The following focuses on plant habitats, and in particular how they affect orchid culture in this country. One facet of natural habitats for most of the orchids grown in this country is significantly different from the conditions naturally experienced here, and this will be highlighted, together with other significant aspects. HABITAT 1  TROPICAL LOWLAND RAINFOREST HABITAT Introduction  WELCOME TO THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF ORCHIDS REMEMBER - ORCHIDS ARE FOR EVERYONE
SOME ORCHIDS OF THIS HABITAT	There are many popular orchids found in this zone, including phalaenopsis, many dendrobium (such as anosmum, ,johannis, aphyllum (pierardii), striotes, phalaenopsis), ascocentrum species, vandas (not coerulea), and both the mottled leaved and multiflowered plain green leaved paphiopedilum species. This is the home of most of the monopodial orchids cultivated by man. The habitat is found in many parts of the world, including the low coastal plains of India, and parts of western South America. The lowland forests of Central and South America, Asia, Africa, India, and the basins of the Congo and Amazon Rivers also are included. The habitat exhibits the following general characteristics:- Extensive stretches of water and dense forests adding substantial quantities of water vapour to the already heavily saturated atmosphere. Humidity is high all year Temperatures are high all year, and relatively constant The areas are subject to the seasonal summer monsoons, when violent short storms are experienced during the wet season, followed by dry periods but with continuing high humidity. The climate is relatively dry during the winter and spring The summers and early autumn periods are wet. Specific meteorological data from this habitat is now discussed. It is often difficult to obtain specific climatic data representative of each of the habitats. The following information is indicative of the conditions generally experienced, but 'normal' conditions for each are discussed at the end of each habitat discussion.
	SUBJECTS ARE LISTED IN THE LEFT INDEX WINDOW. CLICK OF RELEVANT ITEM WHICH WILL BE SHOWN IN THIS MAIN WINDOW.

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