The Meaning of Orchid Flowers

Pro Flowers estimates that there are 25,000 varieties of orchids. Although they are thought of as a tropical flower, they can be grown in a variety of climates. They are beautiful by themselves or as part of a fresh flower arrangement.

History
Historically, orchids were interpreted to mean wealth, beauty, and true love.

Greeks
The ancient Greeks associated orchids with virility. They believed that if a man ate orchid tubers, he would father a boy, while if a woman ate orchid tubers she would conceive a girl, according to Teleflora.

Anniversary

The orchid retains its meaning of true love by being the official flower for the 14th wedding anniversary.

Healing
Aztecs associated the orchid with healing and would drink a mixture of vanilla orchid and chocolate for strength. Chinese believe that the orchid heals lung disease, according to Pro Flowers.

Color
The meaning of orchids also vary with color. For example, pink orchids are said to represent affection, while the cattelya orchid, which has white blossoms ,represents mature charm, according to Teleflora.

Occassions
Because the orchid has such a wide variety of meanings, they are often sent to commemorate many special occasions, such as anniversaries, congratulations and thank yous.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/facts_5745833_meaning-orchid-flowers.html

Orchid Flower Information

Tropical orchid flowers commonly grow in Central and South America as well as regions throughout Asia. Orchids belong to the orchidaceae plant family, one of the largest and oldest still in existence, dating back to when dinosaurs roamed the earth.

Cultural Merit
In ancient Greece, the orchid flower symbolized virility. Mexico's Aztec Indians highly regarded the blossom for its healing and curative properties. During the Victorian era, the orchid signified wealth and eminence in England.

Scents and Flavors

Delicate orchids boast vibrant hues of purple, red, orange and assorted color combinations. They emit an alluring fragrance used in the making of perfumes. Orchid seedpods supply the popular flavoring known as vanilla. Salep -- a conventional beverage of Turkey -- contains orchid extract, which is also an ingredient in Turkish ice cream.

Orchid Growth
Orchids do not cultivate in soil; the plant roots affix to rocks and trees, gaining moisture and nourishment from the atmosphere. They thrive in a wide range of habitats throughout the world, which may be a reason why these flowers symbolize strength.

Diseases and Insects
Orchids are susceptible to bacterial, viral and fungal diseases. Bacteria- and fungus-infected plants can survive following removal of affected areas, but a viral disease is incurable and requires disposal of the orchid. Caterpillars, beetles and whiteflies feed on orchids, and aphids suck the juices from the plant; insecticide treatments prevent these pests from further damaging the plant.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/facts_7654428_orchid-flower-information.html