Other Varieties

The Orchidacea family is one of the largest plant families in the world. Orchids are native to many countries and have adapted to survive in a plethora of different environments from the wild meadow orchids native to the UK right through to the exotic range of plants native to tropical and even artic regions. They are a much more diverse and adaptive plant than generally recognised. Though there are many species and genera this page will briefly cover some of the better-known varieties.

This image will illustrate floatsCymbidium
Cymbidiums are traditionally quite well known in the UK and have been a popular choice for many people, as they require less specific conditions for success than many other types. They are native to mountainous regions of Asia and Australia They grow from a pseudobulb, which in time can be spilt and transplanted: as one would with many herbaceous perennials. Another texture of the Cymbidium is the ability to grow it as a patio plant in the summer months; they will survive a light frost, but will need to be protected from a hard frost. Cymbidiums can get quite large and are generally more suited to a greenhouse or a conservatory than a houseplant.

This image will illustrate floatsPaphiopedilium (Slipper Orchid)
Paphiopediliums like life to be a bit warmer than Cymbidiums. They are a shade loving plant, native to India, China and the Philippines and Indonesia. Direct sun will damage the leaves of the plant but they do like a warmer temperature than Cymbidiums and are best grown as a houseplant or in a shady area of a greenhouse. There are many Hybrids of this popular collectors species and unlike many other orchids are best propagated from seed. This does mean that slight variation may occur from plant to plant. Paphiopedilium do not spilt well like a Cymbidium and are best left as one plant that can then produce more than one flower at a time.

This image will illustrate floatsVanda
Vanda's are specialist plant to grow but they are a fantastic genus for a wide range of truly stunning colours. They are normally supplied in a basket to house the aerial roots. The roots need watering regularly to maintain moisture, most plants like a humid spot. As with Phalaenopsis they like light but not direct sunlight. Although not as well known as some of the varieties the Vanda is grown due to it extremely showy flowers.