Meet the orchid - a plant that has conquered the world. Community of little green men

Orchids are the most beautiful flowers, personifying sophistication, aristocracy, harmony, tenderness, wisdom, passion and many other qualities. They are often used as gifts for loved ones, relatives and friends; they decorate living spaces and offices. What is the meaning of the orchid flower? This is discussed in the article.

Peculiarities

The advantage of orchids over other plant species is that they are able for a long time do not fall off, sometimes for two to three months. The places where the flower grows are different. These are damp tropical forests, rocky rocky terrain. In climates with alternating rain and dry periods, orchids adapt to life without water. When growing flowers indoors, it is difficult to create, much less maintain, natural growing conditions. For this reason, less capricious varieties are used for breeding at home.

Orchid in the house

This flower is a favorite houseplant among gardeners. Regardless of the species, all orchids exude positive emotions. These flowers are considered the most beautiful of all house plants. But, in addition to the aesthetic side, they are able to create a background that influences the events taking place in the house and the fate of its inhabitants. The value of the orchid flower for the home is enormous. No wonder this plant is considered healing. It brings harmony to the disturbed energy of the room. Next to the orchid, thoughts quickly come into order, and a thirst for new life opens up. If these flowers are present in the interior of a home or office, the room is filled with freshness and the mood improves, as negative energy is absorbed.

Orchids are reliable protectors of the home. They have the ability to sense the mood of others. They identify and punish unfriendly people. They may experience weakness, headaches, or other symptoms that worsen their health. It is important to know that the flower is endowed with such abilities only during the flowering period.

Is the orchid flower male or female?

It is believed that this plant was created for the fair sex. The meaning of the orchid flower for women is great. The plant gives them health, beauty, tenderness, and charm. It works on them no worse than an anti-aging cream. A flower will only surround a woman with care if she takes good care of it. The orchid should not be allowed to become sick or begin to fade.

If a man lives in the house, even if he is still a child, the orchid should not be bred. She spoils his aura, suppresses his masculinity. He becomes like a woman. The flower should not be placed in the bedroom or children's room for boys.

Feng Shui and orchid

According to the doctrine, it is allowed to use a flower in the interior of any room, since harmony is felt in its presence. The meaning of the orchid flower in Feng Shui is enormous. The plant symbolizes the desire for perfection and is the personification of inner harmony and tranquility. For the peoples of China, orchids symbolize patronage. In Vietnam, for example, the buds bloom on the eve of the New Year, so the meaning of the orchid flower is different here. They symbolize spring, love and youth. Depending on its location relative to the cardinal points, an orchid has different meanings.

If the plant is located in the southeast of the room, then it brings prosperity, success and good luck. This option for placing a flower is suitable for the office.
When the location of the orchid is the southwest, you can be calm about family relationships: harmony will be established, the lost passion between the spouses will return. This option is suitable for home use. It would be appropriate to choose orchids with a shade of red.

The location of the flower in the eastern part of the room is associated with health. It is believed that orchids can improve health, cope with diseases, and restore vigor to a person. Flowers with white and light colors petals.
The location of plants in the northern direction is used for meetings with business people. The meaning of the orchid flower in this case is promising. It is believed that your career will be successful, your income will be stable, and your business will be successful.
The placement of orchids in the northwestern side of the room promises to help mend damaged relationships with loved ones.

Orchids as a gift

These flowers have long symbolized youth, spring, and elegance. The meaning of an orchid flower as a gift is great: aristocracy, harmony in all respects, comfort in the family circle and intimacy. That's why this delicate flower More often than others, they are given to people who are considered the closest and most beloved.

The meaning of the orchid flower for women is great. A plant given by a man means that he has feelings for a girl (woman) strong feeling, and his intentions for their future relationship are very serious. If the giver does not have such feelings, you should not choose this flower as a gift, which is the personification of purity and sincerity.

