17 Different Types of Orchids With Pictures and Names

Orchids make up a vast group of small flowering plants, known widely for their variety of colors and shapes. There are orchids with long leaves and short leaves, with rounded petals and spindly petals, from purple to white to yellow. How many species of orchids are there? Well, with over 28000 different types of orchids, there’s something for everyone!

In this article, I’ll be focusing on the easier and more commonly available types of orchids. I’ll show you what the plants look like and cover all the essential tips with orchid care. By the end of this article, you’ll have an orchid picked out that will suit your unique personality!

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Orchid Flower – Growing Tips

Different Types of Orchids

Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid)

If you ask me “What is the most common orchid?“, I will vote for Phalaenopsis. Also known as the beginner orchid, its flowers have rounded petals that look like the wings of a moth. This orchid is native to the region of southeast Asia, including India and China.

A phalaenopsis orchid typically blooms once a year for a period of roughly 3 months, after which the flowers will fall off. This is simply the plant going dormant and gathering strength for the next blooming season – your plant is not dead!

If you buy a young Phal orchid, you will eventually have to re-pot it, since the plant uses up the nutrients in the bark within 1 to 2 years.

Flower Shape & Color	Rounded, moth-shaped. White, green, pink, or purple
Leaf Shape & Color	Long green ovals, sometimes with black spots
Flower Size	3 to 6 inches
Light	Bright, indirect sunlight. Can tolerate medium, indirect sunlight.
Temperature	18 to 24 degrees C
Watering	Every 1 to 2 weeks – more often with more light and vice versa.
Humidity	50 to 70%. Use a humidifier in the room if necessary.
Soil Type	Tree bark

Cattleya: Corsage Orchid, Brazilian Orchid, Cat Orchid, Queen of Orchids

Named after a British plant collector named William Cattley, this genus of orchid is native to the tropical regions of South and Central America. It’s an epiphyte, meaning that its roots are adapted to wrapping around a tree branch rather than growing in soil. You’ll notice large bulbs on the stems of your cattleyas called psuedobulbs, which are storage organs far water and nutrients.

Flower Shape & Color	White, red, pink, purple, green, yellow, orange, combination
Leaf Shape & Color	Green ovals up to 6 inches long
Flower Size	Up to 6 inches
Light	Bright, indirect sunlight
Temperature	20 to 27 degrees C during the day, drop in 6 degrees C at night
Watering	Once per week, after soil is dry
Humidity	45 to 60%
Soil Type	Tree bark or sphagnum moss

Dendrobium (previously known as Phalenopsis)

Dendrobiums make up a large genus of orchids that are native to southeast Asia all the way down to New Zealand. Some species are epiphytic, meaning that their roots wrap around tree trunks, while others are lithophytic, meaning they take root on rocks. The flowers are wonderfully fragrant and were once used to scent clothing. The flowers grow in a raceme, which is a single stalk bearing many flowers clustered together vertically.

As with many orchids, Dendrobiums do well in east-facing windows where they can catch the morning sun while avoiding the intense light during the hottest parts of the day.

Flower Shape & Color	Round flowers. White, pink, purple, red, orange, green, brown, yellow
Leaf Shape & Color	Green ovals. Size is dependent on species.
Flower Size	Depends on species
Light	Bright, indirect sunlight
Temperature	20 to 30 degrees C
Watering	Can be allowed to dry out but not regularly. Water more during flowering season.
Humidity	50 to 70%
Soil Type	Tree bark or sphagnum moss

Oncidiums are a group of fragrant orchids native to South America. Their nickname is the dancing lady orchid because the flowers appear to dance in the wind. They have pseudobulbs like many orchids and they are epiphytic or lithophytic. They sprout long branches with many small flowers, and these flowers are one shade or another of yellow, sometimes with brown spots.

Flower Shape & Color	Ruffled ovals. Brown, yellow, copper, gold
Leaf Shape & Color	Green pointed ovals
Flower Size	Up to 3 inches
Light	Bright, indirect sunlight
Temperature	Species dependent
Watering	Weekly during the warm season, less often during the cool season
Humidity	40 to 70%
Soil Type	Tree bark

This genus is unique because of the shoe-like pouch that hangs under each flower, which is an integral part of its pollination strategy. Insects become trapped in the slipper and the only way out is to crawl over the flower, which deposits the pollen. It also has no psuedobulbs for nutrient storage.

Since there is no way to clone this genus of orchids, they are difficult to mass produce and as a result, many species are endangered and illegal to dig up in the wild.

