Orchids are one of the most diverse and fascinating plant families in the world, with thousands of species found in nearly every habitat. From the vibrant Cattleya to the rare and elusive Ghost Orchid, there are countless types of orchids that captivate plant enthusiasts. Their unique blooms, intricate structures, and varying care requirements make them a favorite among gardeners and collectors alike.
With over 25,000 species and more than 100,000 hybrids, identifying different types of orchids can be both exciting and challenging. Some orchids thrive in tropical rainforests, while others adapt to cooler mountainous regions. Whether epiphytic, terrestrial, or lithophytic, each orchid variety has its own characteristics that set it apart.
In this guide, we’ll explore 54 stunning types of orchids, complete with pictures and identification tips. From common household favorites to exotic rarities, you’ll discover the incredible diversity of this mesmerizing plant family. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced grower, this list will help you appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of orchids.
Different Types of Orchids
Noble Rock Orchid
Scientific Name: Dendrobium nobile
A species with a long history of cultivation, the Noble Rock Orchid is known both for its beauty and medicinal properties. The flowers are typically white with purple tips, and the lip is marked with a dark central eyespot encircled by yellow, a distinguishing feature of this species.
Dendrobium nobile is a deciduous orchid that sheds its leaves before blooming. This adaptation aligns with monsoonal seasonal rains, ensuring the plant’s energy is dedicated to flower production when conditions are favorable. It can grow both epiphytically and terrestrially, thriving in mossy limestone rocks and broadleaf evergreen forests.
This variety is highly sought after in the ornamental plant trade. It produces up to four large, fragrant flowers per stem, making it one of the showiest Dendrobium species. Its resilience and striking appearance contribute to its popularity among collectors.
Halloween Orchid
Scientific Name: Laelia gouldiana
With elongate or flattened pseudobulbs topped by lanceolate leaves, the Halloween Orchid is a fascinating species with a creeping horizontal rhizome. This structural adaptation allows the plant to spread efficiently while maintaining access to essential nutrients.
Its vibrant purple to rosy-purple flowers bloom in late October, earning it the nickname “Halloween Orchid.” In its native region of Mexico, the flower is called “flor de muerto” or “flower of death” because it coincides with the Day of the Dead celebrations. The tri-lobed lip is darker, featuring a yellow callus and red markings.
Historically, this orchid was collected in large numbers for grave decorations, leading to a significant decline in wild populations. Conservation efforts are now in place to protect this species from further exploitation.
Tiger’s Mouth Orchid
Scientific Name: Rossioglossum grande
Named for its striking appearance and the prominent “teeth” on its lip, the Tiger’s Mouth Orchid is a visually impressive species. It grows at high elevations in seasonally dry deciduous forests and is known for its large, glossy flowers.
The petals and sepals are bright yellow with bold reddish-brown barring. This pattern becomes more solid near the base, enhancing the resemblance to a tiger’s mouth. These orchids use mimicry to attract pollinators, imitating flowers that provide oil rewards for bees. However, the Tiger’s Mouth Orchid does not produce oil, instead relying on deception to ensure pollination.
As an epiphyte, it requires a well-draining growing medium and a period of dryness in winter to encourage flowering. With proper care, its stunning flowers can reach sizes of 7 to 9 inches, making it a prized specimen among orchid enthusiasts.
Nun Orchid
Scientific Name: Lycaste virginalis
This orchid variety has exceptionally large, showy triangular flowers and a bemusing fragrance, making it so loved and cherished by many. The flower is very rare in the wild due to its rampant exportation since discovery.
The type of orchid will vary in color, size, and form, but the most coveted plants are pure white. Some other colors range from pale purple to apricot. The lip callus is yellow and tongue-shaped.
The pure white forms are considered the national flower of Guatemala and they’re known there as “Monja Blanca” or “White Nun.” L. virginalis is adaptable and vigorous, preferring cooler temperatures similar to their native habitat of higher elevations.
Spotted Cat of the Mountain Orchid
Scientific Name: Zygopetalum maculatum
These types of orchids generally grow in places with shade from nearby trees and can have one or tall spectacular, tall inflorescences per pseudobulb which carry up to 25 flowers. The sepals and petals are green, of a similar size and shape, and covered in reddish spots and bars.
The lip has a single large lobe with white and purple veins. Its native habitat includes mountain slopes and ridges with shrubs and rocks, and sometimes it can be found on roadside banks. These sites are typically wet, mossy areas amongst rocks.
This species has pleasingly sweet fragrance-producing compounds typically associated with fragrance-collecting male euglossine bees. A popular orchid variety of this species is ‘Maui Jazz.’
