Planting Orchids? Why Not Plant The Most Fragrant Types?

By Lee Dobbins

Orchids are well-known for the interesting beauty and unusual varieties but they are also loved for their wonderful fragrance. Whether used in corsages, bouquets or planted right in your garden, orchids have a wonderful scent that can sue the savage beast. There are many orchids that have marvelous smells but here is a list of some of the most fragrant orchids on the market today.

Aerangis
These are smaller sized orchids that are very fragrant in the evening hours.

Aerides
These tall lanky orchids can have good fragrance that need to be careful because some of them do not.

Ancistrochilum rothschildianum
This is a small species that is deciduous during winter.

Brassavola
The popular lady of the night orchid is out of the Brassavola species which include other orchids that give off their sense in the night.

Brassia
Not only smells good but it is striking to with its large spiderlike flowers.

Brassidium
These brassia hybrids are nicely scented and very popular today.

Brassocattleyas
A cross between cattleya and barcarole, these files can be very strongly scented.

Catasetum
This large deciduous plant bears male or female flowers and has many species that are quite fragrant concluding the tenebrosum and pileatum. There are also many popular hybrids that are very fragrant as well.

Cattleya
The most fragrant species this orchid can be iricolor, bicolor, dowiana, labiata, maxima, schilleriana, warscewiczii and mossiae. Some of the hybrids can be intensely fragrant.

Clowesia
These orchids lose their leaves during the winter time and have many species which are scented.

Dendrobium
A popular genus of orchid having tall canes which those leaves in winter. Most of this species of orchid or scented and you might recognize some of the more popular ones which include monoliforme, speciosum, nobile, kingianum, loddigesii and parishii.

Dendrochilum
these orchids have chains of tiny flowersand many of the species assented including the magnum, glumacaeum and cobbianum.

Gongora
These small and highly fragrant species can be rather short-lived.

Haraella odorata
These of a popular miniature orchids which are very fragrant.

Sedirea japonica
Cultivated in Japan these orchids can be on the small side and rather long but are highly fragrant.

Vanda
these orchids are harder to grow in northern regions and a big long a real roots. The smaller scented species include suavis, denisonia, cristata and tessellata.

Zygopetalum
Consisting of complex hybrids the species are highly scented with wonderful fragrance.

Planting orchids or growing them in pots can be a challenging but rewarding experience and with these species you're sure to get a nosefull!

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Planting Orchids? Why Not Plant The Most Fragrant Types?

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Orchid Cactus

By James Connor

Many people know about the flower called an orchid. Thisis a beautiful exotic flower that is delicate and rare. Not so many people, unless they are gardeners, are awareof the similiar beauty that an Orchid Cactus can provide.The Orchid Cactus,also known;as the epiphyllum has a magical looking flower and requires;much less maintenance than a orchid flower but offers the same radiance.

The unique element of an OrchidCactus is it's abilityto survive on the surface of other plants;yet not be parasitic.It doesnot feedoff the plantit survives on, it feeds;off the nutrientsin it's surrounding environment. Because these cactus originate in the jungle, it is easyto see why such a survival method is needed.

There are thirteen thousand different types;of this cactus and many more being created by botanists. But you don't haveto be a botanist to have your very own. It is simple to own and maintain an Orchid Cactus.There are many suppliers of this type of cactus and you can order them from the Interne twith complete instructions as to care and conditions required;.

There are many colors and sizes.Colors range from different shades or red,yellow, orange and certain purples. The width of the flower can reach enormous sizes.The Orchid Cactus gives a plante;r;the ability to own a breath taking flower, but do less work. This floweris a great investment because unlike most flowers;, this flower will bloom bigger and bigger every year. The cactus requires;maximum indirect sunlight.Access to just enough light for as long as the day allows will ensure that any planter;or gardener has a successful season. The beauty can be seen during the warmer months of the years but closes during the winter months.

Watering should not be a worry even though any under watering will cause the plant to become weak and over watering will cause the base to rot. Owners of this Cactus can purchase or create devices that are designed with an angled edge to permit the right amount of water into the planting;soil.The devices only requirere fills occasionally. One can be sure they are accurately watering yet not have to worry about it daily.It is easy and possible to own the beautiful Orchid Cactus.Watch your flower grow bigger each year. Bring one to you home and see what beauty and ease this plant can bring.

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Interesting Facts and Needs Behind Oncidium Orchids

By Carl Harrison

There are over 400 species of the Oncidium orchids; each species varies in styles, sizes and shapes. These orchids are mainly found in the tropical areas of the world. However, if you're a beginner, you'll love this flower because it grows quickly and when taken care of, it will give you lots of gorgeous blooms.

Some Interesting Facts About Oncidium Orchids

Onicidium orchids have a variety of plants. Its leaves can be slim and pencil-shaped or can be thick and rubbery. Any large orchids will produce blooms that are rather dramatic; smaller orchids will turn out delicate but attractive flowers. Oncidium orchid plants will grow to about one foot high.

