Orchids

When people talk about orchids they usually mean the common cymbidium orchid, which is often used in corsages and flower arrangements. However, there are over 20,000 species of orchids, and they make up the largest of all the plant families. Many are epiphytes (ie they live on other plants but do not parasitise those plants), others live on rocks, on the ground or even underground. Epiphytes usually grow from a creeping root stock, and produce thickened stems called pseudobulbs to store their moisture and food. When it comes to growing requirements, orchids vary tremendously.