Easter Orchid
Scientific Name: Earina autumnalis
Pure white, strongly and sweetly perfumed flowers, yellow or orange markings on the lip, and a bloom time around Easter are all characteristics of the Easter Orchid. This type of orchid is commonly found in lowlands and mountainous forests as epiphytes on branches or trunks or on rocky banks.
The roots are fibrous rhizomes. The individual flowers are small, but they form a panicle with 3 to 40 flowers. The strong fragrance of the flowers will often reveal its presence. In New Zealand, it is known by the common name “Raupeka.”
Tiger-Stripe Orchid
Scientific Name: Cymbidium iridioides
This unique orchid features grass-like leaf blades with a yellowish base. It produces between four and seven long-lasting flowers, each showcasing bright yellow petals adorned with brown stripes. The frilled margins of the flower have irregular red spots, making this species easily recognizable.
The flowers emit a mild fragrance and play an essential role in pollination. Trigona bees are the primary pollinators, collecting a waxy compound from the flower’s lip to use in sealing cracks in their nests. This mutual relationship highlights the ecological importance of the orchid in its habitat.
Cymbidium iridioides thrives in wet forests and can be found growing epiphytically on moss-covered trees, rocks, and limestone cliffs. This species is highly valued in horticulture and is frequently used in hybridization to create new cultivars.
Showy Tiger Orchid
Scientific Name: Grammatophyllum speciosum
Known as the largest orchid in the world, the Showy Tiger Orchid features lanceolate leaves on cane-like pseudobulbs, giving it the appearance of a palm tree. Its sepals and petals display intricate chestnut-brown markings over a yellow background, resembling a tiger’s stripes. The genus name derives from Greek words, with “gramma” meaning “letter” and “phyllon” meaning “leaf.”
The massive floral display is what makes this orchid truly remarkable. The species name “speciosum” translates to “showy,” a fitting descriptor for the abundant and vibrant flowers. Some of its sterile flowers, found lower on the inflorescence, lack reproductive structures and exist solely to emit fragrance.
This species is an epiphyte that thrives in hot, wet forests near rivers and streams. Its large size and striking appearance make it a coveted addition to collections, though its cultural requirements demand careful attention to moisture and temperature levels.
Putty Root Orchid
Scientific Name: Aplectrum hyemale
This type of orchid puts out a beautiful silver-streaked, purple-backed, ovate leaf in the fall after blooming and photosynthesizes over the winter, taking advantage of the bareness of the deciduous leaf canopy above. The small flowers appear in late spring with 4 to 12 blooms, and the leaf withers as the plant blooms.
The flowers don’t appear to fully open. The sepals and petals are olive with dull plum-purple tips. The lip of the flower is white with a plum tip and a frilly margin. The orchid variety gets its common name from its underground corms which yield mucilage when crushed.
Early Native Americans and European settlers used this mucilage as an adhesive to repair pottery and crockery. Native Americans made a paste to treat boils and tea to treat bronchial troubles from the roots. Putty root is often found beneath beech and sugar maple trees. This orchid variety is terrestrial and is often found in deciduous temperate woodlands. This species is also known as “Adam and Eve Root.”
Showy Orchid
Scientific Name: Galearis spectabilis
A pair of broad leaves appear in the Spring from a cluster of fat roots and a short rhizome to produce an entirely white or entirely pink flower. Some plants may have pale yellow lips with pink petals and sepals. The inflorescence has 3 to 10 or more blooms.
Leaves will emerge before the forest canopy leafs out in order to take advantage of the sun. Additional shoots may pop into tightly clustered clumps. Showy Orchids are found in moist calcareous (alkaline) woodlands, thickets, and old fields. These types of orchids are terrestrial in nature.
Ruffled Dancing Lady Orchid
Scientific Name: Otoglossum brevifolium
Smooth, pear-shaped, flattened pseudobulbs each bear a single, rigid leathery leaf for this showy inflorescence of 12 to 18 blooms. An elongated rhizome is between each pseudobulb, which allows this plant to run along the surface of the soil.
This type of orchid frequents rainforests and cloud forests and is terrestrial on steep clay banks in leaf litter. The sepals of the flower have yellow edges and are wavy, spreading, and chestnut-brown. The petals have a thin, yellow margin with a yellow lip with reddish-brown markings at the base.
Cockleshell Orchid
Scientific Name: Prosthechea cochleata
This orchid is distinguished by its upside-down flowers, with up to 20 scentless blooms opening over a long period of up to six months. It is the national flower of Belize, where it is called “Black Orchid” or orquidea negra. The flowers bloom sequentially, ensuring a continuous display. Some specimens have been reported to bloom for up to 18 months.
