Orchids are one of the oldest and largest groups of flowering plants! There are over 30,000 species found all over Earth. They come in many shapes and sizes — some are as large as trees while others are smaller than dimes! Most orchids like to be watered thoroughly and then allowed to dry before the next watering. Many are epiphytes, with aerial roots and storage bulbs, while others grow in the ground. All orchids can bloom in the right conditions. Some have beautiful flowers while others are known for their unique leaves. The common grocery store Phalaenopsis is just one of thousands of species! Orchids have been around for millions of years — some fossils show us that ancient bees once carried orchid pollen. ‘Dendrobium prenticei’ is a miniature Australian orchid favored for its creeping, succulent-like leaves and tiny, fragrant crystalline flowers.