Reasons to give orchids as a gift

Not all women are not always happy about an expensive gift. Representatives of the fair sex often want something original. Orchids come to the rescue, symbolizing sensuality, luxury, perfection, beauty, and devotion. This flower excites the imagination; there is something mysterious and enigmatic about it. In Europe, for example, the 55th wedding anniversary is orchid.
These flowers, planted in a pot, make a lasting gift. Cut flowers in a vase will wither very soon, leaving only a short-term memory of themselves. Orchids growing in a pot will produce new buds and delight you with their flowering for several decades. IN in this case they symbolize the duration and strength of the relationship.
An orchid given to a woman evokes a reciprocal feeling in a man.

Orchid color meaning

The coloring of these extraordinary plants makes sense. Each color has its own meaning.

Yellow orchids symbolize friendship, new beginnings, and also hope. True friends receive them as a gift.
The personification of elegance and beauty is the white orchid. The meaning of the flower has a certain meaning. White orchids are endowed with wisdom and sublimity. They are given to a loved one.

A symbol of uniqueness and rare beauty is the blue orchid. The meaning of the flower is endowed with meaning, which lies in fidelity, nobility, high spirituality, and the desire for constant perfection. It is customary to give a blue orchid to a mother.

Orchid tattoo

This flower is ancient symbol for many peoples, but is especially significant for residents of Eastern countries. Here it is a symbol of wealth, luxury and prosperous life. Orchid in the form of a tattoo for Chinese man means perfection, inexhaustible energy, inner charm, feminine beauty, harmony and large families.

Europeans have tattoos of orchids. white- is a symbol of friendliness, non-conflict, openness. A person with such a tattoo is full of creative energy. Newlyweds often get matching tattoos. It is believed that this has a beneficial effect on a married couple and symbolizes passion, the intimate side of the relationship.

It’s probably no secret that the Phalaenopsis Orchid is currently the most common orchid in indoor floriculture. Flower shops, window sills of apartments and houses, even the hands of caring men buying flowers for their beloved - literally everything indicates that the Phalaenopsis Orchid is the main choice of buyers.

What is the reason for such popularity? Let's name the main ones:
1. Amazing view of the flower;
2. Easy to care for;
3. A long period flowering.

Since the popularity of Phalaenopsis is only growing every day, we considered it necessary to prepare for you a short description of the plant, describing all its advantages and disadvantages, as well as talking about its main conditions of maintenance and reproduction.

Phalaenopsis species

Plant characteristics

Scientific name: Phalaenopsis orchid - Phalaenopsis.
Genus, families: Orchidaceae - orchids.
Origin: East Asia, India (mainly tropical forests with a hot climate).

The genus Phalaenopsis belongs to the Orchid family. The Phalaenopsis orchid, as a separate genus, was first described by the German botanist Carl Ludwig Ritter von Blume in 1895. Natural environment the habitat of these plants is the wet plains and mountain forests of North-Eastern Australia, South-East Asia, as well as in the Philippines. The Phalaenopsis orchid is an epiphytic plant with long stem and three to five large fleshy leaves arranged in two rows. At home there are many known various types phalaenopsis (there are up to 70 different species, as well as a large number of artificially grown hybrids), which differ in the color of the inflorescences, the size of the leaves and the shape of the petals.

The flower got its name from two Greek words phalania (“night butterfly”) and opsis (“resemblance”), since the flowers resemble velvet butterflies in appearance.

There are two main types of Phalaenopsis - ordinary (whose length is up to 1 m) and miniature - which do not grow more than 30 cm. The stem of the plant is vertical, often very shortened, the leaves are wide, shiny and leathery, collected in a rosette. Aerial roots and the plant produces flower stalks from the axils between the leaves. The number of leaves in an adult plant, as a rule, ranges from 4 to 6, their length is 5-30 cm. Characteristics of peduncles are long, axillary, and often branched, in most species with a large number of large flowers.

The flowers of the Phalaenopsis orchid themselves are of various sizes and shapes, while corresponding to their name and resembling exotic butterflies. Coloring can be very different options- both single-colored - white, red, pink, lilac yellow, and striped, two-colored, speckled. The lip of a contrasting color usually stands out effectively against the background of the petals. The duration of flowering on average is up to 4 months, which also depends on the type and variety of Phalaenopsis, which under favorable conditions can bloom even 2-3 times a year.