Flower Shape & Color	Lipped flowers. White, yellow, red, purple, pink, green, brown
Leaf Shape & Color	Green oval
Flower Size	1 to 12 inches, depending on the species
Light	Dim, shaded sunlight
Temperature	16 to 27 degrees C
Watering	Keep the soil moist and don’t allow to dry out.
Humidity	60%
Soil Type	Sand, loam or clay

Read more : How to Grow Orchids without Soil: 5 Super Easy Ways for You

Cymbidiums are a low-fragrance orchid native to Asia and Australia. They grow very well outside, provided that they are never exposed to direct sunlight. In fact, they do better outside than inside, unlike most orchids.

They take their nickname from the fact that their flower petals are boat-shaped. Cymbidiums are often present at weddings and funerals. They are a type of orchid with long leaves.

Flower Shape & Color	Boat-shaped petals. White, yellow, red, brown, pink, red, and orange
Leaf Shape & Color	Dark green ovals with white lines running from tip to stem
Flower Size	2 to 3 inches
Light	Bright, indirect sunlight
Temperature	13 to 18 degrees C
Watering	2 to 3 times per week
Humidity	75 to 85%
Soil Type	A mix of bark and pearlite

The jewel orchid is known more for its foliage than its flowers. Its leaves are dark green with contrasting white stripes running the length of the leaves. The flowers are much smaller than most orchids, which look like strings of white and red jewels.

Ludisias do not go dormant after flowering like most other orchids, so continue to water it consistently year-round. Ludisias can be potted in soil but make sure it is well draining, since most potting soils are meant to hold on to water.

Flower Shape & Color	Clusters of small white buds with red stems
Leaf Shape & Color	Pointed dark green ovals with white lines running tip to stem
Flower Size	Small
Light	Medium, indirect light
Temperature	Room temperature
Watering	Keep slightly damp
Humidity	50 to 70%
Soil Type	Well draining potting soil with a small amount of pearlite. Don’t use bark!

Brassia flowers have a distinctive spider-like shape, consisting of long, spindly petals that resemble a spider’s legs. These large flowers can last up to several weeks before wilting. They are native to Central and South America.

The dormancy period is important with Brassias as with most orchids. Move the plant into low light and water sparingly. There is no need to fertilize during dormancy since the plant isn’t growing.

Flower Shape & Color	Long spindly petals. Yellow, cream, brown, red
Leaf Shape & Color	Long green ovals
Flower Size	10 inches
Light	Bright indirect sunlight while growing. Low light while dormant.
Temperature	18 to 24 degrees C (day), 16 to 18 degrees C (night)
Watering	Don’t allow the soil to dry out or to become soggy.
Humidity	60 to 70%
Soil Type	Fir bark

Epidendrums are another genus of orchid that can grow in soil. They do far better indoors than outdoors and they bloom multiple times per year. They are tough plants that can take more swings in temperature and humidity than most other orchids.

Flower Shape & Color	Long oval-shaped petals. White, yellow, pink, red, purple
Leaf Shape & Color	Green ovals
Flower Size	1 inch
Light	Bright indirect sunlight
Temperature	21 degrees C
Watering	Once a week. Allow to nearly dry out before watering again.
Humidity	50 to 70%
Soil Type	Orchid mix or a sandy loam

Laelias originate in Mexico and they are native to dryer regions, sometimes being subjected to frost. They like to grow in conditions similar to those of cattleyas. Put your Laelias in bright but indirect sunlight and allow it to dry out between waterings.

Flower Shape & Color	Round ovals. Yellow, bronze, red, purple, green
Leaf Shape & Color	Long green ovals
Flower Size	2 to 5 inches
Light	Bright, indirect sunlight
Temperature	Cool to warm
Watering	Keep moist during the growing season
Humidity	50%
Soil Type	Orchid mix

Coelogyne orchids are native to a large region spanning from India to the south Pacific Islands. Bright indirect sunlight is recommended, like with many orchids. East or west-facing windows are ideal spots for them.

Flower Shape & Color	Long oval petals. Yellow, green, pink
Leaf Shape & Color	Long green ovals
Flower Size	3 to 4 inches
Light	Bright, indirect sunlight
Temperature	21 to 24 degrees C (day), 14 to 18 degrees C (night)
Watering	Heavy watering while growing
Humidity	50 to 70%
Soil Type	Tree bark or sphagnum moss

This genus of orchids is easily recognizable by the spindle which either hangs from the end of the petal or lays across the face of the flower.

Flower Shape & Color	Oval shaped with a spindle tip. Orange, red
Leaf Shape & Color	Green ovals
Flower Size	1 inch up to 12 inches
Light	Medium light
Temperature	18 to 24 degrees C
Watering	Allow roots to nearly dry out before re-watering
Humidity	60 to 80%
Soil Type	Tree bark or sphagnum moss

Zygopetalums are highly fragrant orchids native to South America. Their scents can range from chocolate to spicy to peppery, depending on the species.

