Wondering if there are more orchid character out there than the smattering you always see in garden centers ?
Well , you are in for a treat because there are upwards of 25,000 orchid species in the world ( and many more loan-blend and cultivars!)The good news for us is that many of these lovely orchids do not require specialized knowledge and equipment to grow . And it ’s not punishing to get them to flower again if you know their secrets!Get your planters and potting spiritualist at the ready , because in this article we ’re going to put in you to 22 incredible types of orchids that are desirable for homes , offices , and other indoor spaces .
Along with the plant description and characterisation , scientific names will help key each species of orchidaceous plant do you have .
We ’ll get down off with 12 easy orchid variety , perfect for a tyro partisan . Then we ’ll move onto 10 more demanding orchid types that will offer you a fun challenge once you ’ve draw the hang of things .
22 DifferentTypes Of Orchids With Pictures And Care Guide
Here are a few of the most arresting orchid types you may grow indoors , and entropy about their specific precaution pauperization .
12 Easy Orchids (And How To Keep Them Happy)
1.BrassavolaOrchids
This orchid genus is arrant for new orchid fancier wanting to see some quick upshot . Brassavola is leisurely to raise and produces its delicate wiz - shaped blooms from a vernal old age .
If you take good care of your Brassavola it may very well honour you by blooming many times in the twelvemonth .
Flowers are usually a whitish - emollient , often with a dark-green heart , and have a large , rolled white lip . You ’ll also get to experience a luscious fragrance at Nox !
Brassavola nodosa(also known as The Lady of the Night ) is an excellent mintage to test . It ’s lie with to blossom reasonably much all year , and the nighttime , citrus scent is almost as heavenly as its pure white flowers .
2.Brassia – Spider Orchid
It ’s easy to see how these dainty flowers gained their vulgar name of ‘ Spider Orchids . ’ The long , narrow spikes resemble legs , and the fundamental flower lip looks a lot like an abdomen .
The flowers are arrange in neat rows along pendant spike , like a line of slender terpsichorean brandish their limbs in the aviation .
Brassia blossom are a soft creamy - white and often denounce with browned or purple flecks . Most types attain around a foot in height , but some are much bombastic ( up to 1 meter ) and will postulate support .
Brassia orchidaceous plant will do well on a window sill but need security from direct sunshine by purpose of net curtains or a similar kind of tripping - diffusing screen .
Brassia verrucosais a classic Spider Orchid and very popular . blossom can reach 8 -10 in , and the fragrance is inspired .
3.Cattleya Orchids
If you are aim to impress , Cattleya orchid will put on a spectacular show for you ! They are the show ponies of the orchid family , sporting enormous blooms that can hit an incredible 8 inch across .
Flowers are often frilled too , and with a dramatic contrast semblance on the lip . Most are also extremely fragrant , with a dreamy vanilla and cinnamon scent .
Hybrid Cattleya plants are especially prized as they own some spectacular combinations of color . The hybridCattleya Bob Betts , with crisp white petal and a icteric , ruffled sass , is often used for wedding bouquet .
The business deal - off for the maxi - sizing salad days is that the plants themselves tend to be very tumid . Many are in the 2 - 4 foot range , so better kept in a greenhouse or conservatory rather than on a windowsill .
Cattleya orchids can be a little busy and definitely wo n’t thrive in a teetotal air environment with piddling ventilation . Placing them on a humidity tray is beneficial .
If you ca n’t gibe the big varieties in your home , you ’ll want to check out the ‘ Mini - Catts , ’ which only reach a lilliputian 4 - 8 inch . Perfect for squeezing many different diversity onto your window Beverly Sills !
4.Cambria orchids (Vuylstekeara)
plant of the orchid genus Vuylstekeara get sold under their intercrossed name of Cambria . No doubt you will have seen many Cambria orchids in garden center and food market stores , as this loan-blend is incredibly popular .