Growing Phalaenopsis in room conditions occurs either in plastic pots(in most cases - transparent, for better access to light), or by the block culture method. As already mentioned, maintaining a Phalaenopsis orchid is not difficult, which is why it is suitable both for expert gardeners and for those who are just beginning to master this wonderful art.

Phalaenopsis elements: baby, peduncle, root

At the initial stage of their growth, the root, peduncle and baby of Phalaenopsis are quite similar to each other, therefore, to help you recognize them, we will point out the difference between them.

So, the peduncle is the most important thing in the plant. Simply put, it is the trunk from which flowers later grow. It emerges from the center of the plant, where the central vein of the entire flower originates. It is always directed strictly upward, and its tip is usually sharp.

The root, unlike the peduncle, can grow from any place on the base of the plant, even from the very center. Most often its growth is downward, but it can also grow upward or sideways. The root tip is always rounded.

There is a possibility that on your Phalaenopsis you will find something that will not look like a root or a peduncle; in this case, your Phalaenopsis has decided to have a basal baby.

What is it baby? This is a new mini plant that has its own leaves, roots, etc. The baby appears from where the peduncle usually appears, that is, from the center of the trunk. Its tip is also sharp and directed upward. How to distinguish them is very simple, you will understand everything by their appearance.

Phalaenopsis propagation options

One of important elements caring for a Phalaenopsis orchid is the process of its reproduction. There are 2 options for orchids - seeds or babies.

The first option is in most cases used by breeders to obtain new varieties, species and hybrids. It is impossible under normal home conditions, so we will not describe it in detail, but will immediately move on to the one that you can apply yourself - to reproduction by children.

A phalaenopsis baby can appear in two ways - on the stem in the axils of the leaves or from dormant buds (meristems) on the peduncle. At times, their appearance is possible independently without human intervention. However, most often, in order to get babies, the meristems have to be stimulated.

It is important to warn that only healthy Phalaenopsis with good roots and the number of leaves reaches at least 4 can be propagated.

Speaking about stimulation, it is worth saying that we will tell you about it only by briefly describing them, since each of these methods requires a long and detailed description, which you will find in our next articles on the propagation of the Phalaenopis orchid. So, there are 5 ways:

placing the cut peduncle in a closed transparent container (greenhouse) with a small amount of water and fertilizer;
stimulation of the buds by “drought” and temperature changes (that is, creating a stressful situation for the plant);
dividing an adult plant (since cutting the top always stimulates dormant buds on the stem that remains);
cutting the peduncle into several parts with dormant buds in the middle and placing them in a greenhouse;
stimulation of the buds on the peduncle with hormonal paste.

Although all methods are very different from each other, there is something for everyone general provisions which must be followed. Among them there are two main ones. The first is that for effective stimulation it is necessary to create an environment high humidity and temperature (+25-30°C, or even better +28-30°C), and also provide good lighting. And the second is that to enhance the effect, it is worth adding nitrogen fertilizer, which will stimulate foliage growth. If you decide to ignore these conditions, then your result will most likely be zero, so it is very important to remember them and comply with them.

A few words about the types of Phalaenopsis orchids

Here you can find descriptions of all subspecies, but a little below we will talk about several in more detail. Now is the time to tell you about all the varieties of Phalaenopsis orchids. If you thought that Phalaenopsis does not have its own subspecies, you were deeply mistaken. Our description will help you understand what kind of Phalaenopsis you have in your home, or it will help you choose which species you would like to purchase.

Schiller's phalaenopsis (Phalaenopsis chilleriana). One of the most common Phalaenopsis, which simply drives all orchid lovers crazy with its appearance. He himself is from the Philippines. Phalaenopsis Schiller has very interesting variegated leaves, which are distinguished by a silvery coating on top, with dark green spots merging into stripes. It is from this Phalaenopsis that a large number of hybrids come. Very interesting difference This genus appears in a huge number of flowers on one peduncle. History records a case when this number reached 174. It blooms for several months, several times a year.