These orchids are commonly cultivated due to their unique and long-lasting flowers. In the wild, wasps serve as their natural pollinators. The mucilage extracted from the pseudobulbs can be used as glue for repairing wooden objects. The Cockleshell Orchid thrives as an epiphyte in tropical evergreen and deciduous oak forests.
The individual flowers have greenish-yellow sepals and petals that are twisted and downward-pointing. The upright lip is hoodlike, yellow, and marked with bold reddish-purple stripes that fuse at the margins. A popular variety of this species is ‘Hihimanu.’
Pink Lady’s Slipper Orchid
Scientific Name: Cypripedium acaule
This striking wildflower features two opposite basal leaves with parallel veins and a single large flower at the end of its erect stalk. The bloom can be magenta, whitish-pink with darker pink venation, or, rarely, pure white. A common name for this plant is “moccasin flower.”
Historically, the roots of this orchid were used medicinally as a remedy for nervousness, tooth pain, and muscle spasms. In the 1800s and 1900s, it served as a substitute for valerian root due to its sedative properties.
Pink Lady’s Slippers can live for over 20 years. They thrive in mixed hardwood coniferous forests of pine and hemlock, often on rocky or mossy slopes. They prefer acidic, well-drained soils under deciduous trees. Though they do not transplant easily, plants from private property may be carefully moved to shade gardens.
Grass Pink Orchid
Scientific Name: Calopogon tuberosus
This slender orchid features narrow, folded leaves and an underground corm. The genus name, Calopogon, translates to “beautiful beard,” referencing the bright yellow hairs on the flower’s lip. These hairs mimic pollen, attracting pollinators.
The Grass Pink Orchid closely resembles the American Dragon Mouth Orchid but does not hybridize with it due to differences in pollen placement on bumblebees. While American Dragon Mouths deposit pollen on the thorax, Grass Pinks deposit it on the abdomen.
This orchid is terrestrial, thriving in bogs, meadows, savannas, swamps, and seepage slopes. Its bright pink-purple flowers appear on spikes bearing ten or more blooms.
Moth Orchids
Scientific Name: Phalaenopsis spp.
Moth orchids, also called moon orchids, are among the most widely cultivated orchids. Their aerial roots can photosynthesize, contributing to their green coloration. Flower colors include green, pink, purple, white, and various patterned variations.
These orchids typically have 3 to 6 thick, succulent leaves. Popular species include P. equestris, known for its purple flowers, and P. schilleriana, which has pinkish-white flowers and variegated leaves. Some species emit a sweet fragrance. Their long-lasting flowers make them excellent beginner-friendly orchids. Moth orchids are epiphytic and thrive in warm, humid environments with indirect light.
Vanilla Orchid
Scientific Name: Vanilla planifolia
This orchid is one of the most commercially significant species, cultivated for its beans, which are fermented and dried to produce vanilla extract. The Vanilla genus includes vining orchids that require tree support to reach their full growth potential.
In their native Mexican habitat, wasps pollinate these orchids, but in commercial production, pollination is done by hand. This species produces 95% of the world’s vanilla pods.
Vanilla orchids are primarily terrestrial but climb trees in lowland tropical forests. Their yellow or greenish blooms last only a day, but the plant blooms frequently and successively throughout the year.
Scarlet Cattleya Orchid
Scientific Name: Cattleya coccinea (Formerly Sophronitis coccinea)
Scarlet Cattleya is a miniature type of orchid with a large flower, forming a cluster of pseudobulbs, each with a single leathery leaf at the base. The midveins of the leaves are red. A single, long-lasting scarlet flower forms from the base of each leaf.
This type of orchid is used extensively in hybridization to create large, bright red varieties. C. coccinea is found in Atlantic rainforests and is an epiphyte on moss-covered trees or mossy rocks. The blooms are a brilliant red-orange (sometimes yellow), and the lip has yellow markings inside. ‘Wild Fire’ is a beautiful hybrid cross of C. coccinea and C. wittigana with pinkish-red flowers.
Common Jewel Orchid
Scientific Name: Ludisia discolor
The Common Jewel Orchid has attractive reddish-brown leaves with pinkish-white venation, giving rise to its name “jewel orchid.” The leaves are arranged in a spiral from fleshy rhizomes. The inflorescence is described as “hairy” and carries 10 to 25 flowers with woolly ovaries and pinkish bracts.
The sepals are white, and one hooded sepal covers the yellow column and white curved lip. The column is twisted to one side, making a hook at the tip. L. discolor grows naturally in evergreen lowland forests or in shade near streams. This type of orchid is terrestrial and sometimes lithophytic on rocky substrates. This species is fairly common as a potted plant.
