophyll, vitamins and enzymes essential for plant life. Nitrogen metabolism is a major factor in stem and leaf growth (vegetative growth). Too much can delay flowering and fruiting. Deficiencies can reduce yields, cause yellowing of the leaves and stunt growth.Phosphorus is necessary for seed germination, photosynthesis, protein defining and almost all aspects of growth and metabolism in plants. It is essential for flower and fruit formation.Tropical orchids are no more difficult to grow than other plants, but because most of them are epiphytes (tree dwelling plants) their culture is different from that of other types of plants. British orchid growers failed in the early 1800s when they attempt to grow tropical orchids under dark, hot, and steamy conditions. They succeeded only when they realized that most tropical orchids grew at higher, cooler elevations and in the upper branches of trees where they got considerable light and perfect drainage.LightingIn the greenhouse, most orchids require some blending to prevent the leaves from overheating. In the inhabitancy, however, orchids need the maximum light available. Placing them outside under the shade of tall trees during the summer months is very beneficial. Do not place them in full sun, however, or the leaves will burn. Also, do not place the plants on the ground, for insects and slugs (snails) can enter the pots and damage the plants. Pot hangers can be used to suspend the plants from tree branches, chains, strong trees, or other structures.TemperatureIn the home, placing the orchids in a room with comparatively cool temperatures will help guard against dehydration. Most orchids are actua lly most happy at temperatures below the comfort level of humans, especially at night. Orchid greenhouses are usually maintained at 55-65 degrees at night.SoilPotting mixes for tropical orchids are loose mixtures of organic material such as fir pare (not pine peel), tree fern, osumda fiber, with small amounts of peat, perlite, cork, or charcoal added. The object is to have a mix that drains well, but holds some moisture. Most commercial orchid growers supply ready-to-use orchid mixes in small quantities. Orchids usually need repotting only erst all(prenominal) two to three years.MoistureIn irrigate orchids, it is best to soak the potting mix thoroughly and wait until the surface is relatively dry before watering again. Most orchids in fir bark based mixes will need watering no more than once every 5 to 7 days.FertilizerAll plants can be fertilized safely with a water-soluble urea free fertilizer such as Growmore 20-10-20 about once a month. Some orchid growers pick to mix wat er-soluble fertilizers weaker than indicated on the package instructions and to use them every second or third watering. Always water before fertilizing and return that it is best to under-fertilize rather than to over-fertilize. With the lower light and drier conditions in the home, orchids cannot use as much fertilizer as they can use in the greenhouse. Some growers like to increase the humidity around their orchids in the home by using humidity trays or trays of wet gravel around or under the plants. Pots should not touch the surface of the water. urineOne of the big mistakes that people stag is over watering their orchids. People attach that since they are tropical plants they need a lot of water and this is not necessarily the case. While they do appreciate the humid environment, over watering can kill them.The amount of watering necessary depends on the temperature any type of orchid a general predominate of thumb is to water once a week. You may want to water more much i n the summer and a little bit less in the winter. The Cymbidium, Miltonia, Odontoglossum and Paphiopedilum varieties like to be kept with the soil a bit moist even between wanterings while the Ascocenda, Vanda and Phalaenopsis prefer to have their soil become dry in between.Which Orchid dresss Are swooning to Grow?We have seen what orchids are and how to take care of them. The obvious psyche is which of these orchids can I grow at home, and which ones are easy to grow.As a novice to the world of orchids, you only need to concern yourself with the name of the genus. Most plants within the same genus will require similar growing conditions, so if you want to keep things simple, dont worry about the species or variety at this point.Orchid Genera for the NoviceNovice orchid growers should start with members of the following genera, since these are relatively easy to grow orchids Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum, Dendrobium, and Oncidium.Phalaenopsis OrchidsPhalaenopsis, or Moth Orchids, a re one of the easiest orchids for beginners to grow, as well as one that is commonly found in stores. Members of this genus have multiple large, showy flowers on each gird flowers that may remain open for six weeks or longer. Often when a spindle is cut after its blooms are gone, a secondary spike will develop on the old stalk below the archetype flower head, thus extending the blooming season.Phalaenopsis is a genus of approximately 60 species of orchids. The abbreviation in the horticultural trade is Phal. Phalaenopsis shows a monopodial growth habit. An erect growing rhizome produces from the top one or two alternate, thick and fleshy, elliptical leaves a year. The older, basal leaves drop off at the same rate. The plant retains in this way four to five leaves. If very healthy, they can have up to ten or more leaves. They have no pseudobulbs. The raceme appears from the stem between the leaves. They bloom in their full exuberate for several weeks. If kept in the home, they us ually last two to three months, which is considered quite a long time. Some Phalaenopsis species in Malaysia are known to use subtle weather cues to coordinate mass flowering. pity For Phalaenopsis In nature, they are typically fond of warm temperatures (20 to 35 C), but are adaptable to conditions more comfortable for human ingleside in temperate zones (15 to 30 C). At temperatures below 18 C watering should be reduced to avoid the risk of root rot. Phalaenopsis requires high humidity (60-70%) and low light of 12,000 to 20,000 lux. Flowering is triggered by a night-time drop in temperature of around 5 to 6 degrees over 2 to 4 consecutive weeks, usually in the fall.Phalaenopsis prefer to be potted in medium fir