Phalaenopsis amabilis, another name is Phalaenopsis Pleasant. It is characterized by large inflorescences, curved branches, on which 15-20 flowers usually grow, the diameter of which reaches 11 cm. The color is usually white, with a yellow or purple color on the lips of the flower. Sometimes you can feel pleasant aroma emanating from flowers of this species.

Phalaenopsis Stuartiana. This species, in general terms, has many similarities with Schiller's Phalaenopsis. Its homeland is also the Philippines. The peduncle is distinguished by the fact that it is branched, and the flowers themselves have a specific pattern. These Phalaenopsis are white with reddish spots at the base of the sepals, the lip is golden yellow with purple spots. The flowers themselves are small. Flowering period: spring and autumn.

Phalaenopsis lueddemanniana. This interesting view, mostly in bloom whole year, but at the same time, having a peak flowering in winter period, from December to March. The peduncles are small; they usually contain up to 7 small flowers, which open alternately. They boast a very delicate pink-violet tone. In the middle, the tone becomes brighter. The lip of this species is white, with purple and yellow hues. One of the noticeable differences is a very pleasant aroma.

Pink phalaenopsis (Phalaenopsis rosea). One of the smallest species. In the Philippines, such beauty most often grows on the banks of rivers. The short peduncle is usually decorated with 15-20 small flowers, opening one after the other and having a very delicate white-pink color. The sepals themselves are oblong and pink, with white vertical stripes, the lip is small, having three lobes, the color of which smoothly changes from pink to dark purple.

Phalaenopsis sanderiana. One of the rarest and most expensive Phalaenopis. The name of this species comes from the name of the famous gardener and huge admirer of orchids - Sander. The leaves of Phalaenopsis Sander are dark green with a variegated pattern. The peduncles are usually long, leaning down, on the opposite rows of which there are an average of 50 flowers, the diameter of which is 5-7 cm. The color is very varied.

Phalaenopsis equestris. Most suitable look Phalaenopsis is for those who are fans of dark violet and purple colors, since it is the richness of the color that first attracts the attention of lovers of this species. The peduncle of the plant gradually lengthens and grows over time, at the end of which more and more new flowers constantly appear, the diameter of which becomes only 2-3 cm.

Giant phalaenopsis (Phalaenopsis gigantea). Very interesting view. As the name implies, it is the largest representative of the Phalaenopsis genus. At times it is also called the most spectacular. This giant Phalaenopsis received its name in honor of its huge leaves, the size of which reaches 90 cm in length. It is perfect for crossing. The stem of this species is not so easy to see, since it is entirely hidden under the bases of the leaves. The leaves are huge, leathery, drooping. The peduncle is also drooping, rarely branched, length - about 40 cm, number of flowers - 10 - 30. Usually mature plant has many peduncles, which together boast the presence of about 100 round-shaped flowers. The aroma is sweetish citrus. The color is cream, yellow and greenish-yellow, with raised reddish-brown spots or streaks. Taking into account the size of the plant, we can say that it is not the best option Phalaenopsis is for home use, but it is perfect for greenhouses with sufficient space.
In conclusion, it is worth recalling that the Phalaenopsis orchid has always been considered an exquisite plant that delighted its owner with beauty and aroma, bringing aesthetic pleasure regardless of the species. With proper care, any Phalaenopsis can look amazing and make every day more beautiful. You can read more about all types here.

Orchids (Orchidaceae)

Family: Orchidaceae

Brief information about the cut plant

Decorative form: beautifully flowering

Height: high (from 50 to 70 cm), medium (from 30 to 50 cm), low (from 10 to 30 cm)

Significance in composition: large (can act as an accent)

Shear stability: high (more than 2 weeks)

The orchid is a very persistent flower, but it is moisture-loving by nature. When placing an orchid in a composition, it is necessary to provide it with a sufficient amount of water. For this purpose, ordinary plastic tubes are often used, into which the lower part of the plant stem is placed.