Dancing Lady Orchid
Scientific Name: Oncidium spp.
This genus of approximately 300 orchid species gets its common name “dancing ladies” from the sepals and petals, which are free and spreading. The types of orchids in this genus are some of the largest and most popularly cultivated, but many of the species are very distinct, which causes some taxonomic confusion.
They are mostly epiphytes and occur in several different habitats. Oncidiums usually produce long, branched, many-flowered, erect, and arching inflorescences in colors from yellow to brown. Usually, the flowers are marked or blotched dark brown.
Fried-Egg Orchid
Scientific Name: Dendrobium chrysotoxum
A medicinal plant of Southeast Asia, the Fried-Egg Orchid will bear 20 or more honey-scented blooms on one flower spike. The flowers are collected and dried to make a medicinal tea said to induce peaceful, dreamless sleep. The leaves are used to treat ailments associated with diabetes.
These types of orchids are used to monsoonal climates with extreme spring and summer rainfall. These wet-dry cycles affect their growth and flowering. Unfortunately, the flowers only last 7 to 10 days. The blooms are variable in color but are generally a brilliant yellow-orange or darker orange with a reddish-brown spot in the lip center. These types of orchids are naturally epiphytic.
Mayflower Orchid
Scientific Name: Laelia speciosa
A showy species, the Mayflower Orchid has short, round pseudobulbs with one or two fleshy purple-tinged leaves. The old pseudobulb will wither at the end of the season, and a new inflorescence will form from the newly developing pseudobulb.
Each inflorescence has 1 to 4 bright pink/purple, large, strongly scented flowers. This plant is highly sought after among orchid-growing enthusiasts. The plant may not mature until it reaches 16 to 19 years old in its native habitat high in the mountains. L. speciosa prefers dry, open oak forests high in elevation and lives as an epiphyte on mossy branches.
The plant is naturally exposed to cool weather and occasional frosts. The Mexican name for this orchid is “flor de todos santos” or “all-saints flower.” A starchy paste from pseudobulbs can be made into candy by mixing with sugar, lemon juice, and egg white traditionally for the Day of the Dead. This type of orchid is threatened in the wild due to overharvesting for horticultural and religious purposes.
Spectacular Big Lip Orchid
Scientific Name: Miltonia spectabilis
This type of orchid is highly variable in its coloration, and most likely the species name “spectabilis,” meaning “notable” or “remarkable” in Latin, is in regard to this feature. The flowers are similar in shape to the genus Oncidium, with the shapes associated with pollination by oil-collecting bees.
These flowers are deceptive, however, because they do not produce oil. The colors range from pink to lavender with a large, broad lip with purple veins and a yellow callus on the front of the column. These types of orchids are epiphytic in nature and prefer wet forests.
Slipper Orchid
Scientific Name: Paphiopedilum spp.
While other species are also known as “lady’s slippers,” these types of orchids are so named “lady’s slippers” or “slipper orchids” due to the unique slipper-shaped lip of their flowers. Paphiopedilum comes from the Greek Paphos, which was a city with a temple dedicated to Venus, and pedilon, meaning sandal.
These plants are mostly terrestrial and form fans of six or more leaves. The flowers of some of the species have warts or hairs and can be single or in multiples. This type of orchid is easily cultivated, so they are common in hobbyist collections. All plants are either collected or grown from seed, because some plant collection from the wild may be illegal.
Christmas Orchid
Scientific Name: Cattleya trianae
The Christmas Orchid is the national flower of Colombia, naturally occurring in wet lowland and cloud forests of the Colombian Andes. The combination of lavender/blue, yellow, and red colors in the flower is reminiscent of the Colombian flag.
The species name is after the Colombian botanist Jose Jeronimo Triana. The species lives as an epiphyte and produces 3 to 14 flowers on each inflorescence. Scents from C. trianae are extracted and used in the perfume industry. In the 20th century, it was a popular cut flower for corsages.
Monkey-Face Orchid
Scientific Name: Dracula simia
The center of each down-facing flower of this orchid appears to be a monkey’s face, which gives rise to its common name. The Latin species name “simia” is also translated as “monkey.” The flowers are long-tailed and produced successively. They hang below the foliage.
The blooms are hairy and warty with a rounded lip that has structures that resemble gills on the undersides of mushrooms. The sepals are reddish-brown with long tails, and the petals are small and darkly colored. Fungus gnats pollinate this orchid in the wild. This type of orchid is naturally an epiphyte of cloud forests and loves wet, cool conditions. Dracula orchids are popular in hobbyist collections.