These plants are a three - elbow room hybrid between Odontoglossum , Miltonia , and Cochlioda . They make first-class plants for an orchid beginner , as they put up a wide range of a function of temperature and do n’t ask a resting period .
Cambria orchidaceous plant produce immense , prodigal blooms on single or branched spike . Most species contain vibrant cerise and whitened flowers , with expectant backtalk stigmatise in yellow , that last for several week .
Vuylstekeara Cambria ‘ Plush’is an ideal alternative to add to your accumulation . The gorgeous red and white blooms with elegant large sassing can number up to 12 on each heyday spike , and if you cover it well , it may bloom more than once a class .
5.Cymbidium – Boat Orchids
It ’s leisurely to see why this mixture is so democratic among florists and garden center . cymbid ’s tall upright flower capitulum can bear huge routine of incredible blooms in all colors of the rainbow block off disconsolate .
flower petal are often rounded and waxy in grain . The backtalk resembles the material body of a gravy boat , explaining the common name for these beauties .
If you are a beginner orchid enthusiast , we would paint a picture you manoeuver aside from the metal money Cymbidium orchids too soon on . There are thousand of gorgeous hybrid cymbidiums to choose from , and they are much more liberal of temperature errors .
Standard Cymbidium hybrid are tremendous , reaching up to 5 feet , and they require a cool nursery to thrive . If you have the adeptness to house them , their care is uncomplicated .
Miniature Cymbidium hybrid , on the other hand , make wonderful houseplant . They still reach a respectable 1 - 2 animal foot in stature , and their showy flower last for up to 2 month .
Cymbidium Golden Elfis a rather stunning miniature cross , with bracts of cheerful yellow flowers which have the bonus of being fragrant .
To attain success with your Cymbidium hybrid , they ’ll need a short holiday outdoors each summertime . These plants love novel strain , so ensure they have ventilation . A significant difference in sidereal day and night temperature is also essential for Cymbidium orchids to reflower .
6. Dendrobium – Bamboo Orchid
There is no standard Dendrobium flower soma , as this orchid assortment is so heavy and varied . Every colour under the sun is available , apart from the two shade no natural orchidaceous plant can seem in ( spicy or disastrous ) .
Due to the enormous variety , trying to key out a typical Dendrobium is a little pointless . Instead , we ’ll inclose you to a few of our favorites .
Dendrobium kingianumis a duck soup to produce successfully and a cracking space to kick off your Dendrobium solicitation . The blossom are small and kickshaw , ( usually pink , lavender , or white ) and sweetly perfumed .
Like most Dendrobiums , they wish a coolheaded environment , and a substantial drop in temperature during the winter .
Dendrobium nobileis a popular type of orchid that grows to around 2 feet . It unremarkably bears pretty groups of pink and white bloom , although many other colors are available .
Keep your Dendrobium Nobile in an unheated part of the house in winter to ensure blossom the next class .
7.Encyclia – Cockleshell Orchid
Although some Encyclia orchids have a regular orchid blossom shape , many are part of the ‘ cockleshell ’ group .
Cockleshell orchid have an upside - down pattern that is very typical . The lip sits at the top of the bloom , and the long and narrow sepals and petal hang downwards .
Flowers sit at the top of erect spike heel and often come in wan colors like pinks , cream , and yellows . As well as looking pretty , the blooms also smell divine .
One of the most popular Encyclia ’s variety useable isEncyclia cochleata , also known as the Octopus Orchid . prime have the classical cockleshell upside - down show , with a majestic striped sass up top and long , branch - alike petals wrench downwards ,
Encyclia radiatais another fantastic species for a beginner orchidaceous plant grower . The one column inch , creamy bloom have a luscious scent .
Care Guide For Encyclia Orchids
8.Epidendrum orchids
Epidendrum orchids variety live on trees in their native habitats . They are used to surviving in slight to no soil and do not require many nutrient to flourish .
The average Epidendrum is rich and tolerant of a mountain chain of temperatures . Just secure that it never beget as low as freezing as that will sure bolt down the works .
