Everyone may have a favorite flower that holds special meaning, but orchids have long been a popular choice. Introduced to the Victorian society more than one hundred years ago, orchids are one of the most exquisite flowers available.

Everyone may have a favorite flower that holds special meaning, but orchids have long been a popular choice. Introduced to the Victorian society more than one hundred years ago, orchids are one of the most exquisite flowers available.

Orchids come in four varieties - epiphytes that cling to trees, lithophytes that grow on rocks, saprophytes that make a home in leaf litter and terrestrials that sometimes grow in sand. But within these four broad categories there are a huge number of distinctive plants.

Orchid species that are native (not hybridized) naturally occur with over 20,000 known species. There may be more native plants that have not yet been discovered. When you count orchid flower hybrids, over 100,000 hybrids have been artificially created through cultivator plants.

Although orchids have a reputation for being temperamental and hard to grow, don't think this is necessarily true. While certain varieties are more high maintenance, many varieties are easy to grow and very hardy. Orchids have different temperature requirements, from hot and humid, to some that prefer cool, dry conditions. Differences in temperature and light requirements, as well as soil conditions, also effect they natural varieties that occur in certain areas.

Natural areas where the orchid family genres are found include every continent except Antarctica, including Africa and South America. Orchids actually occur as wild flowers. Hawaii is sometimes referred to as "Orchid Island" due to the number of orchid species found on the islands.

They do require some care, of course. Like any living thing, they are subject to a number of pests and diseases. Spider mites, aphids and snails are common problems. Fungi and bacteria, along with several viruses, are known to attack orchids. But prevention and cure is not too difficult.

Techniques range from simple brushing or washing off the flowers and leaves to mild anti-bacterial compounds. Fungi can be treated by drying, anti-fungicides and other methods. Sometimes simple isolation is enough to prevent spreading and the plant will cure itself with a little pruning and proper watering and potting.

Caring for your orchid may be the easy part -sometimes the hardest part of orchard flower ownership is picking the perfect flower. The tremendous amount of choices in colors and shapes, and browsing through the orchid catalogs can overwhelm the senses. Don't give up on finding the perfect flower for your garden.

No matter what type of flower you love, large or small, dainty and delicate or intricate and showy, there is the right plant for your garden or greenhouse. Have fun searching for the perfect fit to add to your orchard flower collection. Even if it's a first flower, it will become a collection.