Some orchids even grow on rocks and these are called ‘lithophytes’. There are also many orchids that grow in the ground, including our own native British species and these are known as ‘terrestrials’. Not all orchids like hot conditions, though and many need cooler climates, as where they grow is at high altitudes in the mountains where the temperatures can drop very low at night.Īs forest dwelling plants, many orchids grow as ‘epiphytes’, which means that they grow on the trees, clinging on with thick aerial roots and storing water in either fleshy leaves or thickened stems called ‘pseudobulbs’.
The highest numbers of orchids grow in the rainforests, loving the humidity and shade provided by these environments. With around 30,000 species growing in the wild and well over 120,000 man-made hybrids there is no shortage of choice in the orchid world! They can be found on every continent except Antarctica and in almost every conceivable habitat.
The orchid family is one of the largest groups of flowering plants on the planet.
