There are basically only two types of orchids but there are a lot of different varieties of orchids in the world. It has been stated that among the many families of flower in the world, orchid’s family is the largest. As a matter of fact there are actually over 25,000 species and over 100,000 hybrids of orchids. Flowers of orchids are indeed gorgeous and fascinating thus; it is appreciated as gifts and decorative plants for home or any other special occasions.

Generally speaking there are two basic types of orchids, terrestrial and epiphytes. Both types differ on how they thrive. Terrestrial orchids grow on the ground and the epiphytes grow on trees. Both are commonly seen in flower shops and gardens. Each type has its own popular flower that are mostly seen when people would shop for orchids or orchid bulbs. Both types of orchid make beautiful flowers which make them one of the most well known species of flowers in the world. In this article, I will discus more on the epiphyte orchids.

The epiphyte orchids fall under a broader category of plant life that grows above soil. This means that the term "epiphytes" is not exclusively used for orchids. Some orchids which belong to the epiphyte type are known to cling to the surface of rocks. But commonly, most of this orchid type generally grows on trees because trees provide abundant resources for them to feed. However, this does not mean that orchids clinging to the trees make use of the nutrients of the trees for them to survive. Instead, these orchids feed on the organic matters that also cling on the trees. Generally speaking, the roots and bark of the tree serve as a rich nutrients source for the plant. One example of an epiphyte orchid is the phalaenopsis orchid. Phalaenopsis can be grown easily. These orchids tend to bloom flowers with longer lifespan as compared to other orchids. You will oftentimes find them used in wedding ceremonies and other special occasions because of their soft scent, and beautiful colors. Dendrobium orchid is another type of an epiphyte orchid. This is one of the most popular among the orchid-growing community. As far as caring is concerned, dendrobium demands more care and attention as compared to cymbidium orchids. They will bloom more sporadically. There are over 1000 dendrobium species all around the world. Dendrobiums are generally found in tropical areas of the planet, namely India, South East Asia, Polynesia, and Australia. In these locations, the plant is forced to sustain itself through wet and dry periods. This is why the tough sponge-like characteristic of their roots plays a very important part on their survival. When it rains, the spongy material of the root allows the water to be absorbed until the core and give nourishment to the plant. The roots will then distribute the moisture it has collected to the tissues of the orchid. When this material changes its color to light green, it signals that the orchid's off-white coating is dry. In a home environment, it is important to let the plant reach this point of saturation before you water the plant.