Epidendrum orchid run to have reed - like stems , which bear clustering of gorgeous , brightly colored flower . quick to hot colors like violent , orange , imperial , yellowed , red-hot pink , and lilac are common .
Virtually all species have the same ruffled sassing , fused to the column ( the perch structure at the center of the flower ) . Some specie are a upstanding semblance , while others have spots and striped marking .
Epidendrum ibaguense – Apricot , also know as the Crucifix Orchid is a typical epidendrum and a unadulterated choice for a beginner .
It ’s passing tough , and the sprays of frail orange flowers will pep up you up for weeks at a clip . The strange sass on these orchids look like a low crossing .
9.Miltoniopsis – Pansy Orchid
You may see these glorious orchid mislabeled as Miltonia , but they are Miltoniopsis hybrids . you’re able to identify them by the broad pansy form flowers sit down on upright spikes .
Also , like pansies , the flowers can feature an ornate ‘ masquerade ’ in a contrasting color , made up of situation or stripe . The heavy heyday are generally blank , crimson , or pink , and last a good long time .
There are great deal of Miltoniopsis hybrid that do very well in the average home surround , so long as the heat is not sprain up too high . Humidity is lively for these plants to flourish , so put up them with a pebble tray to keep them at their good .
Miltoniopsis Herralexanderis a lovely example of a white cross , with a sweet , pansy - like mask in Battle of Magenta and yellow .
10.Oncidium – Dancing Lady orchids
butterfly orchid orchid have been around since the very beginning of ‘ Orchidmania ’ and collected by partisan since the 18th hundred . The flower depart wide , but a typical butterfly orchid feature a bombastic cluster of blooms on top of tall bow .
Oncidium orchids amount in many subtlety , but most are yellow , white , purple , pink , or immature . The top part of the bloom resembles the body and arms of a woman , whereas the profligate rim is the flowing ‘ skirt ’ .
If you are after an Oncidium for your home windowsill , nonplus to the more racy hybrids . The specie have some very fussy needs and are best off in a greenhouse with strict temperature ascendancy .
Oncidium Twinkleis an adorable dwarf hybrid , with the incredible vanilla extract scent typical in this genus . The spikes only accomplish about 8 inches in stature but are cover in a profuseness of goody , often bicolored , flush . It ’s commonly available in white , pink , orange , and red .
Oncidium Sharry Babyis another loanblend but much larger , with branched flower spike hit up to two infantry tall . The stunning cherry-red flowers with white markings on the lips can last an incredible three month before evanesce ( and it often blooms more than once a year ! )
11.Paphiopedilum – Slipper Orchid
These distinctive orchids are passing pop with novice growers and lifelong orchid partisan likewise . Sold in a wide range of stores , you should n’t have too much hassle tracking down one of these sweetheart to bring to your collection .
Paphiopedilum make its common name from the singular pocket - shaped brim , which often resembles a dainty women ’s carpet slipper . The pouch ’s purpose is to assure visiting worm fall in and pollinate the flora .
At the top of the blossom , the sepal is normally large and extravagant and decorated with spots or stripe .
Unlike many orchids , the leaves of Slipper Orchids are legion and shape an attractive fan shape , so there is no need to hide your orchidaceous plant by between anthesis periods .
Some species even have strange mottled leaves , which are much sluttish to develop in a shaded location than most mintage of orchidaceous plant .
All Slipper Orchids apprize additional humidity . Misting is not recommended as water can collect in the leaves and encourage rot . try out putting your plants on a pebble humidity tray .
Paphiopedilum Transvaalis a authentically stunning loan-blend , featuring attractive mottled leaves . Similar to the famous metal money orchid , Paphiopedilum rothschildianum , Transvaal is much easier to grow for a beginner . The upper sepal is yellow with contrasting blue ruby banding and the pouch , or ‘ slipper ’ is a blushed pink .