Much like the Epidendrum orchids, the Oncidium are also sympodial orchids. When grown in a pot, they grow along the media you use. It's not uncommon to find them with horizontal stems. The plant growth may resemble fingers when they are on the medium's surface. When it's mounted, the orchid has a habit of growing any direction.

Needs For Oncidium Orchids

Types of Pots That Can Be Used For Oncidium Orchids

So what kinds of potting mediums should you use for you Oncidium orchids? If you want the best kind, consider using bark-based mediums. You'll still need to water your plant so that it will thrive. Along with using bark, be sure to add inorganic medias to the mix like Pearlite. This will help to ensure that the water drains out, as it should.

You can also use clay and/or plastic pots for your Oncidium orchids. No matter what medium you choose to use in the plastic container, always check it before you water your plant. If it's damp, you may want to wait before watering your plant. Plastic pots can hold water longer than other pots. If you can, consider having holes or have a mesh bottom so that you don't overwater your orchids.

If you choose to go with clay pots, you need to be aware that these allow water to effectively drain. However, keep an eye for any salt build up as this can lead to damage in your root system. How can you tell if you have salt buildup? It'll be white on the pot edges or white on top of the media you use for your orchid.

Not only do Oncidium orchids thrive while in containers, they will also do very well when mounted to a washed wood or tree fern.

Plants of this class do well when placed outside during the summer and flourish outside where it's always warm (as they do grow better in tropical climates). They'll also do well inside if placed in direct or indirect sunlight for many hours. Be sure that you keep an eye on the leaves. If it seems they are getting too much sun, adjust how much they get.

A Look Of Some Species and Hybrids of Oncidium Orchids

Non-Hybrid Plants of Oncidium Orchids

Oncidium ampliatum - These plant leaves grow up to 15 inches long. During the springtime, it blooms yellow flowers. It grows best indoors and likes warmer temperatures.

Oncidium carthagenense - This is a mule-ear Oncidium with thick leaves that can measure anywhere from six to 24 inches long. It's distinguished by its tiny purple and white flowers, which bloom during the summer months.

Oncidium cheirophorum - This plant will grow to just four inches. Yet, its leaves give way to vibrant yellow blossoms that grow in groups. It's mainly blooming during the autumn and winter months.

Hybrid Plants of Oncidium Orchids

Oncidium Sharry Baby - This orchid type has a very unique scent to it. What is that? Its smell is similar to white chocolate.

Oncidium Gower Ramsey - This hybrid plant is great for new orchid gardeners to try their hand at growing. It doesn't matter what type of medium you choose to plant it in. You can place it in a sunny area and it will still produce lots of yellow flowers.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carl_Harrison

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Different Species of Vanilla Orchids

By Jason Hobbs


The species of vanilla orchids are the genus of 110 species of the family of orchids named as Orchidaceae. These include the Vanilla Planifola Species from which derives the commercial vanilla flavoring. The name mainly comes from the Spanish word "vainilla" which is a diminutive type of "vaina" which means "sheath". This in turn, is derived from the Latin word "vagina". These species of vanilla orchids occur worldwide in the subtropical and tropical regions ranging from the tropical Asia to tropical America, West Africa and New Guinea. These vanilla orchids were known to the Aztecs. Vanilla is also grown on a commercial scale. This type of wine like plants has the monopodial habit of climbing. These have the capability of forming long wines having length exceeding 35 meters and containing alternate leaves which are spread along the length.

Characteristics:

Vanilla Orchids are native to the neo tropical region. They are mostly found in the regions including the Central Americas, Mexico, northern part of South America and the West Indies. Besides these, vanilla orchids are also found in the South East Asian regions. Vanilla orchids are both epiphytic and terrestrial in nature. They mostly grow on the other plants or on the soil and of shoot aerial roots, which capture nutrients and water.

To grow the vanilla orchid and make it to produce orchid flowers is a rewarding experience in itself. These vanilla orchid species are simple to grow in the greenhouse or garden. A redwood orchid bark or a well draining humus rich soil is just about perfect for this orchid. The temperature or humidity need not be below 40 degrees. While most people don't know the fact that there is a link between the vanilla and the orchids, actually, vanilla orchids belong to the largest and the oldest flowering plant group - the orchids. In addition, the vanilla family is only amongst all the orchids, which produce a crop that is agriculturally valuable.

More on Vanilla Orchid:

The vanilla orchids mostly grow on the edges of the tropical forests. They have fleshy, thick stems and greenish, small flowers which blossom early in the morning which are easily pollinated by bees and hummingbirds. The ovaries of the vanilla swell and then develop into fruits once they get pollinated. These ovaries are called as pods. They are similar to the thin, long runner beans. The flowers of the vanilla orchids possess a slight scent without any element of aroma or vanilla flavor. The vanilla pods develop after 4 weeks and are then dried, harvested and cured for producing the distinct flavor which millions of people know and love. A simple vanilla orchid has indirectly become an ingredient for a good taste the world over!



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Hobbs

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