Orchid

Orchid is a large family of fragrant, blooming plants. It contains almost 26000 species in 880 genera. An interesting fact about this family is that total number of species in orchid family is almost twice the number of bird species present on Earth. And surprisingly four times to number of mammal’s species present. This family includes many important genera like Vanilla, Orchis, Phalaenopsis and Cattelya. Orchid was introduced by John Lindley in 1845.
Members of this family are cosmopolitan. They can be found anywhere on Earth. Most of the varieties occur in tropics, Asia, Central America, and South America and even in Arctic Circle.
There are some characteristic features of orchids which distinguish them from other plants. They have bilateral symmetry, very small seeds, modified petals and fused stamens and carpel. These are perennial herbaceous plants. There are two common patterns of orchid growth. Some of the orchid plant grow from a bud and form a single shoot. This plant grows vertically and foliage adds on the apex each year.
The other type grows out from more than one bud with many shoots. These shoots grow to a certain height and then start spreading laterally. Most of the orchids adapt later kind of growth. Some species have single flowers while most of them have specific kind of inflorescence named as racemes inflorescence.
The species which are native to humid tropic regions require day temperature of 73◦ to 85◦ F while those native to warm climate including cymbidium and dendrobiums need average temperature of 55◦ to 70◦ F. they need constant moisture and well ventilated site.
On the basis of habitat and way of living two categories of orchids are there, Epiphytes and terrestrial. Most commonly grown strain of orchid is phalaenopsis hybrids. All plants need strong light but no direct sunlight, high humidity, turbulent air flows, regular cycles of drying and drenching and average send gifts to karachi temperature from 50 to 85 degree Fahrenheit. Taking care of these needs of plant will result in better growth and blooming.
Store packed orchid plants are usually packed in plastic bags and roots are left soggy. This does not allow the roots to complete dry and possibility of root rot increases. For potting orchids specialized orchid pots and orchid compost should be used. Theses pots have large slits to allow the water runoff. In summers they need heavy watering.
Potential fragrance chemicals are identified in orchids by perfumers. Most of the strains are cultivated for enjoyment. Dried seeds of genus Vanilla are important for flavouring in baking and in aromatherapy.

Fuchsia

Fuchsia is a genus of beautiful striking double coloured flower containing plants. The first fuchsia plant is discovered by French monk and botanists Charles Plumier in islands of Hispaniola. It was named after a well renowned German botanist Leonhart Fuchs.
These are flowering perennials. They are loved by gardeners because of their shade tolerance and abundant blooming. They produce evergreen foliage. The flowers are used for ornamental purposes. Fuchsia in white, pink, red and purple colours are commonly found. There can be combinations of these colours in Fuchsia. They are commonly grown in containers indoors. Fuchsia survives outdoor winters only in southern most areas United States. In cooler climates they must be planted indoor.
East, west or south facing windows receiving bright and indirect light near the indoor site of plant is favourable for fuchsia. The plant may survive spring and summer outdoors in shady location where there is no direct sun light. They grow best in well drained moist soil. Day temperature of 60 to 70 F and night temperature of 50 to 60 F is favourable for growth of plant. Flower bud formation takes place in low night temperatures. Heat discourages plant growth. Plant stops blooming when temperature rises above 76 F.
During season of active growth regular watering is needed. They need watering after 5 to 7 days. Water the plants when upper layer feels dry in touch. It will improve plant health and prevent leaf drop. In winter reduce the watering frequency; it will help to prepare the plant for winter dormancy period. Water the plant very often during winter in order to prevent from complete drying. Place it dark, insulated room and cut all the foliage from the plant and cut off limbs to several inches from soil level.
Fuchsia need heavy feeder during spring and summer season. Fertilize the soil once in two to four weeks. 20-20-20 send gifts to karachi ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in fertilizer will boost the growth and flowering rate. They do not need feeding during winter or fall season.
The outdoor plants must be transplanted to indoors at arrival of winter. They need 45 to 50 F in winters. Again in summers shift them outdoors. Pinching off shots improves the bushier growth of plant and plant covers the entire container. Heavy pruning is needed when the plant is shifted from indoors to outdoors. It will encourage formation of new growth.
Fuchsias are easy to grow and propagate. They are quite cheap and easy to multiply. Commonly used as cut flowers.

Dianthus

Dianthus is a genus of 300 species of flowering plants. These are usually found in Europe, South and North Africa, North America and Asia. It is commonly known as carnation, sweet or pink William. Most of it species are herbaceous perennial while some are annual or biennial. They have grass like blue green foliage. The flowers are star shaped and are spicily fragrant. The available colours are pink, red, white, rose and lavender. There are almost all varieties of colours almost except a true blue. Dianthus have diversity in size also. Some of them may be creepy climbers while others can grow to 30 inch tall cut flowers.
They need a site with full sun and well drained soil. Neutral to alkaline pH is favourable for plant growth. In winters especially, they do not like wet soils.
They should be planted in spring or fall. The distance between the plants must 6 to 12 inches. It depends on the type of strain growing. Dig a hole of 12 to 15 inches deep. Mix 2 to 4 inches of compost thin layer in the soil. The diameter should be twice wide of size of plant base. Fill in around the root ball with firm soil. Water it thoroughly. Plants need watering if rainfall is less than one inch in a week. Applying compost help to retain moisture in the soil and control weed growth. The tall varieties need staking for keeping them upright. Removal of spent flowers improves tendency of blooming of send gifts to karachi plants. After first frost, the plant should be cut back to 2 to 3 inches from ground level. In the spring when new growth of plant starts divide the plant after every 3 to 4 months. Dianthus needs moist sol growth. Do not over water it. In case of container grown plants, let the upper layer dry before watering again. During growing season only once a month fertilizing the soil is enough for plant’s need.
If you want to propagate the plant do not deadhead spent flowers and let them to develop seeds. These collected seeds can be grown in next spring season after frost. Only sprinkling the seeds on ground can transform into plant next year. Most of the dianthus is not vulnerable to pests and diseases. But care must be taken against aphids, mildew, root and stem rot.
 They are best for growing in containers. They will bring a splash of colours to your urban balcony. The plant grows in size from 6 inches to three feet.