Holy Ghost Orchid
Scientific Name: Peristeria elata
Also known as the “dove orchid,” P. elata produces a rigid, erect inflorescence of 10 to 15 waxy flowers with a strong fragrance. The lip of the flowers is hinged so that when a bee lands on it, the bee is propelled against the column and thus picks up pollen as it struggles to get free. This orchid is the national flower of Panama.
The flower resembles a white dove sitting on a nest, which is where its common names come from, the dove being the symbol of the Holy Ghost in the Christian tradition. This orchid variety naturally lives in humid, deciduous mountain forests, at the edge of shaded grasslands, or on rocky outcrops. It can be either terrestrial, lithophytic, or epiphytic on the base of mossy tree trunks.
Northeastern Butterfly Orchid
Scientific Name: Psychopsis papilio
The name speaks for itself with this type of orchid, because its large flowers resemble exactly what its common name states: a butterfly. The top sepal is antenna-like while the lateral petals and sepals resemble wings. There’s a theory that pollination of this orchid type occurs by male butterflies that think the flower is a female, but this flower is actually pollinated by bees.
The flowers have a yellow background overlaid with red blotching. The lip is large and ringed with an ocher with a broad, yellow center. The flowers bloom in succession, with each flower lasting 10 days. The inflorescences of these types of orchids will flower for many years. P. papilio lives naturally as an epiphyte in lower mountainous wet forests. They do not require a rest period.
Black Fiddle Orchid
Scientific Name: Coelogyne pandurata
The Black Fiddle Orchid is known for its striking yellowish-green sepals and petals, along with a large greenish lip marked with black spots and stripes. The lip’s ridges, keels, and frilled edges resemble a fiddle, which inspired its common name. This orchid produces a strong honey-like fragrance, attracting pollinators in its natural habitat.
Each inflorescence can bear up to 15 flowers that bloom simultaneously, creating a spectacular display. Unlike many orchids with a limited blooming season, C. pandurata flowers almost year-round, making it highly desirable among collectors. Its long-lasting blooms and unique appearance make it a standout species.
This orchid thrives as an epiphyte in tropical wet forests, often found clinging to trees near streams. It prefers shaded conditions with good air circulation, requiring high humidity and consistent watering. With proper care, it can adapt well as a houseplant, provided it has well-draining media to prevent root rot.
Blue Vanda Orchid
Scientific Name: Vanda coerulea
The Blue Vanda Orchid is prized for its large, vibrant blue flowers adorned with an intricate checkered pattern. First discovered in 1847 by William Griffith, this species quickly became popular in the horticultural world. Many hybrid varieties owe their striking blue and purple hues to V. coerulea, making it a significant parent in orchid breeding.
This orchid has medicinal significance beyond its ornamental value. In traditional medicine, extracts from its flowers have been used to treat glaucoma and cataracts. Research also suggests potential applications in anti-aging skin treatments, highlighting its beneficial properties beyond aesthetics.
Naturally growing as an epiphyte, V. coerulea prefers bright light, high humidity, and frequent watering. It thrives in warm climates, often found on the branches of deciduous trees in its native regions. With its stunning color and long-lasting blooms, it remains a favorite among orchid enthusiasts.
Pink Foxtail Orchid
Scientific Name: Aerides multiflora
The Pink Foxtail Orchid is known for its long, cascading inflorescence, which can bear between 25 to 50 fragrant flowers. These delicate blooms range in color from white with pinkish spots to deep rosy-lavender. Its common name comes from its resemblance to a fox’s tail, similar to others in the Aerides genus.
The flowers have a powerful sweet fragrance and can last for weeks, making them highly sought after by collectors. In Nepal, this orchid has traditional medicinal uses, where its extracts are applied as a tonic for wound healing and skin conditions. Its beauty and potential health benefits make it a valuable species.
This orchid thrives in deciduous and semi-deciduous forests, where it grows as an epiphyte. It requires high humidity, bright light, and consistent watering to flourish. With its showy flowers and adaptability, it is a popular choice for orchid growers and home gardeners.
Foxtail Orchid
Scientific Name: Rhynchostylis gigantea
The Foxtail Orchid is a spectacular species characterized by its densely packed, arching flower spikes. Each inflorescence can hold up to 20 small, fragrant flowers in shades ranging from pure white to pink, peach, and deep wine red. The blossoms’ rich coloration and spicy fragrance make them a favorite among orchid collectors.
Despite its similar appearance to Aerides orchids, R. gigantea belongs to a different genus. The confusion between the two has led to both being called “foxtail orchids.” However, Rhynchostylis species have thicker leaves and more compact growth, distinguishing them from Aerides varieties.