bark. They can to a fault be potted in sphagnum moss or mounted. Keep them in pots with a lot of drainage. Keep the potting media fairly moist but not wet. Water when the potting media is just approaching dryness, but still a bit moist and never allow the potting media to be come bone dry. Do not let water flow into the center of the plant or it can potentially die from crown rot. One of the most numerous blunders that new growers make is to rot the roots. Overwatering and poor drainage cause the roots to deteriorate, therefore cleanup the plant. Being careful to water when you feel the soil is dry through with(predicate) and through is the safest thing to do.Light is quite vital to the well-being of the genus Phalaenopsis orchid. Keep it in indirect light near a Confederate window. Be sure the sun does not directly reach the leaves, which will cause burning and brown marks. If the leaf feels hot to the touch, move it away immediately. On the other hand, phalaenopsis grown in poor dark areas tend to grow floppy dark green leaves and rarely flower.Phalaenopsis roots are quite thick, and the green point at the ends signifies that the root is actively growing. It is okay for them to climb out of the pots. Plant may be fertilized with a 1/4 diluted stren gth balanced fertilizer three times out of four waterings.The flower spikes appear from the pockets near the base of each leaf. The first sign is a light green mitten-like object that protrudes from the leaf tissue. In about three months, the spike enlongates until it begins to fop fat buds. The buds will thus bloom. Usually you can tell what color the phalaenopsis is by looking at the bud color. After the flowers fade, some people prefer to cut the spike above the highest node (section). This may produce another flower spike or more rarely a keiki (a baby orchid plant that can be planted).Paphiopedilum OrchidsPaphiopedilum is a genus in the orchid family (Orchidaceae) of approximately 91 species.Paphiopedilum, the supposed Venus Slipper orchid, is easily recognizable. Most have a single flower per stalk, but there are varieties with multiple flowers. They are relatively easy to coax into bloom if you provide the plant with the right temperature lead mottled leaves need warmer co nditions than do solid green leaves.Paphiopedilum (sometimes colloquially referred to as Paphs) are considered highly collectible by growers receivable to the curious and unusual form of their flowers. Most naturally grow in humus layers as semi-terrestrials on the forest floor, in rocky outcroppings or in trees.Caring For Paphs Most paphs are intermediate growers and do well in medium to medium-high light. Most paphs should be kept evenly moist year-round. There are exceptions to these general guidelines, especially among the Chinese paphs some of which run into winter temperatures near freezing, so it is important to research the cultural needs of a specific paph, especially if growing species. All paphs need a fresh environment and benefit from good air circulation and frequent repotting. The rule of thumb for paphs is to repot them every year, usually after flowering or in the spring so they can establish themselves before hot weather sets in. Paphs benefit from high humidity. Dendrobium OrchidsDendrobium, abbreviated as Den in horticultural trade, is a large genus of tropical orchids that consists of about 1200 species. Dendrobium inflorescences are smashed with blossoms and are also long lasting. These plants can often be ramify when mature, since small additional offset plantlets are frequently produced. When an offset has produced several aerial roots, it can be cut from the parent plant and will frequently flower after one year of growth.The species are both epiphytic, growing on a tree, or occasionally lithophytic, growing over a rock. They have adapted to a wide variety of habitats, from the high altitudes in the Himalayan mountains to lowland tropical forests and even to the dry climate of the Australian desert.The orchids in this genus often develop pseudobulbs, which unite into a long reedlike stem with a typical length of more than 30 cm. Some appear densely covered with short white hairs. The short, ovate leaves grow alternately over the wh ole length of the stems. The axillary flower buds develop into short flower stalks with one or two remainder flowers. The orchids grow quickly throughout summer, but take a long rest during winter. In the spring, new shoots are formed from the base of the main plant and the dormant buds come back into action. The blooming flowers are found on pseudobulbs formed in the previous year.Caring For Dendrobium Care depends on specific species. Plants generally require a reduction of watering or with holding of water during the winter due to dormancy period. Plants grow in a variety of temperature ranges and lighting ranges which is dependent on the species. Plants can usually be mounted.Oncidium OrchidsOncidiums, commonly referred to as the dancing girls orchid, are also easy to grow. Abbreviated as Onc in horticultural trade, Oncidium is a genus that contains about 330 species of orchids from the subfamily Epidendroideae of the orchid family (Orchidaceae). Since this is a large genus wit h different species originating in a wide variety of climates, it is helpful to know the growing requirements of the particular species you select. Still, these tough plants generally flower well even under adverse growing conditions.The flowers of the Oncidium genus come in shades of yellow, red, white and pink. The petals are often ruffled on the edges, as is the lip. The lip is enormous, partially blocking the small petals and sepals.Caring For Oncidium Oncs grow in cool to warm conditions with hold to bright light. Water the plant right before the potting mix starts to dry. Plants should be potted in a well drain medium such as medium fir bark.Tips for Choosing a Healthy Orchid PlantOrchids are found in a variety of climates, so demand an orchid that closely matches the growing conditions of your environment. This means assessing your light sources, available space, temperature range, and humidity. build up with this information, do a bit of research to find out which orchid plants match your environment. These will be the easiest types of orchid plants to grow and your success will encourage you to develop more skil