Orchid Anatomy: Plant Parts and Terminology
To
master anything, you need to learn the ins and outs of the subject in question…
even if you’re learning to grow orchids.
The plant world is a seemingly beautiful blend of
nature and science.
And the orchid community is no
different.
If you’re looking for simplified clarity,
we’ve created this article just for you!
Plant Anatomy
Plant parts are divided into four main
structures:
- Roots
- Stems
- Leaves
- Flowers (which includes the parts for
its reproductive cycle)
that information with diagrams below! Enjoy!
1.Roots
Orchid
roots are covered in a sponge-like tissue called Velamen that absorbs water and
nutrients. It is important not to overwater your orchids because this tissue
can only absorb and not release. Not all
orchids are terrestrial and found growing in the ground with their roots buried
beneath the soil, in fact most of them are epiphytes found growing along side
the trees. Because of this, you will find that epiphyte type orchids planted in
pots will produce
“aerial
roots
” that reach
out into the air, rather than digging down into the media.
2.Stems
There are two types of orchid plants when
classifying according to growth.
- 1.Monopodial orchids which grow from a single stem
- 2.Sympodial orchids which grow along a rhizome in the form of pseudobulbs.
Pseudobulbs
are a thickened, bulbous portion of the stem which act as a storage organ that
retains water and nutrients. Older pseudobulbs are called
backbulbs
while the newest pseudobulb is called the lead bulb. From the lead bulb new
growths
will appear which will in turn form a new pseudobulbs and produce
flower stalks.
3.Leaves
Orchid
leaves come in
various
colors, shapes, and sizes
as numerous genus have different forms. If the orchid produces one leaf,
it is called
unifoliate. Some orchids, called bifoliate, grow leaves in pairs.
No matter
how they grow, leaves are the critical component responsible for breathing. Each
leaf contains small pores, called stomata, that allow them to inhale carbon
dioxide and exhale oxygen. When these pores open and this exchange occurs,
water escapes out through the pores. Humidity which is essentially water in the
air is important as it keeps the orchid from dehydrating during the process. If
there is not enough humidity, the stomata close and the orchid isn’t able to
properly “breathe”.
As with other
plants, leaves are also very much important for the absorption of sunlight for
growth and flower production.
4.Flowers
The flower is the most appreciated part
of the orchid plant, by orchid growers and nature alike. It not only offers
beauty,
but the ability to hybridize these amazing plants as the flowers are
the reproductive units of orchids. Each flower is comprised of 3 outer sepals
(dorsal sepal at the top of the flower and 2 lateral sepals at the bottom) and
3 inner petals (2 petals and 1 lip or labellum).
You will notice that the lip is larger
than the petals and typically more attractive to draw in its pollinators.
At the center of each flower, the column
stands erect. This is where the reproductive organs, called the anther and
stigma, are located.
Each blossom sits on a flower spike called
the pedicel and each pedicel grows from the flower spike called a peduncle. This
entire structure, from the flower spike to the flowers is called the inflorescence.
Now you know the basic parts of your
orchid.
We hope this article has helped to break the
ice when it comes to getting to know your orchid plant. We’ll certainly be
putting out more articles with further in depth information on other various
terms in the orchid community. If you have any questions or need any assistance,
please feel free to contact us directly.
Until then, happy growing!