Orchids: botanical description

Perennial herbaceous plants, grow on the ground, on stones or other plants. Shoots length (height) from several centimeters to several meters, short branched or long vine-like. Most species have pseudobulbs - organs for storing water and nutrients. The leaves are whole, thin or succulent (retaining moisture); from small scale-like to large, from light green to reddish-brown.

Flowers are solitary or collected in inflorescences of 2-50 or more pieces; characterized by a huge variety of shapes and colors, the size ranges from 1 mm to 20-25 cm; their common feature- the presence of a “lip” (a bizarrely modified petal) and a “column” (stamen and pistil fused together).

Orchids: floral description

Orchid is a plant with an elongated-unfolding active form growth. Refers to plants of great importance. A regal flower that can decorate any composition. The inimitable color and exquisite shape of the petals make the orchid one of the most beautiful plants used in floristry.

Orchids are not stored in the refrigerator. These moisture-loving flowers are placed in water, to which it is recommended to add vodka. Before installation, they are cut at an acute angle.

Name "Orchid" came from the Greek. "ορχυς" ("testicle" of a human or other mammal).

Orchids, or Orchidaceae, also Orchids (Orchidaceae) are the largest family of monocots.

Orchids- an ancient family that appeared in the Late Cretaceous era.

Orchids are known primarily as beautiful bloomers. ornamental plants, are favorite greenhouse plants. The species of the genera Cattleya, Dendrobium, and Phalaenopsis have gained particular popularity.

Some of the first Phalaenopsis orchids were discovered on the island of Ambon (Moluccas) by the German traveler and naturalist Georg Rumpfius. The name of the genus comes from the Greek. phalaina - night butterfly, moth, opsis - resemblance (flowers are shaped like a butterfly).

Phalaenopsis is the least unpretentious of the orchiaceae family, and for a beginner it is recommended to breed orchids from it.

Before purchasing, carefully inspect the plant; the roots should be green, silver, clearly visible through the pot (almost always transparent), in no case rotten (black, soft when pressed), green and dense leaves, without any stains.

Types of orchids

..................... Acineta superba ........................ Aganisia cyanea ....Ludisia discolor

................... Catasetum ...................................... Ceratostylis rubra ................................... Coelogyne mooreana

.............................. Disa Grammatophyllum scriptum ...................................... Barkeria

........................... Lycaste skinneri ........................... Schlechterara Princess Mikasa ......... Phalaenopsis schilleriana

Orchid care

Temperature. Feels comfortable during the day at temperatures from +22 to +30°C, at night not lower than +16°C. Drafts and excessive heat are dangerous. Cooler temperatures promote flowering, hotter temperatures promote the appearance of the baby on the peduncle.

Lighting. They love bright lighting. If there is no sun, then you can use artificial light ( fluorescent lamps). Never place an orchid on a straight line Sun rays, burns are possible.

Watering. It is recommended to water orchids once every 4 days in summer, once every 7 days in winter, with filtered, boiled or settled water, and drain excess water 20 minutes after watering. Remember that overwatering is worse than underwatering and if you are in doubt about watering today or tomorrow, water it better tomorrow. Irrigation water should not get into the growing point (the center of leaf growth) to avoid rotting.

Fertilizer. During flowering and not, orchids are fertilized differently, and when choosing a fertilizer, see the formula on the back; if there is less phosphorus than nitrogen, then this fertilizer is suitable for regular feeding during the growth period, for the flowering period (during the formation of the peduncle), it is desirable fertilizers with a high phosphorus content. Fertilize every two or three waterings.

Air humidity. Spraying will help to increase humidity. However, excessive humidity at low temperatures in winter, as well as in summer nights is dangerous, as it can cause spots on leaves and pseudobulbs, and sometimes their rotting. For the same reason, orchids should be sprayed in the first half of the day, ventilating the room so that they have time to dry by the evening. It is especially important to remember this during the growth period in order to prevent rotting of the growing points and tender young leaves from drops of water remaining on them.

Transfer. You should not replant a freshly purchased plant unless necessary.

