Here are more orchid-growing tips (continued from my last post)...
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The process of pollination is comparatively simple in genera with large, open flowers, having short, fairly wide, easily accessible nectaries as, for example, Cattleya, Laelia, Phaius, Sophro-nites, Bletia, Coelogyne, and Cymbidium.
Bees readily perform the service.
In greenhouses with wide-open vents the bees frequently pollinate indiscriminately and many wilted flowers result.
Those having a longer nectary, like the Angraecum, are pollinated by moths.
Members of the genus Vanda and perhaps of Aerides are probably pollinated by a larger moth.
Some of these that produce only a few flowers also manufacture extremely firm cement for attaching the pollen masses to the insect, preventing loss in flight.
Certain types of Cypripediums are attractive only to small bees.
Epipactus latifolia finds its needs best served by wasps.
Darwin reported that a Dr. Criiger had observed swarms of bees actually feeding on the crests of the labellum of Coryanthes, a weird flower with a hooded dorsal that appears to crouch down over the labellum.
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I'll post more orchid care tips soon!
- Sara
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