The estimates of orchid vary on the number of orchid species. Whatever the estimate one uses, the orchid family is the largest or one of the largest plant families in the plant kingdom. The plant taxonomists vary in their estimates because what constitutes a species and genus is often a matter of opinion.
Orchids are one of the largest families of flowering plants in the world, with more than 20,000 species. Orchids are also easily found in the most diverse, varying widely in their size, shape, color, texture, and decorative markings.
We are extremely proud to have in our orchid collection, some of the world's rarest Phalaenopsis species of the orchids such as the Phal ambiences 'flava' and the Phal appendiculata.

Phal amboinensis 'flava',

The rarest albino variety of the Phal amboinensis 'yellow'. It is also one of the rarest of the Phalaenopsis species that not many, even amongst the expert breeders and the die hard collectors, knew about its existence. This particular Phal amboinensis 'flava' 'David Lim' was discovered about 30 year ago. It has an enormous potential and a good candidate as a stud plant for crossing and hybridizing, producing green and yellow progenies. Progenies from this parentage are likely potential award winners.

The two progenies had Phal amboinensis 'flava' 'David Lim' parentage. One can easily compare the same crosses, the common Phal Ambonosa and Phal Princess Kaiulani with ordinary Phal amboinensis parent.The smallest and extremely rarest is the Phal appendiculata (flower is about 10mm in size) which was earlier thought to be extinct. It is another rare species of this genus. Ever since discovered, reported and published long time ago, not much report have been heard or seen for many decades. It is a must for orchid breeders and collectors who aspire to breed and cross Phalaenopsis species. The germination rate of this orchid is very low.

Another species is the unusual Phal speciosa varieties tetraspis in which each flower is unique and have visually very different markings despite being from the same spike. It will always keep you in suspense when it blooms, not knowing what's coming next. The normal Phal speciosa variety tetraspis is generally white with light spots of purple.

Are there special pesticides for orchids?
Some of the common orchid pests are mites, scale insects, aphids, mealybugs, caterpillars, slaters, cockroaches, slugs and snails, whiteflies, ants, dendrobium beetle among a host of others. Types of pesticides: There are many chemical...

Growing orchids
For many years people thought that orchids were 'greenhouse only' plants. Some varieties of orchids are difficult to grow, and therefore meant only for greenhouse culture, but there are many other varieties which if given appropriate conditions and...

Know Your Greenhouse Supplies
More and more people are maintaining a greenhouse in their own yards. Most have found it a fulfilling endeavor, not just to grow plants, but to grow plants well. Thus if this interests you, then it is best to learn the basics of a greenhouse. ...