Under no circumstances should you transplant into ordinary land, orchids grow in a substrate (pine bark). It is better to do this only when the plant has grown greatly or the substrate has completely decomposed. It is recommended to replant adult epiphytic orchids every 2-3 years. Terrestrial orchids, losing roots during the dormant period, require annual replanting. The main thing to remember when replanting orchids is that their roots are more fragile than those of most other plants. Before transplanting, the plant must be well moistened to make it easier to separate the roots from the walls of the pot. If the old pot is plastic, then this will be quite easy to do. If an orchid grew in clay pot, then you will have to work hard. The roots are most likely stuck to the walls, and to separate them you will need wooden stick and a lot of patience. If the ceramic pot is not poured from the inside, then it may even have to be broken.

Reproduction. Orchids reproduce by “babies” that appear on the stems of flowers.

The children wrap the roots in damp sphagnum, leaving the opportunity to dry well, and then spraying them a little.

When the roots grow 3-4 cm, they can be planted.

Possible difficulties

Limp (flabby) leaves. Damaged root system plants. Cannot be treated. Such leaves can function relatively normally for 2-4 years, then they turn yellow and die.

It darkened (yellowed) and the topmost leaf fell off. Long-term presence of water in the core of the plant, most often in combination with high humidity enough air low temperatures and insufficient lighting. The damaged area must be removed to healthy green tissue and disinfected, for example, sprinkled with powder activated carbon or, cover with sulfur or carefully treat with iodine or brilliant green (iodine and brilliant green can dry out not only damaged areas, but also healthy tissue, leading to the death of healthy leaves, they must be used very carefully). The orchid is placed in a very bright place at a temperature not lower than + 18°C and kept completely dry for a week. You need to especially carefully monitor the condition of the wound and, at the slightest sign of further decay, immediately disinfect it again.

Peduncles getting stuck. Occurs due to excessive watering, or spraying (Paphiopedilum orchid cannot be sprayed). It is necessary to adjust the watering mode.

Transparent, green or simply dark (black or brown) spots and dots.

Mechanical damage (scratches) caused by various types of injuries received during transportation or falling plants. They are not subject to treatment.

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The newest orchid system was developed by the American scientist R. L. Dressler. He divides the orchid family into 5 subfamilies, 22 tribes and 70 subtribes.

Spreading

Nowadays, orchids are found on all continents except Antarctica. Most species are concentrated in tropical latitudes. Here in areas with a short dry season and high level precipitation they find the most favorable conditions for your growth. The uniqueness of the orchid flora on different continents - characteristic their distribution.

In the temperate zone, the orchid flora is much poorer than in tropical latitudes. The temperate latitudes of the northern hemisphere account for only 75 genera (10% of the total) and 900 species (4.5%). Even fewer - 40 genera and 500 species - are found in the southern temperate zone.

Morphology

Representatives of the family differ from almost all known flowering plants by the fusion of filaments of stamens, of which there can be 1,2 or very rarely 3, with a column of gynoecium into the so-called column, or gynostemium - such a specific formation is found, in addition to orchids, only in representatives of the Rafflesiaceae family ( Rafflesiaceae).

The family is characterized by a significant reduction of the androecium; fusion of pollen grains in anther nests in pollinia, which achieve a very complex structure; sharp zygomorphy of the flower, usually with the preservation of 3 tepals of the outer and 3 tepals of the inner circles of the perianth or with their partial or complete fusion; 1-locular or very rarely 3-locular ovary, consisting of 3 carpels.

Features of the organization of the gynoecium

Features of the organization of the androecium

Among tropical species in greenhouse growing conditions, “long-livers” of 70 years or more are often observed. The sizes of orchids range from a few millimeters to 35 meters ( Vanilla planifolia).

Based on the nature of the growth substrate, epiphytes, lithophytes and terrestrial orchids are distinguished. Most orchids are epiphytes. Lithophytes and terrestrial life forms form a much smaller group. They are distributed mainly in temperate latitudes.

Biology

The nature of the relationship with mushrooms

The embryo in mature orchid seeds is completely devoid of endosperm. The cells of a mature embryo contain only proteins and fat-like substances. Starch grains completely disappear from the cells of the embryo by the time it matures (Andronova, 1988). Thus, mature orchid seeds lack reserves of carbohydrates that provide energy for dividing cells. This causes the inability of seeds in the vast majority of orchid species to germinate independently without an influx of organic substances from the outside.

