Orchids are among the most diverse and fascinating plants in the world. They have thousands of species and varieties, each with its own unique shape, color, and fragrance. Some orchids are easy to grow indoors, whereas others require more attention and expertise — but all of them can bring a touch of elegance and beauty to your home.
In this blog post, we will introduce you to the 15 best types of orchids to grow as houseplants. We will also share tips on how to care for them, such as watering, fertilizing, repotting, and pruning.
15 most common types of orchids
1. Phalaenopsis
Also known as moth orchids, these are the most popular and widely available orchids. They have long-lasting flowers that come in various colors, including white, pink, purple, yellow, and striped.
Native to: Tropical Asia and Australia
Grows in: Warm and humid conditions
Bloom frequency: Once or twice a year, usually in winter or spring
Care tips:
Possesses a tolerance for low light levels
Prefer moderate to warmer temperatures and near weekly waterings
2. Dendrobium
These are another common and diverse group of orchids, with slender stems and clusters of flowers that range from white to purple, pink, yellow, and green.
Native to: Asia, Australia, Pacific islands
Grows in: Various habitats, from rainforests to mountains
Bloom frequency: Once a year, usually in spring or summer
Care tips:
Need bright light and moderate temperatures
Water sparingly in winter
3. Cattleya
Cattleya are the classic orchids you often see in corsages and bouquets. They have large and showy flowers that are usually fragrant and come in shades of white, pink, purple, red, and yellow.
Native to: Central and South America
Grows in: Warm and sunny environments
Bloom frequency: Once or twice a year, usually in spring or autumn
Care tips:
Need bright light and good air circulation
Water and fertilize regularly when they are actively growing
4. Oncidium
Also known as dancing lady orchids, oncidium have small and delicate flowers that are often yellow with brown or red spots, and long and branching stems that can produce hundreds of flowers.
Native to: Central and South America
Grows in: Various climates, from cool to warm
Bloom frequency: Once or twice a year, usually in autumn or winter
Care tips:
Need bright light and moderate temperatures
Water and fertilize frequently when they are in bloom
5. Paphiopedilum
Paphiopedilums also go by the name Venus slipper orchids. They have distinctive pouch-shaped flowers that are often mottled or striped and come in colors such as green, brown, red, yellow, and white.
Native to: Asia
Grows in: Cool and shady conditions
Bloom frequency: Once a year, usually in winter or spring
Care tips:
Need low to medium light and high humidity
Water and fertilize evenly throughout the year
6. Miltonia
Also known as pansy orchids, miltonias have large and flat flowers that resemble pansies. They come in colors such as white, pink, purple, and red, and some have a pleasant fragrance.
Native to: Brazil and Colombia
Grows in: Cool and moist conditions
Bloom frequency: Once or twice a year, usually in spring or summer
Care tips:
Need medium to bright light and high humidity
Water and fertilize regularly when they are in growth
7. Cymbidium
Cymbidium are one of the oldest and most cultivated orchids. They have long and arching stems and clusters of flowers that can be white, yellow, green, pink, or red. Some have a spicy or citrusy scent.
Native to: Asia and Australia
Grows in: Cool and temperate conditions
Bloom frequency: Once a year, usually in winter or spring
Care tips:
Need bright light and cool nights
Water and fertilize heavily in summer and reduced in winter
8. Laelia
Closely related to cattleyas, laelia have similar flowers that are usually white, pink, purple, or red. Some have a sweet or spicy fragrance.
Native to: Mexico and Central America
Grows in: Warm and dry conditions
Bloom frequency: Once a year, usually in autumn or winter
Care tips:
Need bright light and good air circulation
Water and fertilize sparingly when they are dormant
9. Vanda
Ranking among the most spectacular and colorful orchids, Vanda have large and star-shaped flowers that can be blue, purple, pink, orange, yellow, or white. Some have a strong and sweet fragrance.
Native to: Tropical Asia
Grows in: Hot and humid conditions
Bloom frequency: Several times a year, usually in summer or autumn
Care tips:
Need very bright light and high humidity
Water and fertilize daily when they are in growth
10. Brassia
Also known as spider orchids, these have long and slender petals and sepals that resemble spider legs. They come in colors such as green, yellow, brown, and red, and some have a honey-like scent.
Native to: Central and South America
Grows in: Warm and wet conditions
Bloom frequency: Once or twice a year, usually in spring or summer
Care tips:
Need medium to bright light and high humidity
Watered and fertilize regularly when they are in bloom
11. Ludisia
Ludisia, known more commonly as jewel orchids, are prized for their foliage rather than their flowers. They have velvety leaves that are dark green with red or silver veins, and have small and white flowers.
Native to: Southeast Asia
Grows in: Cool and shady conditions
Bloom frequency: Once a year, usually in winter
Care tips:
Need low to medium light and high humidity
Water and fertilize evenly throughout the year
12. Phaius
These orchids, better known as nun's hood orchids, have tall and erect stems and clusters of flowers that can be white, pink, purple, yellow, or orange. They have a spicy or musky fragrance.
Native to: Asia, Africa, and Australia
Grows in: Warm and moist conditions
Bloom frequency: Once a year, usually in winter or spring
Care tips:
Need medium to bright light and high humidity
Water and fertilize frequently when they are in growth
13. Zygopetalum
Zygopetalum orchids have striking flowers that are usually green with purple or brown markings. They have a sweet and floral fragrance.
Native to: South America
Grows in: Cool and humid conditions
Bloom frequency: Once or twice a year, usually in autumn or winter
Care tips:
Need medium to bright light and high humidity
Water and fertilize regularly when they are in bloom
14. Maxillaria
Also going by the names spider orchids, flame orchids, or tiger orchids, maxillaria have small and round flowers that are usually yellow, orange, red, or brown. Some types smell of coconut or vanilla.
Native to: Central and South America
Grows in: Various climates, from cool to warm
Bloom frequency: Once or twice a year, usually in spring or summer
Care tips:
Need low to medium light and moderate temperatures
Water and fertilize evenly throughout the year
15. Masdevallia
Masdevallia, aka kite orchids, have unusual and exotic flowers that are often triangular or tubular in shape. They come in colors such as red, orange, yellow, purple, and white
Native to: Andes mountains
Grows in: Cool and misty conditions
Bloom frequency: Several times a year, usually in spring or summer
Care tips:
Need low to medium light and high humidity
Water and fertilize frequently when they are in bloom
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