5 Fun Facts About Orchids No One Told You About

Orchids are undoubtedly one of the most fascinating flowers in the world. With over 25,000 species, orchids are not only beautiful but also quite unique. These flowers come in a variety of colours, shapes, and sizes and can be found in every corner of the globe. Their delicate and intricate blooms have been admired and coveted for their beauty and symbolism, making them a popular choice for fresh flower bouquets.

While most people are familiar with the beauty of orchids, there are some fun facts about these flowers that you may not have heard of. In this blog, we will explore 5 fun facts about orchids that no one has told you about.

1. Orchid is the Source of Vanilla

The well-known flavouring, vanilla, is extracted from two orchid species, Vanilla planifolia and Vanilla tahitensis. They produce a fruit that contains vanilla beans. These beans are then dried, cured, and processed to create a unique flavour used in many desserts and perfumes. However, the process of extracting vanilla beans from an orchid is laborious as it can take up to nine months for the vanilla beans to reach maturity.

2. Orchids Can Live for Hundreds of Years

In general, orchids have the ability to live indefinitely as long as their main structure remains intact. As a matter of fact, many orchid plants, with proper care and growing conditions, can have a lifespan of over a hundred years or more. For example, one of the oldest known orchids in the world, the tiger orchid, is in Singapore's Botanic Gardens. The orchid is estimated to be over 220 years old and is still blooming. However, certain factors can threaten the growth and survival of orchids, and these can vary depending on their species.

3. Orchids Can Mimic The Appearance of Insects

Orchids have the ability to mimic the appearance of insects due to the unique shape of their flowers. Some orchid species, known as fly orchids, bee orchids, and spider orchids, have evolved to develop flowers that resemble female pollinating insects, such as bees or wasps, to attract males of the same species to pollinate their flowers. This allows orchids to deceive the pollinators into thinking they have found a mate or a food source, and in doing so, the orchid successfully reproduces through the transfer of its pollen.

4. Some Orchids have Medicinal Value

Orchids have a long history of use in traditional medicine, and some species are believed to have immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and cancer-fighting properties. For instance, Dendrobium orchids are frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat conditions such as cough, stomach problems, fever, and eye diseases.

5. Orchids Rely on Fungi for Nutrition

Orchid seeds are incredibly tiny and need a specific type of mycorrhizal fungus to grow. Each type of orchid requires a specific fungus for germination, and the microscopic seedlings allow the fungus to grow into their root cells, where they feed on it. Some orchids depend solely on this fungal nutrition source for years before they can photosynthesise, and a few never produce green leaves and rely entirely on their fungi throughout their lives.

Discover the Allure of Orchids with The Interior Collections

The beauty, uniqueness, and versatility of orchids make them a perfect addition to any bouquet of flowers. At The Interior Collections in Singapore, we specialise in creating fresh flower bouquets using beautiful orchids. From flower stands for special occasions such as grand openings to sending flowers to your special someone in Singapore, our online selection has the perfect floral gifts for everyone.

Browse our online store to explore our extensive collection of fresh and vibrant flower bouquets, floral jars, and flower stands that can be ordered for free same-day delivery in Singapore. For more information related to delivery, refer to our FAQ page or contact us today.