This orchid thrives in warm, humid environments, growing as an epiphyte on tree trunks and branches. It prefers medium to bright light and requires frequent watering, though it should not be overwatered. Blooming in winter, its spectacular floral display adds color to the colder months.
Spider Orchid
Scientific Name: Brassia spp.
The Spider Orchid earns its name from its distinctive long, narrow sepals and petals, which resemble the legs of a spider. The flowers are typically yellowish or whitish with dark brown blotches, making them look even more like arachnids. This unique shape plays a crucial role in the plant’s pollination strategy.
Female wasps mistake the orchid for real spiders and attempt to sting the flower’s lip, inadvertently picking up pollen. This fascinating form of deception ensures pollination without the need for nectar rewards. The interaction between wasps and Brassia orchids is a remarkable example of evolutionary adaptation.
Spider Orchids are epiphytic and thrive in bright, filtered light with high humidity. They require moderate watering, with reduced watering during cooler months. Their unusual appearance and intriguing pollination method make them a captivating addition to any orchid collection.
Foul Giant Orchid
Scientific Name: Bulbophyllum grandiflorum
Unlike most orchids, the Foul Giant Orchid is known for its unpleasant odor. The single large bloom emits a foul scent, attracting flies rather than bees or butterflies. The cream to tan sepals, marked with reddish-purple spots, bend forward to form a duck-like shape, adding to its unusual appeal.
The foul odor plays a crucial role in the plant’s reproduction, as it lures flies for pollination. Many species in the Bulbophyllum genus rely on this strategy, mimicking rotting material to attract their primary pollinators. Despite its scent, the intricate beauty of the flower makes it fascinating to collectors.
This orchid naturally grows as an epiphyte in tropical rainforests, thriving on tree trunks or lower branches. It requires high humidity, consistent watering, and warm temperatures to flourish. Though not ideal for indoor cultivation due to its odor, it remains a striking species in greenhouse collections.
Bamboo Orchid
Scientific Name: Arundina graminifolia
The Bamboo Orchid is a terrestrial orchid with tall, reed-like stems that resemble bamboo, giving it its name. This species is well-adapted to colonizing rocky areas, fresh lava flows, and open meadows. It is commonly found in tropical and subtropical Asia and has been naturalized in regions like Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and parts of Africa.
This orchid produces showy, fragrant flowers with bright purple petals and a trumpet-shaped lip. The blooms open successively on the stem, ensuring a prolonged flowering period. With its striking appearance and ability to thrive in warm climates, it is a popular ornamental plant in tropical gardens.
The Bamboo Orchid thrives in full sun and requires frequent watering to mimic its natural wetland habitat. It prefers warm temperatures, with a minimum night temperature of 60°F (16°C). While it is often grown outdoors in USDA Zones 9 to 10, it can also be cultivated in pots with proper care.
Pink Cymbidium
Scientific Name: Cymbidium spp.
Cymbidium orchids are prized for their long-lasting, elegant flowers, making them a favorite among florists and orchid enthusiasts. These orchids are semi-dormant during winter but produce spectacular blooms that can last for several months. The modern hybrid varieties originate from fewer than 20 species native to high-elevation regions of Asia.
Oriental Cymbidiums are known for their charming fragrance and are often grown in deep pots to accommodate their downward-growing roots. Most species are terrestrial, growing in rich, well-draining soil. Their resilience and adaptability make them suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.
Cymbidiums thrive in bright, cool conditions, with ideal temperatures ranging from 40 to 85°F (4 to 29°C). They require regular watering during the growing season but should be allowed to dry slightly between waterings. In milder climates, they can tolerate full sun, but shading is recommended to prevent fading of blooms.
Lady of the Night Orchid
Scientific Name: Brassavola nodosa
The Lady of the Night Orchid is named for its strong, sweet fragrance that intensifies at night. This epiphytic orchid produces clusters of 4 to 12 creamy-white flowers with long, narrow petals and a tubular lip that flares into a heart shape. A few reddish spots may appear in the throat of the flower.
This orchid can bloom multiple times throughout the year, with peak flowering in fall and winter. Its pencil-like, round leaves grow in thick clusters, covering tree trunks in its native habitats from Mexico to Brazil and the Caribbean. The plant thrives in seasonally dry forests, often near coastal regions.
Lady of the Night Orchids prefer medium light and high humidity, with temperatures between 60 and 85°F (16-29°C). They require regular watering during active growth but should have reduced moisture in rest periods. Due to their similar care requirements, they are an excellent choice for growers familiar with Cattleya or Laelia orchids.
