12 Different Types of Orchids: Beautiful Blooms

12 Different Types of Orchids: Beautiful Blooms

Orchids come in many different shapes, sizes, colors and fragrances. They are the most diverse ornamental flowering plant. There are almost 25,000 different types of orchids. These need a lot of light and proper water draining to prevent rots. Here are the twelve of the most famous types of orchids you can grow:

Brassia Orchids:

It is a fragrant orchid with long and slender sepals. They look spidery, so they are called Spider Orchids. The petals on the stem are yellow-green. The lower sepals are white with a tinge of red. The spider-hunter wasps pollinate these types of orchid flowers. They are found in Central and South American regions. They are found in the rainforests stretching from Mexico to Brazil. They need a lot of water to produce flowers. Good air circulation is vital to prevent brown spots on leaves. This variety's different types of orchids are Verrucosa, Caudata, Arcuigera and Maculata.

• Weather: High humidity (50-70%)

• Sunlight: Bright and diffused

• Bloom: Spring, summer or winter

Cattleya Orchids:

They have a broad and unique structure. The petals are frilled. They are especially famous as corsages and are found in in various contrasting colors. They have a strong vanilla and cinnamon scent. These orchid varieties are found in the lowland forests of South America. The blooms are long-lasting so, they are used as cut flowers by growers. The soil in which they are planted should readily dry. These blooms are large and should be cultivated in greenhouses. The soil should be almost dry before watering again. The different types of orchids are Walkeriana, Crimson Cattleya and Christmas Orchids.

• Weather: Intermediate to warm temperatures

• Sunlight: Bright and indirect

• Bloom: From Spring to fall

Cymbidium Orchids:

They are oriental orchid species known for their aroma and beauty. They are called Boat Orchids. They come in a broad color spectrum, ranging from white to green to brown. They have thin, long leaves. The orchid has a single deep root rather than branching roots. They are terrestrial and partially dormant during winter. These need frequent watering during summer but should be dried before re-watering. They are usually found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Australia. The different types of orchids are Chica, Showoff and Frae.

• Weather: Moderate

• Sunlight: Bright with shade during the day

• Bloom: Fall to Spring

Dendrobium Orchids:

They are the orchids that grow on trees and rocks. They are heavy blooms so, they need staking. They can be grown in small pots for wedding flower arrangements. Except for blue and black, they are available in every shade. Some of the species have perfumes. These different types of orchids are too varied to have a defined look and these orchids often grow on rocks and trees. Its name is derived from this. ‘Dendron’ means tree, and ‘bios’ means life. These are native to Asia and the Pacific. The varieties of orchids are Loddigesii, Kingianum, and Bellatulum.

• Weather: Cooler temperatures and less humidity

• Sunlight: Bright and diffused light

• Bloom: Depends on the variety, can be evergreen or season specific

Encyclia Orchids:

The name ‘Encyclia’ refers to the lips of the flowers. They are also termed Cockleshell Orchids. The different kinds of orchid flowers have all types of shapes and sizes. Some may be small, while others may be showy. A vast majority of orchids are mildly fragrant in this species. They are called ‘Upside Down’ Orchids as the lips of the flowers stick up. Both bees and birds pollinate these orchids. They are found in Florida, Mexico and the Caribbean. The various orchids are Butterfly Orchid and Octopus Orchid.

• Weather: 50% humidity

• Sunlight: Bright and filtered

• Bloom: Spring and summer

Miltoniopsis Orchids:

They are also called Pansy Orchids. They are outdoor plants. It is a commercial large-flowering species. They are difficult to grow orchids. Humidity is vital for the plant to flourish as the dainty blooms have mask-like figures. They have a heavenly scent. These plants showcase their needs through their leaf color. Light green leaves that are receiving enough light. If the leaves turn pale, they should be distanced from the light. These grow in mid to high altitudes in Central and South America. They have sensitive roots, so mild fertilizers should be used.

