Orchids-Patterns of Growth

Orchids-Patterns of Growth


The principal direction of growth of monopodial orchids is upwards,new growth being an extension of the growth of previous years.Leaves are produced alterntely on either side of a central stem,the interval between the leaves ranging from minimal to many centimeters.Although growth variation is less obvious among monopodial than sympodial orchids,it still exists.One extreme is shown by the genus Arachins,which is often described as having a climbing habit,the vigorous stems reaching the higher tree branches 10 or even 20m above ground.Such vigorous Arachins species from tropical areas of Asia are not suited to pot culture in temperate zones.

Orchids-Patterns of Growth


Occasionally,certain monopodial orchids will freely produce side growths from the leaf axils.But always the new growth is an extension of previous years,and pseudobulbs are never present.

Orchids-Patterns of Growth