Sparkling Jewel Orchid
Scientific Name: Macodes petola
The Sparkling Jewel Orchid is highly prized for its striking veined foliage, which often outshines its delicate flowers. The leaves form a rosette and have silver veins that shimmer in the light, making them a true collector’s item among orchid enthusiasts. Despite its modest flower size, a fully bloomed plant remains beautiful and captivating.
This orchid grows terrestrially in lowland and lower mountainous forests. It spreads via rhizomes, creeping along the ground. A fascinating historical belief suggested that squeezing the juice from its leaves onto one’s eyes could improve writing skills, as the leaf veins resemble ancient script.
The Sparkling Jewel Orchid thrives in warm, humid conditions with temperatures between 60 and 80°F (16-27°C). It prefers shade and requires consistent moisture, never allowing the soil to dry out. This orchid can bloom at any time of the year.
Phaius Orchids
Scientific Name: Phaius spp.
The Phaius genus consists of about 50 species of robust orchids, many of which are terrestrial or epiphytic. These orchids grow from pseudobulbs and short rhizomes, producing large inflorescences that can reach up to 4 feet tall. Their showy flowers come in white, purple, magenta, and yellow, adding vibrant color to any collection.
Unlike many other orchids, Phaius species can be propagated by cutting the flower stem just below the first bloom and placing it in moist sphagnum moss. Under the right conditions, new plants will develop from buds along the stem. This method takes 2 to 3 years for new plants to flower.
Phaius orchids prefer moderate to bright filtered light, high humidity, and temperatures between 60 and 80°F (16-27°C). They require ample watering during the growing season but should be kept drier in cooler conditions. Some species, like the Greater Swamp Orchid (Phaius tankervilleae), have historically been used for indigo dye and medicinal poultices.
Spotted Bull Orchid
Scientific Name: Stanhopea tigrina
The Spotted Bull Orchid is a visually striking species with large, creamy-yellow flowers covered in dark purplish-brown spots. These tiger-like markings inspired its species name, tigrina. The flowers are not only visually stunning but also have a sweet fragrance that attracts bees for pollination.
This orchid is epiphytic and thrives in seasonally wet forests. Its unique flower shape has been compared to a descending bird of prey with outstretched talons. Due to its natural habitat, it prefers high humidity and warm temperatures.
Spotted Bull Orchids require ample water during their growth period but should be kept drier in cooler conditions. They grow best in filtered to bright sunlight with good air circulation. Flowering occurs between July and October, and the large blooms can reach up to 8 inches in size.
Masdevallia Orchids
Scientific Name: Masdevallia spp.
Masdevallia orchids are a diverse group with about 300 species, mostly epiphytic and found in high-altitude regions. These orchids are well-known for their brilliantly colored flowers, which range from less than an inch to over 12 inches in width. Popular color combinations include red, white, and purple.
The flowers of Masdevallia orchids are distinct, with sepals that unite at the base to form a narrow, bell-shaped tube. Each inflorescence typically produces one flower, although there are exceptions within the genus.
Masdevallia orchids require bright shade, high humidity, and cool to moderate temperatures between 55 and 80°F (13-27°C). They should be watered frequently, as they lack pseudobulbs and cannot tolerate drying out completely. These orchids bloom at various times of the year, depending on the species.
Pink Marsh Orchid
Scientific Name: Dactylorhiza spp.
The Pink Marsh Orchid is a terrestrial orchid that thrives in marshes, grasslands, and woodlands across Europe and parts of Asia. The genus name, Dactylorhiza, is derived from the Greek word “daktulos,” meaning “finger,” referring to its finger-like tuberous roots. These orchids are easy to cultivate and produce vibrant, dense flower spikes.
Often called “wild hyacinths” due to their resemblance to the common hyacinth, Pink Marsh Orchids can hybridize naturally, leading to a wide range of variations. Some varieties grow in heavy clay soils in quarries and railway embankments, while others prefer limestone and sandy dunes. Woodland species thrive in dappled sunlight.
These orchids prefer full sun to partial shade, depending on the species. They grow well in USDA Zones 5 to 8, requiring moderate water and high humidity. Blooming in summer, their colorful inflorescences attract pollinators and enhance natural landscapes or garden settings.
Egret Flower Orchid
Scientific Name: Pecteilis radiata (syn. Habenaria radiata)
The Egret Flower Orchid is a delicate, terrestrial species named for its striking white flowers, which resemble the wings of a silver egret in flight. Each stem produces two or three feathery, fringed blooms with a nocturnal fragrance, making them a favorite among orchid enthusiasts.