Its germination and further post-seed development are completely ensured by certain mycorrhizal fungi.

Pollination system

A honey bee pollinates Dremlik marsh ( Apis mellifera polished Epipactis palustris)

The pollination system of orchids is highly diverse both in pollination agents (pollinators) and in the methods of attracting the latter to flowers. Insects play the main role in the pollination of orchids. home distinctive feature orchid pollination systems - aggregation of all the pollen of the anther into compact masses of pollinia. For reliable attachment of pollinia to the body of pollinators and their successful transfer on the stigma, orchids have developed various mechanisms. Their main types were studied in detail and described by Charles Darwin (1884) in his remarkable work “Various devices by which orchids are pollinated by insects.”

Of particular interest to researchers of the pollination system in orchids are methods of attracting (attracting) pollinators to flowers. Pollen collected in pollinia cannot be used by insects to feed their offspring. In addition, the vast majority of orchid species do not have nectar in their nectar-collecting structures (spurs). Therefore, pollinating insects are attracted to nectarless orchid flowers. different ways deceptive attraction. In orchids, it is customary to distinguish the following main syndromes of deceptive attraction: sexual attraction(pseudocopulation), flower mimicry(flower mimicry), deception of inexperienced pollinators. This division is very arbitrary, since many orchid species often use several methods of deception at once.

Sexual attraction

Sexual pollinator attraction syndrome is currently known in a number of orchid genera of Euro-Asia ( Ophrys), Australia ( Caladenia , Chiloglottis, Cryptostylis, Drakaea etc.) and Central America. It has been studied in most detail in species of the genus Ophrys.

Flower mimicry

Floral mimicry is more widespread among nectarless orchids. In orchids with this pollinator attraction syndrome, flowers or their individual parts imitate in color/shape/surface texture the nectar-bearing flowers of other plants or other food substrates used by potential pollinators.

Deception of inexperienced pollinators

This syndrome was first described in explicit form by L. A. Nilsson (1980) in Dactylorhiza sambucina. His characteristic features are: the bright searching appearance of flowers/inflorescences, the presence of bright false nectar indicators on the lip (in the form of a contrasting pattern and/or colored papillary outgrowths), a deep well-developed spur.

Features of fertilization

After the first embryological studies of orchids, a hypothesis was put forward that they do not have double fertilization. The spread of this hypothesis was facilitated by the fact that endosperm is completely absent in mature orchid seeds. In orchids, cases of non-entry of the second sperm into the central cell of the embryo sac have been repeatedly noted. Often the second sperm comes into contact with the polar nuclei and forms, together with them, a nuclear complex in the central or basal part of the embryo sac (Navashin, 1951; Savina, 1972). However, in approximately one third of orchid species, the second sperm fusion with the central cell of the embryo sac and the formation of the primary endosperm cell is observed.

Rules and recommendations for the nomenclature and registration of hybrids and varieties of orchids are based on the provisions of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature and published in the reference book Nomenclature and Registration of Orchids.

The name of a hybrid consists of three epithets - the general epithet (genus or hybrid genus), the name of the grex and the name of the cultivar (clone) (written in quotation marks). For example: Paphiopedilum Maudiae “Queen” (Paph. lawrenceanum var. hyeanum × Paph. callosum var. sanderae).

The general epithet of intergeneric hybrids is created from the names of genera - crossing partners.
Odontonia = Odontoglossum × Miltonia.
Hybrids created using large quantity genera, sometimes called by the name of the breeder.
Miltonia × Odontoglossum (a hybrid registered in 1911 named after the Belgian gardener-breeder C.Vuylsteke).

One of the areas of breeding work is the production of polyploid hybrids, which are characterized by relatively big size flowers. Largest number polyploid hybrids have been recorded among cattleyas, vandas, phalaenopsis, dendrobium phalaenopsis and cymbidium.

Literature

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