Introduction To Orchids

Author: Jon Kelly
via articlesbase

Orchids are a very unique family of flowers; they are the largest family of flowering plants. The orchid has evolved so successfully that there is only one continent in the world where they do not grow naturally - Antarctica. The evolutions of the orchids mean that they have learnt to adapt to each individual environment. During this process of adaptation the orchid has drawn on arachnids, insects, birds and butterflies to ensure its successful pollination. We all have an idea that orchids are a beautiful flower - some are not, however, their achievements of survival still make them worthy of admiration.

The orchid family divides into three sections, Firstly the sympodial; this has developed in dry climates and stores water in swollen stems a sort of 'pseudo bulb'. The second type is a monopodial; this type of orchid has one upward growing stem, a rhizome, and continually produces new leaves from an apex. This type does not reproduce easily, but if the main stem is damaged it may produce a new young plant from the base. The third and least common type of orchid is the diapodial; it grows in a similar manner to the sympodials, but without the bulbs.

Orchids grow and gather their food and moisture by different means as well. Most orchids attach themselves to trees or twigs, some to rock while the third place themselves more conventionally in soil.

The needs of an orchid are much less than many plants, this has been key to its survival. As with all plants the roots are the means of nourishing the orchid, however, with an orchid the roots have another function, they are the means of the orchid anchoring them self. It is the roots of the epiphytic orchid which holds it to the tree or rock with out which the orchid may perish. These exposed roots will absorb from the atmosphere the necessary moisture for survival; an orchid which is anchored to a tree may also absorb nourishment from the bird droppings or moulds on the bark of the tree.

The orchid is recognized as an exotic plant and has become the obsession of many an avid gardener. The wide variety of orchid plants means that there is a plant to suit almost every environment and if desired anyone can nurture an orchid. The range of orchids is constantly growing and a record of the different types is kept at the Royal Horticultural Society in London. This record contains all the recognized naturally occurring orchids as well as the hybrid orchids. Some orchids are now so rare that they are classified as endangered and protected by law. In the US there are certain orchids which are so rare that if you are caught picking or damaging one it is punishable under both federal and state law!

Orchid hybrids are naturally occurring as well and bred by enthusiasts. The ability of the orchid to evolve means that it is continually changing, it is possible that there are orchid hybrids formed and lost faster than man can record them. This is why the orchid has appealed to so many people; the survival of the orchid captures the imagination and then the sight of its delicate flowers draw people in to its world of wonders.

Indoor Bonsai Trees

author: Bob Bastian
source: articlesbase.com

An inside bonsai tree is going to be a great looking creature. They are going to be formal plants that sit up and are going to be different from anything else that you have ever seen. You will notice that you are going to love the way that these creations look and how they make you feel as well.

The formal bonsai inside tree is going to be known by the trunk and the tree branches that taper off and look unique. The informal look is the one that will bend and curve over slightly and will be the one that you see the most of. You will notice that many people have these inside bonsai trees in their homes. They are going to be the most popular tree that you see.

The cascade and semi cascade inside bonsai trees are going to be the molded trees that will grow over water and on the side of mountains. The semi cascade does not lean as much downhill as the cascade style does. The raft looking bonsai trees are going to be planted on their side and can also include many others styles like the sinuous, straight, and the group planting styles. These will be the ones that give off the illusion of a group of beautiful trees and will actually be the branches of the tree that is grown on it's side.

The anthurium is the most popular of the bonsai inside trees and the one that will have the lasting flowers. These are going to be a beautiful looking red and will be the best known flowers in the world when it comes to the bonsai style. The Real Hawaiian lava rock is going to be the bonsai tree that is hand selected to give off a happy home for the Anthodium and it will be a special tree that many love for different reasons.

Jasmine is the plant that has the busy vines that have trained to have its own tree form. It is going to have shiny and dark leaves and great smelling white flowers that you absolutely fall in love with from the start. The waxy snow is going to be the flowers that are going to be larger and will have a great looking cluster about them.
You can make your home look great with all the different colors of bonsai inside trees and you will love the way that your home looks as well as smells. You will feel good and have a great time placing all of your favorite bonsai trees anywhere that you want.

Add A Touch Of The Exotic

Author: Stephen Dolan
Source: articlesbase.com

Are you getting bored with your house? Are you getting tired of seeing the same plants over and over? Do you want an easy and quick way to spice things up? If so, you should consider using exotic plants to change the look and feel of your house. After all, an exotic plant or a vase of ornamental exotic flowers is a heck of a lot cheaper than new furniture and less time consuming than painting the walls a vibrant new color. This article highlights some of the best exotic plants you can use in your home.

Bird of Paradise

There are few exotic plants more impressive than the bird of paradise. A native of South Africa (where it is called the crane plant), the bird of paradise can now be found all over the world, a result of its obvious beauty. Standing as much as two meters tall, the bird of paradise is commonly used for ornamental purposes. The bird of paradise was given its name because of its similarity to the bird species of the same name; the bird of paradise's fan shaped stems are said to resemble the head and beak of a bird.

Hawaiian flowers

As with anything to do with Hawaiian culture, Hawaiian flowers are very popular at the moment. Hawaiian flowers are especially good if you are trying to give your house a tropical feel, and are sure to be the perfect exotic plant to give your flower arrangement a carefree, summery look. And there are few plants more exotic and unique than a Hawaiian lava plant, grown on the Big Island right on the lava stone. The main kinds of lava plants you want to look for are bromeliad and anthurium lava plants. Each of these lava plants is vibrantly colored. The colourful middle stem of the bromeliad is surrounded by a circle of fronds. And most anthurium plants have a heart shaped flower that is so bright it looks like glossy paint. Don't settle for roses and tulips, they have been done to death. What could be more romantic and memorable than a heart shaped potted anthurium plant?

Orchids

Orchids are the most popular exotic plants. The reason for this is many people think they are simply the most beautiful exotic plant in the world. Orchids are also surprisingly easy to grow, and the blooms of live plants last for weeks or even months. Even though orchids are extremely popular, there are so many different kinds of orchids, you can easily pick orchids as your exotic plants without too much fear that you are just following the crowd. Indeed, there are literally thousands upon thousands of different varieties of flowering orchids.

Exotic flowers are an easy way to make an impressive and unique design statement in your home. Instead of getting the same kinds of plants from the same places, it's time to branch out into exotic plants and shake up your routine! Turn your drab room around with a bird of paradise, Hawaiian lava plant or beautiful orchid. Or even get creative and mix all three of these exotic plants.