Orchids can be found growing in various environments around the world, either as epiphytes in tree tops or on rocks, or as terrestrial plants in moist ground. Epiphytic orchids are air plants that derive nutrients from debris and moisture in the air. There are two main types of orchid growth: sympodial growth with a creeping stem and monopodial growth with a single upward stem. Orchids require specific cultural conditions including suitable containers, temperatures, light levels, watering, humidity, and fertilizer to thrive. Common orchid varieties include Miltonia, Phalaenopsis, and Paphphlopedilum.

2. Orchids come from all parts of the world.
They can be found in the forest up in the
tree tops or on rocks.
Orchids are not as attractive as many foliage
plants when not blooming.

3. The Orchids that grow on trees are called
epiphytes. They are air plants gaining
nourishment from debris that collects on the
tree bark and moisture from the air. They are
not parasites and they have thickened leaves
and stem to store water.
Terrestrial Orchids grow on the ground.
Their roots are always moist, humid or wet.

5.  Sympodial Growth, there is a creeping stem
(rhizomes) from which the roots go down and
the leaves and flowers go up.
 In Monopodial Growth, a plant with only one
stem grows continuously upward.

7. Orchids are best known in an
area where their cultural needs
can be met.
 Containers – Orchids can be
grown in clay pots or plastic pots,
baskets, logs and driftwood.
 Temperature – Orchids fall into 3
distinct groups by good quality of
their temperature requirements.
Warm growing, Intermediate and
Cool.

8.  Light – Orchids require sun
without burning. Most healthy
orchids have light green color.
Brown spots on the leaves
indicate too much sun. Artificial
lights can be used for orchids
which mean they can be grown
on dark areas such as basement
or garage.
 Water – Orchids need enough
moisture but not too much to
make their roots soggy.
 Humidity and Ventilation –
Orchids will not thrive or bloom
in stagnant, unmoving air.
 Fertilizer

9. Miltonia, pansy orchids,
has flowers to 4 inches
wide with many many
colors and markings.
Phalaenopsis, often
called moth orchid, is
usually white, pink or
speckled(dotted).
Paphphlopedilum(often
sold as Cypripedlum) has
waxy flowers to 8 inches
wide, in many colors.

11. Chrysanthemum originated in China and later
become the national flower of Japan. It is
one of the most elegant flowers throughout
every continent except Italy where it is
associated with funerals.
Chrysanthemum is a short-day plant that is
photosensitive and produces flower buds only
as the days become shorter.

13. Gladiolus is a very showy bulbous
plant extensively grown for its
highly decorative flowers. It has
an upright rigid stem and large
flowers. There are numerous
varieties and hybrids of this
plants. The flowers come in
different colors.
This plant grow in a temperate
climate like that in Baguio City
and in full sun. It requires soil that
is slightly acidic enriched with a
little organic material and should
be well aerated or cultivated.