In the world of plants the most numerous and at the same time the most diverse is the family Orchidaceae.
It counts about 20,000 species and a huge number of varieties, which grows year by year thanks to the work of breeders. It is easiest, and at the same time, it is most likely to divide the orchids into those that grow on the ground, so in the ground, and living trees (epiphytes). There are also indirect forms. It would be difficult to guess that the representative of the latter is, for example, vanilla growing as a terrestrial plant, but also capable of living as an epiphyt. Orchids grow on the globe almost everywhere, even in the far north, although most are in the tropics: These are plants that are quite difficult to cultivate. In cultivation, it helps to know their construction, origin and requirements.

Oncidium
This species was brought from the Caribbean to Europe in 1800 by the Swedish botanist Olaf Schwarz. It has over 350 species, so it is the richest species in the orchid family, and for some of the most beautiful. Most species are epiphytes (growing on trees), which generally require high temperatures and dry air (but some like wet tropics). Flowers, as the name suggests, are similar to butterflies, loosely harvested on long, dangling inflorescences. Some beautifully smell and have the unusual color of scarlet. Mostly late autumn. The biggest problem in home farming is the oncidium bicaflorum with a small, double bulge on the branch. It has a thick flowering flower branched atop. It's a bit easier to grow O. ornithorhynchum - the scarlet flowers, like the beak of a bird. O. voricosum, whose flower sprout grows to 1.5 m, is a famous species, carrying many flowers. It blooms in winter (every 2 years) and is suitable for cut flowers.

Odontoglossum
This kind, and in particular its numerous species (about 250) and hybrids (often transgenic), are suitable for growing in flats: In their home regions (Mexico and South America) grow in moist forests, slopes and plateaus. Some of them like the difference: summer chill and humidity, winter warmth and dryness. They also bloom, albeit mostly in winter. They are extremely durable plants, cut flowers can stand in water for even a few weeks. Characteristic for the tongue are their pseudobulbs forming as a socket. Each grows two long narrow leaves, and from them a long flowering flower (over 1 m) densely covered with magnificent, large flowers (15 cm in diameter), such as O. grande. O. bictoniense is recommended for summer: it can be put outdoors in the sun.

Miltonia
This is a South American genre: It was described in 1837 by Lord Fitzwilliam (an expert in orchids) giving the name of Milton's English counterpart. Long, narrow but flabby leaves grow from the so-called. Pseudobulbs growing in groups. Flowers have a unique beauty, size and variety of shapes. On the plant live many weeks, cut off quickly withered. Flowers such as M. candida are pure white with two purple spots on the branch (blooms from August to November) and M. vexiliaria has reddish-brown flowers with mottled interior. Plants make a bit of trouble in home farming.

Brassia
This type originates from Jamaica, although some claim that its homeland is Mexico and Brazil. Plants have characteristic pseudobulbs above the surface of the substrate; They store food and water. From them grow leathery, and flower shoots from underground tubers. They bloom in early summer. Flowers are grateful, small. This kind is not too difficult to grow in the apartment, because the plants are durable and do not require tropics. In summer they prefer less sunshine and frequent watering with soft water.