The botanical family Orchidaceae (Orchids) has the highest number of species within the Plant Kingdom. The number of estimated species thought to be in the world is around 35,000, on top of thousands of hybrids, of which many more are registered every year.

The majority of the species exist in tropical or subtropical climates.  But their distribution is throughout the world.  In Spain, there are more than 100 species of orchids, especially in the mountainous zones. European orchids don't have flowers as big or as showy as tropical orchids.

The first orchid flowers came to Europe at the beginning of the 18th century, normally in British boats.  They became a mysterious species as few survived the long voyages.  Currently, many species of this flower are in danger of extinction, so picking them is prohibited.

Those sold are principally hybrids grown from seeds in greenhouses. Nurseries are increasingly striving to achieve more spectacular hybrids adapted to home conditions.

We can classify orchids in:

1 - Epiphytic Orchids.

Epiphytic orchids constitute more than 90% of the total species.  They come from tropical regions.  They hang from trees or shrubs.  They are the showiest and those you normally see for sale.  They have few needs and they take water out of the humidity in the air with aerial roots.

2 - Semi-terrestrial Orchids.

Semi-terrestrial orchids grown on a cushion of leaves decomposing on the ground or over rocks covered with moss.

3 - Terrestrial Orchids.

Terrestrial orchids have their roots in the ground.