Orchids are the largest family of flowering plants in the world, with some 30 to 35,000 species. That’s nearly 10 percent of all flowering plants! They grow on every continent except Antarctica. About 200 orchid species grow in North America. Thousands more grow in tropical countries. More than 3,500 species are found in Ecuador and more than 1,300 in Costa Rica.



Some orchid plants are less than an inch tall with flowers the size of a pinhead. Others grow up to 40 feet tall, with flowers almost a foot wide.



Many types of orchids grow on the ground and absorb moisture and nutrients from the soil through their roots. Others grow on tree trunks or branches for support. They have adapted to grow where water and nutrients are limited. A spongy covering on their roots helps them soak up moisture. Some orchids have roots that grow upwards, forming a basket to catch leaves and other debris that fall from the treetops for nutrients.