About 140 species of orchid are native to North America, usually as bog plants or flowers of moist woodlands and meadows. The orchid family is classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Liliopsida, order Orchidales. The family of monocotyledonous plants has evolved from prototypes of the lily and amaryllis family and is noteworthy for the wide variety of its highly specialized and curiously modified forms.

They are also one of the most interesting from the point of view that they have among the most fascinating life cycle – starting with pollination strategies. There are orchids that mimic wasps down to the production of pheromones of female wasps to attract the males who pollinate the flowers. Others mimic male wasps to incite male wasps to attack and fight with the flowers, thus pollinating it.

Flower Availability

Vase life can vary depending upon the type of orchid in bloom. Flowers on Cattleyas may last up to a month in bloom from the time that the bud opens. Whereas, Phalaenopsis and Cymbidium sprays will remain in bloom for 2 to 3 months longer.

Care and Handling

Light is the important factor to successfully raise and bloom orchids. You can usually judge how much light an orchid needs by watching the leaves. You want the leaves to be a light grass green. This shows that the plant has as much light as it can stand and is trying to protect itself from burning. If the leaves become very yellow, move the plant to more shade, if the leaves become dark emerald green, move the plant to more light.

Watering is the important thing to get right, and you shouldn't water them more than once a week. Most orchids in the wild grow on trees or other plants, and they get moisture from the air. An orchid should never be allowed to stand alone in water, you need to let water run or be sprayed over the roots and surrounding moss that is provided with your orchid. Room temperate in most homes will be acceptable for growing orchids, anywhere between 55F at night and 80F during the day is best.