Bitterroot Restoration

 

Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae

Orchidaceae family is the largest family of the flowering plants (Angiospermae). A majority of Orchids are perennial epiphytes, which grow anchored to trees or shrubs in the tropics and subtropics. Other species are lithophytes, growing on rocks or very rocky soil, or are terrestrial. Nearly all temperate orchids are terrestrial.

Like most monocots, orchids generally have simple leaves with parallel veins, although some Vanilloideae have a reticulate venation. Leaves may be ovate, lanceolate, or orbiculate, and very variable in size. Their characteristics are often diagnostic. They are normally alternate on the stem, often plicate, and have no stipules. Orchid leaves often have siliceous bodies called stegmata in the vascular bundle sheaths (not present in the Orchidoideae) and are fibrous.

Some orchids have single flowers but most have a racemose inflorescence, sometimes with a large number of flowers. The flowering stem can be basal, that is produced from the base of the tuber, like in Cymbidium, apical, meaning it grows from the apex of the main stem, like in Cattleya, or axillary, from the leaf axil, as in Vanda. The seeds are generally almost microscopic and very numerous, in some species over a million per capsule. After ripening they blow off like dust particles or spores.

Orchids are beautiful houseplant. If you have been successful with ordinary houseplants, there are orchids for you. The secret to succeeding with orchids is to choose varieties that fit your growing situation. The most limiting factor, especially in the Minnesota climate, is light. Set a houseplant in the spot where you would like an orchid to grow and place your hand between it and the light source on a sunny day. One of the most important aspects of orchid culture is the water you use. Never water them with tap water.