Orchids or orchids (scientific name Orchidaceae) are a family of monocotyledonous plants that are distinguished by the complexity of their flowers and by their ecological interactions with the pollinating agents and with the fungi with which they form mycorrhiza.

The family comprises about 25,000 species (some sources report 30,000), and perhaps another 60,000 hybrids and varieties produced by flower growers, making it one of the families with the highest species richness among angiosperms. They can be recognized by their strongly symmetrical flowers of symmetry, in which the middle part of the inner whorl of tepals - called lip - is deeply modified, and the stamens are fused to the style, at least at the base.

Pruning and care

• Optimal flowering time begins at the end of winter, mainly in February and March, in the northern hemisphere. The flowers usually last from four to twelve weeks. When the flower wilts, cut the tip 12mm above where it protrudes from the foliage. It also pulls out any dead leaf and tissue, including stalks of old flowers, old leaves, anything rotten, dead roots, etc.

          In case of disease or fungal decay, cut slightly beyond the infected tissue to help stop the progression of the infection.

• If you cut part of an orchid leaf, the rest of the leaf could die and cutting into a live auxiliary bulb would seriously damage your orchid..

• Use sterilized tools while cutting and pruning an orchid. This will avoid spreading infections from plant to plant. It is recommended that you wash the tools with chlorine and soap when you finish using them, or use disposable razors.

• Maintain the correct temperature. From 18 ° to 30 ° C is the best. For short periods, they can withstand ranges from 16 ° to 37 ° C, only they hate sudden temperature changes. Cold temperatures cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off. If that happens, remove the yellow leaves and continue the care of the plant normally.

• Ensure proper air ventilation. A ventilated area gives health to your orchid, keeps the leaves and flowers dry, which prevents fungi and pests, which you must treat if they occur.

          In summer, open the windows for air to ventilate. This causes the evaporation of water and the elimination of carbon dioxide. The air breeze will make               your plant overflow with life.

         In the winter (or in the summer, on windless days) use a fan to ventilate your orchids. Turn it occasionally.

            http://es.wikihow.com/cuidar-orqu%C3%ADdeas

            https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orchidaceae