Paphiopedilum Catherine Brioisis another lovely loan-blend , with soft and rounded sepal and skidder pocket in pale pink with hundreds of dark cerise maculation .
12.Phalaenopsis – Moth Orchid
The stunning Moth Orchid seems to be almost tailor - made for the modern living room . Unlike other orchidaceous plant genus , they adore the warmth make by centrally heat up homes , and their calorie-free needs are relatively modest .
All this would be beside the point were it not for the Moth Orchids incredible blooms . The many flowers have large rounded sepals and a beautiful lip made up of three distinct sections .
The prime last and last , remaining on the plant for month at a time . It ’s light to see why they have become such a favored plant for sellers in DIY and garden stock across the existence .
Once they have flowered , it ’s not all that difficult to encourage your Moth Orchid to produce a new flower spike . Simply cut back to around an column inch , and another stiletto heel should start to form .
Phalaenopsis Lipperoseis a authoritative pinkish hybrid and the mother of many other pink moth orchid . Beautiful pinkish sepal and flower petal frame an elegant gold and blanched lip , covered in dark violent markings .
Phaelaenopsis schillerianais a big and spectacular species and have a glorious display orchidaceous plant . The spikes can hold numerous blooms that reach over three inches in size . Pale pink to white sepals make a backdrop for an flowery brim with gold and dark pink fleck .
Keikis
‘ Keiki ’ is a rather precious Hawaiian word for baby plantlets that can sometimes form on Phalaenopsis orchid . It look like another narrow-minded , segment stem , which then organise tiny leaves and a root arrangement .
Once these roots reach about two in in length , you could then detach the Keiki from the parent flora and pot them up in orchid potting medium . plow the whole works in a plastic bag or mist regularly to ensure it gets enough humidness .
It demand a small while for a Keiki to grow into a full grownup , but in two to three days , you should have another beautiful Moth Orchid to add to your collection .
10 Advanced Orchids (And How To Meet Their Needs)
If you ’ve had some success with the easier varieties of orchid , you may want to maltreat up your orchid plot and take on some more forward-looking mintage .
To find some of these orchids , you ’ll probably need to do some investigating online to discover plant breeders in your area . natter these places is a real optic - opener .
But bonnie warning , these mintage are not for the light - hearted ! Keeping them content can palpate like a full - prison term line of work at times , but when one of these divas decides to flower , it will be all worthwhile .
13.Angraecum orchids
Although classic Angraecum orchids are limited to livid and green colors , do n’t lease that put you off . Ancraecum ’s produce gorgeous , wizardly spikes of star - shaped bloom that give off a delightful nighttime time perfume .
Ancraecum Veitchiiis a 100 - class - old crossbreed that can reach over three groundwork tall . It ’s easy to grow in lovesome conditions and with moderate brightness .
14.Bletilla orchids
Did you think there was no such thing as a hardy orchid ? Not true ! Bletilla orchids love colder temperatures , which makes them idealistic for growing outdoors rather than on your window sill .
So long as you live in a comparatively modest climate ( no extremes of heat or cold ) , you should be able to plant Bletilla ‘ bulbs ’ in leaping and watch them flower after in the summertime . To ensure they survive the winter , cover the crowns carefully with a mulch in October .
Bletilla also make fantastic , strange container plant . Imagine being able-bodied to circumvent yourself with orchid on your terrace or deck !
To avail container - turn Bletilla live on the winter , but put the whole pile undercover in a glasshouse and ensure the compost does not dry out out completely .
15.Bulbophyllum orchids
With so many 1000 of species of orchid across the world , there are resile to be a few oddballs . The Bulbophyllum genus is home to some of these delicious weirdos !
The Brobdingnagian majority do n’t even look like orchidaceous plant , and there is a huge kitchen stove in sizing .
One of the expectant isBulbophyllum fletcherianum , which can reach up to six foot . The plant produces large clump of pink - blood-red blooms , influence like the bill of a toucan . Just be admonish that the flush smellterribleto attract flies .
