The Most Unique and Exotic Flowers Found in Nature
Flowers are one of the most beautiful aspects of nature and every day new species are being discovered. These new species come with special features that make them unique and exotic.
Some of these plants have unique flowers with bicolored blooms, while others are characterized by unusually large or oddly shaped blooms. They all add a certain charm and interest to the garden and are a great way to set yourself apart from your neighbors.
Bird of Paradise
If you’re a lover of tropical flowers, you’ll love the Bird of Paradise. Originally native to South Africa, this plant has long, leathery leaves reminiscent of banana trees and a flower that resembles a bird in flight.
In its natural habitat, the flowers appear sporadically throughout the growing season--as many as 25 times per year. They’re a favorite of birds, who spread the seeds to help the species reproduce in their natural environments.
The flower itself is a complex structure with bright colors and copious nectar to entice birds and other pollinators. It features a canoe-shaped bract, which opens along its top edge to reveal the base petals, stamens, and prominent stigma of the I Want One of Those Coupon Codes are often considered a symbol of joy and paradise in South Africa.
If you have a bird of paradise in your home, make sure it gets adequate sunlight to thrive. Mature plants can handle long hours of direct sunlight, while younger ones require more gradual exposure.
Watering is also essential for healthy plants. Use filtered water at room temperature, which will be more soothing for the roots.
Report the bird of paradise regularly to avoid compacting its roots and to encourage new growth. To repot, remove the plant from its current container, shake off as much old soil as you can, and add fresh soil to its new one. Apply plenty of water to the newly-potted plant, and then place it in indirect sunlight to gradually acclimate to its surroundings.
The bird of paradise is a relatively easy plant to grow, but it does require a lot of care. Overwatering, for example, can cause the stems and leaves to wilt and turn brown. Similarly, too little sunlight can cause the plants to grow slowly and not produce blooms.
Hyacinth
Hyacinths are a spring-blooming perennial with a heady fragrance that can be planted in beds, borders, or pots. They're especially beautiful near a doorway so the fragrant flowers can waft inside with each visitor.
They're easy to grow, too. Plant them in well-drained soil, and water regularly to keep the ground slightly moist. Do not allow the soil to become soggy or spongy - hyacinths can rot when waterlogged.
After planting, water thoroughly and gradually increase the amount of water as the bulbs begin to sprout. You can also plant hyacinths in containers, using potting soil or coconut coir mixed with 1 part compost, 1 part sand, and a sprinkle of bone meal.
A genus in the Asparagaceae family, hyacinths have sword-shaped leaves and showy clusters of florets on 10-inch spikes above a vase-shaped rosette. The most impressive flowering occurs in the first year after planting. In the following years, the florets are looser and less impressive.
The name Hyacinth comes from a Greek mythology story of Apollo and Zephyr, the gods of the west wind, competing for the affection of a young boy named Hyakinthos. When Apollo killed Hyakinthos, a flower sprung up from his blood.
As a result, hyacinths are associated with death and remembrance in many European cultures. White hyacinths are said to symbolize overall loveliness or prayers for a loved one, while purple hyacinths can represent sadness and regret.
In the wild, hyacinths grow in ponds or lakes as floating plants with clusters of leaves on spongy stems that rise from dark purple feathery roots. They're a threat to fish and other aquatic life, and they're invasive outside their native range.
Peace Lily
In the wild, peace lilies thrive in the shady rainforest floors of Central America and Asia. These plants are also well-adapted to indoor conditions, so they can be successfully grown as houseplants. However, it is important to note that these plants require 6-8 hours of indirect light per day to photosynthesize.
Depending on the type of peace lily, you may notice that the plant has pale, curled-up leaves or scorched leaf surfaces if it is receiving too much direct sun. The best place to grow these plants is a north-facing window, bathroom, office, or middle of a room with filtered light.
These plants also like a high level of humidity, which can be replicated in your home by misting the plant regularly. They are sensitive to the chemicals found in regular tap water, so it is a good idea to use filtered water when watering your plant.
It is also a good idea to examine the plant’s leaves regularly for signs of insect pests such as fungus gnats, mealybugs, spider mites, and scales. These pests can damage your peace lily, so make sure to check the plant frequently.
Gifts and Flowers Voucher Code can also consider using rain or snow water for watering your peace lily, as it does not contain the chemicals found in normal tap water. If you decide to use this water, be sure to let it sit for a few days so the chlorine can evaporate. If you do use this water, be sure to thoroughly rinse the soil with fresh, clean water before planting your peace lily. The resulting plant will be more healthy and resilient, as well as more beautiful!
Calathea
Calatheas are a type of houseplant that is known for their beautiful foliage and striking patterns. Many different species of Calathea are available for sale in plant stores, and all of them can be beautiful additions to your home or office.
Despite their unusual appearance, these plants are easy to care for and can thrive in most indoor environments. Depending on the variety, they require a loamy or humusy soil with a pH of slightly acidic to neutral. They also like a potting mix that includes a combination of compost, pine bark, coco coir, worm castings, and perlite to provide a well-draining surface.
It is important to water clothes regularly, especially in warm weather, but never let the soil become soggy. The top 1 inch of the soil should feel dry when you insert your finger into it.
Keep the temperature and humidity levels within a range that these tropical houseplants can thrive in, keeping them in rooms with good air circulation and indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sun, which can cause the leaves to burn.
Pests that can affect clothes include spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. These insects can be eradicated with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
These tropical plants are also prone to root rot, especially when they are overwatered. Identify the symptoms of root rot by looking for the edges of the leaves turning brown and curled or the stems drooping. However, most clothes recover fairly quickly once they are re-hydrated and their roots return to normal.
Orchids
Orchids have fascinated people for centuries, and there are hundreds of societies around the world that specialize in this flora. These groups promote orchid cultivation and research, as well as conservation.
Orchid flowers are beautiful and vary in color, shape, and odor. Some of them smell like honey, vanilla, cinnamon, or rotten meat, while others have a strong, sweet perfume.
Most orchids can be grown indoors in pots or hanging baskets, but some require bright sun. Some also need more water than other plants, so it is important to keep them watered regularly.
Some specialized species of orchids use deception to attract pollinators. For example, the Grass Pink (Cymbidium discolor) looks like a butterfly, but it deposits pollen on the abdomen of bumblebees.
Many orchids are threatened by habitat destruction. The loss of one species of bird or bee may result in the extinction of a whole group of orchids that depend on it for pollination.
There are a few different types of orchids, including epiphytic (growing on other plants), lithophytic (growing on rocks), and terrestrial (growing in the ground). They can be found growing in tropical rainforests, shady forest floors, or cool meadows.
Orchids are a very diverse family, with more than two dozen genera and dozens of species, and hundreds of cultivars. They can be categorized by their size, growth habits, and flower shape. Some are saprophytic, meaning they lack chlorophyll to photosynthesize; some are saprotrophs, parasitizing fungi and breaking down organic matter to obtain nutrients; and some are my-heterotrophs, obtaining their energy through the parasitism of fungi that form orchid mycorrhizae.
Conclusion
Nature is home to a wide variety of unique and exotic flowers. From the vibrant and otherworldly-looking Bird of Paradise to the delicate and rare Ghost Orchid, these flowers showcase the incredible diversity and beauty of the natural world. Exploring and appreciating these floral marvels can inspire a deeper appreciation for the complexities and wonders of nature.
