When you visit countries near the Earth’s equator or below it, you can find some very beautiful orchid family varieties in the humid rainforests. These orchid plants are resilient and can be seen in many odd places such as up high in shade tress or down low on the forest ground. Some are established on rocks or other spongy materials.

It’s been stated that orchids are monocots. Why? Orchids come about from a lone seed leaf. For this reason, they have parallel-lined leaf appearances and petal arrangements. Orchids come in a wide range of colors, shapes and sizes, with the many varieties giving off an exquisite bloom, especially with those of the long stem variety.

Most orchids are either epiphytes or lithophytes. What does this mean? Essentially it means that the orchids use tree bark or big stones for mounts to develop. They do not get their food from these places. They only get the structural support they need to stay upright.

Remember that a rainforest’s climate and weather isn’t something that’s to compete with. The climate of the rainforest includes unpredictable rain, high temperatures with intense sunlight. Orchids, for many centuries, have tailored their survival mechanisms. Thus, they prefer the harsh environment to thrive and survive in the world.

How Orchids Catch Water In Humid Regions

Orchids that live in the hot weather regions generally have the ability to deal with the limited supply of water. For this reason, some orchid varieties have developed pseudobulbs; these act as a reservoir to absorb the extra moisture the plant receives during a rainstorm. It’s kept here in the reserve until the plant absolutely needs it. Other orchid varieties tend to have thick, large leaves, which do the same thing as the pseudobulbs.

Orchid roots also have structure that can control the amount of water the plant receives. Healthy orchid roots are covered in a gray sheath that absorbs water and retains the extra moisture until needed.

Preferred Temperatures

The majority of orchid varieties typically like temperatures in the 75 to 90 degree range. Orchids can survive quite well in the humid atmosphere but do thrive just as well in a home environment. Keep in mind that there are many kinds of orchids that can handle the drop in temperatures that occur in the nighttime hours. This occurs whether the plant is in its natural setting or inside a home.

Sunlight

Orchids found in the rainforest get their sunlight in dispersed measure rather than directly since there is so much vegetation the rays must go through. Like many humans, orchids are vulnerable to sunburns, which can occur if the plant receives direct sunlight. With the help of the rainforest vegetation, orchids are protected from becoming damage.

Airy Conditions

Orchids love the air exchange they get when they are in the wild. It’s hard to reproduce those kinds of conditions in a home since the atmosphere is generally enclosed with only windows that can be opened during the day to help. However, people will use a fan to give their orchids some taste of the wild and staving off problems that can occur with their plants.

Decline Of Rainforests

Orchids are facing a big crisis with the rapidly declining of rainforests; no doubt their habitat is being destroyed. However, horticulturalists are trying to spread the orchid varieties to different controlled areas but there is a growing chance that some breeds will go extinct, disappearing for good.

If you want to grow orchids for yourself, it is in yours and your orchid’s best interest to mimic their environment as close as you can. If you happen to be a greenhouse owner, your orchids will thrive in the steamy environment. If it gets cold where you live, consider purchasing a greenhouse heater to keep up the warmth. If you choose to grow your orchid inside the home, it will need very little from you, other than the occasional watering and sun shading.