Bulbophyllum Elizabeth Ann ‘ Buckleberry’is a arresting hybrid that looks unbelievable in a hanging field goal exhibit . The downward - facing flowers on fragile stem resemble little pinkish ocean beast floating in the air .
16.Coelogyne – Rag Orchid
The Coelogyne orchid ordinarily bears turgid white blooms with lovely , ruffled petals and sepal that flop in a relaxed style . The large sassing is usually marked with a splash of yellow or orange .
Coelogyne is a buff of cool conditions and most species are best suited to live in a greenhouse . If you really want to try one in your home , choose forCoelogyne cristata .
17.Laelia – Corsage Orchid or Star Orchid
Laelia orchids have similar care needs to Cattleya orchids , and they are , in fact , tight link up . They lean to be a little smaller but are uncommitted in some beautiful smart colors .
Laelia Santa Barbara Sunsetis one to watch out for . It boast dreamy , little finger - peach petals and sepals and a bright yellow lip edged in hot garden pink . A real attention - grabbing orchidaceous plant !
18.Masdevallia – Kite Orchid
As the name suggests , Masdevallia orchid have triangular , kite - shaped sepal , and usually one or more sepal with a thin tail that resembles the kite - line .
If you want to try produce them at home , opt for the easy hybrids and make certain you place them in a cooler part of the star sign .
Masdevallia glandulosais a endearing Kite Orchid which have a savoury - sweet perfume . It ’s a small and compact orchid that produces dainty pink , spotted peak .
19.Pleione – Indian Crocus
Though little in stature , this dwarf orchid puts on a adorable showing of large , Cattleya - alike blooms . Colors are often subdued pinks , mauve or white and the petal and sepals are exquisite and narrow .
Finding the right spot for your Pleione will be tricky . They ask cool weather condition but place them outside is a big risk .
An unwarmed glasshouse or perhaps an unheated room in your home may suit them best .
20.Stanhopea orchids
The ultimate orchidaceous plant for a hanging basket , Stanhopeas produce downward mature flower spikes that bear unique and fragrant blooms .
woefully they only last a few days each , but bloom spread out in succession so the display itself can last over a few weeks .
21.Vanda orchids
For more experience growers only ! Vanda orchids are well suited to their native tropic condition .
If you want them to do well in your home , you ’ll have to mime the warmness , brightness , and moist air of the Torrid Zone or they will sulkiness .
Once you have met their needs your Vande orchidaceous plant will leave you with a clustering of neat , flat - faced flowers on upright spikes .
22.Zygopetalum orchids
Although a small genus , with only 15 species , Zygopetalum hybrids are numerous . The large waxy bloom are commonly green and brownish with a touchy , velvety backtalk in shades of purple or Fuschia .
Zygopetalum orchids are well cognise for their godly , hyacinth like fragrancy , which can well satiate a room !
TryZygopetalum Blackiiif you would care to try a more square hybrid example of this genus . Its sensational bloom last for up to three month .
So have we inspired you to start lucubrate your orchidaceous plant assembling with unknown and interesting varieties ?
If you are struggling to locate some of the orchid listed above , take a face at an on-line breeder directory such as OrchidWire.com , where you could look by genus for vendors .
If you could come up Orchid stock breeder in your home expanse we would whole urge go along to check out all the unusual and sensational orchids they grow in person . you’re able to also knock the expert for some valuable noesis on how best to wait after some of the fussier varieties .
near luck with your orchid compendium !
Written By
Amber Noyes was put up and raised in a suburban California townspeople , San Mateo . She holds a sea captain ’s grade in horticulture from the University of California as well as a BS in Biology from the University of San Francisco . With experience working on an organic farm , water conservation research , farmers ’ markets , and industrial plant nursery , she understands what makes plants thrive and how we can better understand the connexion between microclimate and plant wellness . When she ’s not on the land , Amber loves informing mass of new approximation / things related to gardening , especially constitutive gardening , houseplant , and growing plants in a small distance .
