When you think of orchids, you typically think of tropical rain forests rather than the fields and mountains of Ireland. But , did you know Ireland is home to approximately 30 native species of orchids? In comparison to many epiphytic orchids that grow in the treetops, all of Ireland’s native orchids are terrestrial, growing in fields, bogs and limestone crevices. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we thought you might enjoy learning about some lesser-known orchids from the green island.
Western Marsh Orchid The Western Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza occidentalis), commonly found in the Burren region of Ireland, also grows in other European countries such as Switzerland and Germany. This gorgeous orchid boasts dark spotted leaves with dense flower spikes ranging in length from 1.5” to 6”. Seven to 40 red-purple and pinkish-purple blossoms cover each spike. The Western Marsh Orchid makes for quite the site along roadsides, grasslands and marshes. May the luck of the Irish be with you and your orchids.
Happy Blooming with Better-Gro.
Mini Care These plants have the same needs as their larger counterparts: humidity, light, and warm temperatures. Water: Because of the smaller pot size, often times they will require less water than a traditional phal. We suggest that you water once weekly, making sure the pot drains entirely through the drainage holes. If you keep the plant indoors, you may need to lightly mist your mini to add humidity. Or, you can place the orchid pot in a container of water and pebbles making sure the pot is sitting on top of the rocks and not directly in the water. Temperature: Your orchid will enjoy the same temperatures that you do in your home. Keep your plant in a location that ranges between 65 and 80° F. Light: Place your mini in a bright location but avoid direct sunlight which may burn the leaves. Typically, southern or eastern facing windows are best. Plant Food: Use a water soluble, balanced plant food designed for orchids. Follow the care instructions on the label. Big Bonus Like their larger-sized cousins, mini phals will often bloom two to three times a year. We hope you enjoyed this mini tutorial. 😍 Happy Blooming from Better-Gro As you begin or continue your journey to learn more about orchids, we've pulled together a listing of basic terminology that you may encounter while researching these beautiful plants. We hope you find this list to be useful.
Aerial Roots: Roots that are above the soil’s surface – usually grown for plant support. Anther: The pollen producing part of a flower. Apical Meristem: Found at the tip of the shoot and the root of the orchid. By continually dividing its cells, it causes the plant to grow longer. Back Bulb: A pseudobulb of an orchid that remains on the plant after the terminal growth has been removed as a division. Baggy Baby: Also known as “blooming-sized orchid” or “packaged orchids” a Baggy Baby, grown and sold by Better-Gro, delivers the thrill of watching an exotic plant through all stages of its development. Bifoliate: A plant having two leaves on a pseudobulb. Column: The reproductive area of the orchid flower. Disease: Any deviation from the normal growth structure or quality of a plant that is a continuous condition producing visible symptoms, thus affecting the quality or value of the plant. Division: A form of plant propagation in which new plants are separated from the parent plant. Environment: The surroundings or conditions in which a plant lives or operates. Epiphyte: A plant that grows harmoniously upon another plant and derives its moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, and debris accumulating around it. Fertilizer: Also known as plant food. A natural or synthetic material which includes nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compounds that, when given to a plant, increases its capacity to support growth. Genus: A group of related plants consisting of two or more species possessing certain common characteristics distinct from any other group. Host: A plant that provides some or all the nutrients for a particular pest or fungus. Intermediate Orchid: A plant that falls in the middle on a growing range – meaning it is not a cool grower (grows in colder environments) or a warm grower (grows in warmer environments), but rather it can be grown in most growing environments. Keiki: Baby orchids that sprout from an orchid’s flower stems. Literally translated, “keiki” is Hawaiian for “the little one” -- and that’s just what keikis are. They’re little orchid plants. Leaf: The part of an orchid where its primary function is photosynthesis. Light: One of the key factors for growing a healthy plant. Plants use energy from light to convert carbon dioxide into food. Lip: The lower petal of an orchid used by flowers to provide a landing platform for its pollinators. Mericlone: An identical plant which was produced from tissue culture of the apical meristem. Orchidelirium: Having an obsession with orchids – inspiring scientists, collectors, and hobbyists alike. pH: A measure of the acidity in water. A measure of 6.5 pH is perfect for orchids. Pseudobulb: The storage organ found on sympodial orchids. Monopodial: Having one main stem which grows straight up. Pest: Any organism that can cause disease or injury to a plant. Rhyzome: An underground stem that connects two pseudobulbs. Sympodial: Having lateral continued growth (more than one stem) coming from a pseudobulb. Terrestrial: A plant that has roots that grow and receive nutrients from the soil. Virus: Microscopic pathogen which can be spread by insects or unsanitized equipment. For more information on orchid care, EasyOrchidGrowing.com Happy Blooming! |