Orchids: Beauty and Exquisiteness in the Plant World

Orchids are one of the most appreciated and fascinating flowers due to their unique beauty, their variety of colors and shapes, and their delicacy. With more than 25,000 recorded species and miles of hybrids, orchids are part of the world's largest plant family, the Orchidaceae. In addition to being an elegant and exotic flower, orchids have a rich history and symbolism that has captivated cultures around the world.

Characteristics of Orchids

Orchids stand out for their symmetrical and complex flowers. Some of its key features are:

• Unique flowers: Orchid flowers have a special structure, with three sepals and three petals, one of which is largest and usually the most striking, known as the "lip". This design helps them attract specific pollinators, such as bees, butterflies or birds.
• Variety of colors and shapes: Orchids come in a wide range of colors, from whites, pinks, reds, to purples and yellows. In addition, the shapes of the flowers can be very varied, which makes them a true delight for gardening lovers.
• Epiphytic habit: Many orchids grow epiphytically, that is, they develop on other plants without harming them, generally on trees. There are also terrestrial orchids that grow in the ground, and some are even adapted to drier environments.

Flowering and Reflowering Cycle

Orchids have a well-defined flowering cycle, generally once a year, but this depends on the type of orchid and the conditions in which it is found. Some orchids, such as Phalaenopsis, can bloom for several months. It is important to know that after flowering, the flowers wilt and fall, which is completely normal.

To encourage reflowering, it is advisable to cut the flower stem when it has finished flowering, at a specific point depending on the species. In some cases, orchids may need a rest period with less watering and fertilization to recover before blooming again.