The orchid family, “Orchidaceae”, has a long history as a symbol of class, virility and luxury. From the Greeks to the Aztecs to the Chinese, orchids have been greatly appreciated for their special characteristics. Orchids are quite robust in interbreeding with more than 25,000 varieties and more than 110,000 diverse hybrids and counting.

The ancient Greeks penned the name, “orchis”, referring to the twin oval tubers of the orchid. They saw the orchid as a symbol of virility and used it as an aphrodisiac.

The Aztecs used the Vanilla Orchid (planifolia) – which is the most popular orchid in the world – mixed with chocolate as a potent mixture for strength and power.

The Japanese and Chinese wrote about orchids circa 700 B.C. The Chinese believe the orchid cures lung ailments and diseases.

The British Empire made orchid cultivation even more popular, spreading its presence around the world. They adopted the orchid as a sign of class, luxury and prestige.

Originally, orchids were quite rare, reserved to tropical, humid climates. Propagation challenges made orchids scarce and reserved them for the wealthy. Science has discovered how to successfully raise orchids with “seed germination in a sterile nutrient medium” to make these flowers more readily available to more people in a wider variety of climates.

Nowadays, most wild harvesting of orchids is banned. Deforestation has damaged the orchid’s natural environment.

Basic orchid structure consists of the following: three petals and three petal-like sepals, formed in a column combining the stamens and style, which includes another petal forming a lip. The orchid uses a unique package for its pollen, creating small waxy bundles called “pollinia”, which conserve the valuable pollen grains.

Naturally, orchids grow in warm climates, in a symbiotic relationship with a fungus called “mycorriza”.

Orchids have a variety of means for reproduction – flying insects, crawling insects and wind. Orchids are quite adept at attracting insects through various means, in order to use them for pollination.

“Phalaenopsis” orchids are great for home cultivation with long-lasting blooms and compact plant structures. They enjoy the same climate as humans. “Miltoniopsis” orchids grow better in a more moderate temperature range.

The diversity of orchids, has made them a popular means of expression for beauty, love and wealth.

Nowadays, orchids have become quite a popular houseplant.

Mother’s Day is coming and very soon grocery stores across this great nation will have orchids of every color, lovingly decorated with netting, sitting proudly on display in their little clear plastic containers. It’s a vision isn’t it? While you are sitting there with your orchid perfectly positioned on your shoulder, if you were lucky enough to get one or if you are just gazing enviously at someone else’s, you can remember this article and smugly think to yourself, “I know something you don’t know!”

Ten things you always wanted to know about Orchids but were afraid to ask:

1. Orchids can make a bee drunk and a bee also uses the Orchids fragrance to attract mates.

2. Vanilla comes from the pod of the Vanilla Orchid.

3. The larges Orchid plant can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and grow up to 10,000 flowers.

4. The smallest Orchid plant is just 1/4 of an inch high and it’s flower must be viewed through a magnifying glass.

5. The longest Orchid vine is over 100 feet long and belongs to the Vanilla Orchid.

6. There are over 15,000 species of Orchids and they grow all over the world except for Antarctica.

7. Orchids come in every color imaginable including combinations but there is no black Orchid at all.

8. The tallest free-standing Orchid can reach a height of 44 feet.

9. Orchid plants can live forever and people designate Orchid heirs in their wills because of that.

10. The worst smelling Orchid has the smell of rotting flesh and only a fly will pollinate it.

Who knew? You might enjoy these sites where you’ll find additional, interesting information to add to your new found knowledge. Besides that, April is National Orchid Month and showing some interest is a great way to show your love for such an amazingly beautiful plant.