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About Orchid Lifestyle Like me, you may also want to know how orchids survive in nature.
Orchids have become a popular plant worldwide for their amazing flowers. From nature, orchids have now entered the house as houseplants. But how they can survive in the sun and rain in nature is really amazing!
What is an orchid plant?
Orchids are members of the Orchidaceae family. They grow as epiphytes, not parasites. They reproduce through pollination, without harming the host plant. Although the exact number is not known, it is estimated that there are about 30,000 species of orchids worldwide. It also contains some rare species which are disappearing from nature.
Names of some orchid plants found in nature are quite popular!
1. Variegatum
2. Lonopsis
3. Panaticulata
4. Encyclica
5. Phalaenopsis
Where do orchids grow in the wild?
Orchids are scattered throughout the world except for the Atlantic continent. Orchids grow as epiphytes in dense forests under dead trees, on large rocks (lithophytic), on soil, and on large trees.
Some species of orchids can be found growing in terrestrial soil.
Life in the Rainforest
Orchids are abundant in tropical rainforests. They can sustain their existence in the rainforest. The life cycle of orchids shows that they can exist with nature by breeding in rainforests. Some species of orchids can retain rainwater in rainforests.
Taking nutrients from the air
Orchid plants receive food from the air through their roots and thick leaves. It also collects food through the leaves in the process of photosynthesis.
They can climb up to tree saplings or their prey can come down to the ground from trees.
They need water while taking food from the air. They have adapted their structure to retain water. They can hold up to 4-8 liters of water in nature.
Orchids appear to feed or do not harm the host plant throughout their life cycle.
Terrestrial orchids take in organic nutrients through the roots, such as dead animal carcasses, decaying plant remains, etc. along with the soil.
Breeding
Although orchids can be challenging to propagate because they grow on trees, they can reproduce independently. Some species of orchids are capable of producing flowers whose sweet scent attracts insects, including bees, which are then spread through pollination.
Epiphytic orchids tend to produce more seeds than terrestrial orchids. Since they are host to plants, these seeds do not spread easily so more seeds are produced to make up for the failed sun. Terrestrial orchids disperse their seeds by eating plants and other animals including herbivores such as deer, and rabbits. Terrestrials thus grow in nature.
Orchids in ecosystems
You’d be surprised that orchids are a major ecosystem supporter. They add beauty to nature as well as intermingle with nature’s systems and connect themselves to the activities of the material system.
Orchids from the bromeliad family have gill-like structures that store water.
Insects such as birds, as well as frogs, use this water and end up spreading their larvae. The flowers of these orchids attract a variety of insects including ants, bees, and flies, which help with pollination. This process plays a crucial role in the dispersal of orchids throughout the forest.
Orchids are attached to plants
Orchids can be attached to the largest plants in your home and grow as they grow in nature. To start, you will need to obtain orchids from your home orchard or a nursery. Once you have the orchids, remove the soil and pot from the nursery. It is essential to ensure that the roots of the orchid are entirely free from the soil.
To secure the plant, you may need to use materials such as rope, large tree bark, bark, leaves, etc.
You first cover the holes with bark. Choose a part of the plant that does not get direct light on your orchid plant (choose a shady spot) where the orchids can grow freely. Then you twist the roots of the orchid to the tree with the rope. They will adjust themselves to the plant over time. You can occasionally spray water on their roots and branches.
You will get an idea by watching the video