The plant features grass-like foliage and grows from a small, pea-sized tuber. It is commonly cultivated in Asia for ornamental purposes and is considered a beginner-friendly orchid. However, it has a relatively short lifespan both in the wild and in cultivation, requiring attentive care to thrive.
Egret Flowers prefer full sun to partial shade and require moderate to high moisture levels. They grow best in seasonally boggy or marshy environments, mimicking their natural habitat near mountainous forests. Suitable for USDA Zones 7 to 9, they bloom from late spring to early summer.
Yellow Cinnamon Orchid
Scientific Name: Lycaste aromatica
The Yellow Cinnamon Orchid is named for its strong cinnamon-like fragrance, which helps attract male bees. It produces up to 10 yellow blossoms emerging from a leafless pseudobulb. The flowers are long-lasting and beautifully structured, adding an exotic touch to any collection.
This orchid can grow in various conditions, including as an epiphyte, lithophyte, or terrestrial plant. It is deciduous, shedding its leaves seasonally, which reduces its water needs. In the wild, it thrives in seasonally dry forests but usually remains in moist conditions, often growing on mossy trees or damp limestone cliffs.
Yellow Cinnamon Orchids prefer bright shade but can tolerate more sunlight in winter as long as temperatures remain cool. They require moderate to high humidity and grow best in temperatures between 50 and 75°F (10-24°C). Flowering occurs from late spring to summer.
Queen Victoria Blue Orchid
Scientific Name: Dendrobium victoriae-reginae
The Queen Victoria Blue Orchid is an epiphytic species known for its stunning lilac-blue flowers. This orchid thrives in mossy, wet, and cool oak forests alongside rhododendrons and azaleas. It was named in honor of Queen Victoria during the final years of her reign.
Each inflorescence produces 2 to 5 strikingly blue flowers, which resemble the colors of rhododendrons. This orchid has a distinct dormant period but can bloom almost continuously under the right conditions. It is also known for attracting birds and butterflies, adding to its ecological significance.
It requires bright light, high humidity, and temperatures between 50 and 80°F (10-27°C). During its growing season, ample watering is necessary, but the plant should be allowed to dry out slightly during dormancy. It is suitable for USDA Zones 10 to 12 and can be grown as a houseplant or in outdoor gardens.
Ghost Orchid
Scientific Name: Dendrophylax lindenii
The Ghost Orchid is an extremely rare and unique orchid species, named for its leafless, floating appearance. Its white to greenish-white flowers resemble a small ghost or frog, seemingly suspended in mid-air. It is pollinated at night, primarily by the Giant Sphinx Moth.
This orchid relies entirely on its roots for photosynthesis, forming a tangled mass on its host tree. The genus name, Dendrophylax, means “tree guardian,” referencing the way its roots cling to tree trunks. It is primarily found in the swamps of southern Florida, Cuba, and the Bahamas.
Due to habitat destruction and over-collection, the Ghost Orchid is considered endangered. It thrives in high humidity with temperatures between 60 and 80°F (16-27°C). Flowering occurs from July to September, but this species is extremely difficult to cultivate outside its natural environment.
Crested Snow Orchid
Scientific Name: Coelogyne cristata
The Crested Snow Orchid is a breathtaking species with glistening white petals and a broad, flaring lip. When well cared for, this orchid can grow into an enormous plant, producing hundreds of fragrant blooms.
This orchid is native to the eastern Himalayas and prefers cool, mossy environments. It naturally grows as an epiphyte or lithophyte, often found clinging to trees or rocky surfaces. Its name comes from Kurseong, an Indian town meaning “land of the white orchids,” which lies in its native range.
The Crested Snow Orchid requires regular watering and constant moisture throughout the day. It prefers shade to part shade with good air circulation and can tolerate lower temperatures. It blooms in late winter to early spring, producing stunning 4-inch flowers.
Cattleya Orchid
Scientific Name: Cattleya spp.
The Cattleya Orchid is one of the most iconic orchids, often referred to as the “Queen of the Orchids.” It was historically the standard orchid used in corsages and floral arrangements. Cattleyas come in nearly every color except true blue and are known for their large, fragrant flowers.
These orchids have a striking appearance, with a broad, often contrasting lip that enhances their beauty. In nature, Cattleyas are primarily epiphytic or lithophytic, growing on tree branches or rocky outcrops. Many hybrids have been developed, including miniature varieties known as “minicatts,” which are ideal for windowsill cultivation.
Cattleya Orchids require high humidity and ample watering during the growing season. They thrive in intermediate to bright light with good air circulation. Ideal temperatures range between 55 and 80°F (13-27°C). Depending on the species and hybrid, they can rebloom multiple times a year.