• Weather: Moderate temperatures, 70-80% Humidity

• Sunlight: Bright and diffused

• Bloom: Late spring to summer

Oncidium Orchids:

These are also called Dancing Lady Orchids. They have big lips which look like skirts. With hundreds on a branch, it seems like dancing ladies. They come in yellows and browns. They have an intoxicating vanilla smell. They are the most widely cultivated orchids. They are found in the Neotropical regions of Central and South America. The different kinds of orchids are Twinkle and Sherry Baby. The famous Sherry Baby are red blooms with a heady cocoa scent. They have lovely white markings contrasting the petals.

• Weather: Intermediate temperature, 50-60% humidity

• Sunlight: Bright and indirect

• Bloom: Varies on the kind

Paphiopedilum Orchids:

They are commonly known as Lady Slipper Orchids. The lips are shoe-shaped. It serves as an insect trap for pollination. The orchid is easy-to-grow.. Its large petals come in various striped and speckled patterns. Some of the orchids have warts and hairs on the blooms. These terrestrial plants have a fan of six or more leaves. If the leaves show a red tinge, they need more shade. The different types of orchids are Transvaal and Catherine Briois.

• Weather: Mild climate, 40% humidity

• Sunlight: Partial

• Bloom: Depends on the variety, usually winter or spring

Phalaenopsis Orchids:

They are also called Moth Orchids or Moon Orchids. They have big, bright flowers. They are long-lasting. Some of them are even aromatic. They can flower up to twice or more in a year. They are excellent houseplants as a centerpiece. They thrive well in tropical regions. They come in a fresh range of colors. It is effortless to produce new flowers on these orchids. Cutting on a bloomed stem causes a fresh spike to grow. The flowers blossom from the end. They are found in tropical and subtropical Asia and Northeastern Australia. The different types of orchids in the species are Doritaenopsis, Lipperose and Schilleriana.

• Weather: Warm, ambient conditions, 50% humidity

• Sunlight: Indoor, well-lit

• Bloom: Twice a year or more, year-round

Psychopsis Orchids:

They are popularly known as Butterfly orchids. The upper sepals are like butterfly antennas. The petals look like wings in full bloom. Bees are the pollinating insects of this orchid. They flower continuously, with each flowering lasting about ten days. They grow naturally in the lower mountainous wet forests. These flowers do not require a rest period. They bloom less in the shade. They need bright light to thrive. They are tolerant to a considerable temperature range.

• Weather: Highly humid

• Sunlight: Medium to bright

• Bloom: Throughout the year

Vanda Orchids:

They are magnificent blooming orchids. They bloom every few months. The flowers last for up to three weeks on the branch. They are native to tropical conditions. In the wild, these have roots in the air to absorb the moisture from heavy downpours. They do not need any soil to be planted. They are best as fresh cut flowers to be used in flower arrangements. If the leaves become dark green, it signifies a lack of sunlight. The flowers have medicinal properties. Eyedrops for cataract and glaucoma treatments use the blooms. Many different types of orchids in this variety are Miss Joaquim and Coerulea. Coerulea blooms have a rare blue hue.

• Weather: 80% humidity

• Sunlight: Full and shaded during noon

• Bloom: All year round, 2-3 times

Zygopetalum Orchids:

They produce heavily scented blooms. These blooms come in green or brown colors. They have big delicate lips in shades of purple. They are often classified as soft orchids. They can bloom about four times a year with constant care. They are often cultivated to be used as cut flowers. They are native to South America, mainly Brazil. They are a popular choice for outdoor gardens. They grow in damp surroundings, on tree trunks and rocks. A popular kind of the different types of orchids is Maui Jazz.

• Weather: Humid conditions

• Sunlight: Bright diffused indoor

• Bloom: Mostly spring, can be grown throughout the year

Conclusion:

Orchids can be grown practically everywhere. There is always a variety that will suit the conditions inside or outside your house. They also flower for years. Many orchids bloom various times a year. They are the right fit for a novice to an expert!