Orchids are one of the largest groups of flowering plants, with up to 30,000 species identified and more than 300,000 cultivars registered to date. Orchids are native to most regions of the world. Several orchids are native to Iowa's prairies and woodlands. Terrestrial orchids, like most plants, grow on the surface of the soil. They originate from underground bulbs or rhizomatous roots.
Epiphytic orchids grow on other plants.
Their roots cling to the trunks and branches of trees and collect water and nutrients from the air. The damp, humid rainforests in southeastern Asia are home to the largest number of epiphytic orchids. Epiphytic orchids make great houseplants because they grow and bloom well in low to medium light conditions. The common and scientific names come from the fact that the brightly colored flowers resemble moths hovering over sparse, dark green foliage. While the foliage is minimal and rather boring, the flowers are not.