Orchids
ORCHIDS have been described as the most beautiful, the most sensual, the most exotic flowers in the world, largely because of their soothing fragrance, and the distinction of having three inner petals surrounded by three outer petals and a cupped petal. The family, Orchidaceae, is also the most numerous in the plant kingdom. There are about 25,000 to 30,000 known species, and they are found on all the continents — from hot tropical jungles, to the cold climes of North America… with the exception of Antartica.
They come in two types: Terrestrial and epiphytes. Terrestrial orchids such as Cymbidium,  as the term suggests, grow on the ground, while the epiphytes establish themselves on trees.
Here in Guyana, the two are referred to as ground (terrestrial) orchids and air (epiphytes) orchids. Orchids, scientists say,  have been around for over 100 million years, and  can range from the microscopic to reaching several feet in height.
Some even resemble other creatures… like bees, moths and lizards!
Secretary of the Horticultural Society of Guyana, Mrs. Coreen Alleyne says that the more prevalent colours of orchids, found mainly in the Guyana rainforest, are bright pink, yellow, mauve and white.
Most grow on trees as air orchids. The ground variety have a preference for the shade of the rainforest.
Members of the Society grow both air and ground orchids, and say that they are easy to grow, the main requirements being properly drained soil and partial shade.
Matter such as coals can be placed in the soil to ensure proper drainage, or better yet, Styrofoam, the white crinkly material used in packaging. “Orchids love Styrofoam; they stick their roots into Styrofoam and then just proliferate,” Alleyne said.
“Proper drainage is important, because orchids don’t like their roots to get wet,” she said. “Too much water at the root leads to mold and mildew, and they will eventually die.”
Orchids can be grown indoors, but would need artificial lighting. Orchid food such as the chemical ‘15/30/15’ available locally bring these fantastic flowers to bloom very quickly