Flower Shape & Color	Purple, dark red, green, white
Leaf Shape & Color	Pointed ovals
Flower Size	2 to 4 inches
Light	Bright, indirect light
Temperature	21 degrees C
Watering	Every 2 days while growing, reduced during dormancy
Humidity	60 to 70%
Soil Type	Redwood bark

These flowers are often seen in the windowsills of houses in the UK, giving them their nickname.

Flower Shape & Color	Long ovals bent backwards. White, yellow, lavender
Leaf Shape & Color	Long, thin green lance shape.
Flower Size	3 to 4 inches across
Light	Medium light
Temperature	Cool
Watering	Let the roots dry out before watering
Humidity	40 to 60%
Soil Type	Peat and perlite

Stanhopeas have dazzlingly large flowers with complex shapes, making them stand out from most other orchids.

Flower Shape & Color	Complex shapes. Yellow with burgundy spots
Leaf Shape & Color	Large green ovals
Flower Size	Up to 6 inches
Light	Bright, indirect sunlight
Temperature	Around 21 degrees C
Watering	Don’t allow to dry out completely
Humidity	60 to 70%
Soil Type	Fir bark mixed with sphagnum moss

These orchids have some of the smallest flowers of all the orchids. They also enjoy high humidity levels but they do not fare well in extreme heat.

Flower Shape & Color	Complex shape. Red, yellow, green, triped
Leaf Shape & Color	Pointed green ovals
Flower Size	Up to 3/4 inches
Light	Low to medium light
Temperature	Around 18 degrees C
Watering	Do not allow to dry out completely
Humidity	70% or higher
Soil Type	Fir bark or sphagnum moss

Flowers of this genus are unique, since they all have three triangular sepals behind two petals, and the petals are much smaller than the sepals. These plants are also a type of orchid with long leaves.

Flower Shape & Color	Triangular. Red, yellow, purple, white
Leaf Shape & Color	Long, thin green stem-like seaves
Flower Size	1/2 inches to 6 inches, depending on the species
Light	Bright, indirect sunlight
Temperature	30 degrees
Watering	Allow to nearly dry out before watering again. Water year-round.
Humidity	40 to 70%
Soil Type	Orchid potting mix

Which Type of Orchid is the Best for Houseplant Beginners?

I recommend a member of the Cattleya orchid family for houseplant beginners. It’s one of the most commonly sold orchid types and the most resistant to accidental neglect.

Read more : How to Care For Outdoor Lily Plants: Easy Guide for Beginner

An example of a big orchid plant is the Cattleya warscewiczii, which comes in white and pink shades. Another large orchid is the cattleya labiata, which has a spicy fragrance. A unique orchid is the Lady in Red which has bright, deep red petals that catch the eye from across the room.

Flowers That Look Like Orchids

Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa):

Gloxinias are flowering houseplants that are closely related to African violets. They’re easy to grow and come in a range of colors including white, pink, red, blue, and purple. However, unlike orchids which bloom multiple times, gloxinias are typically discarded after the first bloom.

Hoya Flowers (Hoya carnosa)

The flowers of Hoyas (the porcelain flower or wax plant) look similar to those of orchids but they arrange themselves in a half-sphere. Under the right conditions, they can bloom all year round! They have a delightful fragrance and they come in white, yellow, orange, purple, red, and more!

Butterworts:

Also known as Pinguicula, Butterworts are carnivorous plants that trap insects with a resin on the leaves. Their flowers resemble those of orchids and come in white, yellow, pink, and purple.

How Do I Identify My Orchid?

If you are wondering: How do I tell what kind of orchid I have? Let’s follow our guide here. You can identify your orchid names by matching them with a picture. Try identifying your orchid’s variety using the following: 

Chances are if you were gifted an orchid and you don’t know the variety, it’s likely one of the handful of common orchids that are sold widely.

To end this post on the types of orchids with pictures and names, here under some photos from my orchid collection.

I put some cute names for my orchids, also some orchids are given common names here in my community.

I must say that sometimes I myself cannot find the botanical names of these stunning flowers. However, when I follow the tips above, I am so happy to find out that the one I call “Purple Cat Ba Orchid” is DENDROBIUM ANOSMUM. Take a look at these stunning flowers!

Different types of orchids – DENDROBIUM ANOSMUM. Photo: Edward Nguyen, Vietnam, 2022.

I love the fragrance and the floating petals of my orchids. Some blooms last for a week, some for 2 months, and the smell of only one flower can fill up the air for the whole day.

And these amazing blooms below are Dendrobium maccarthiae orchids.

Different types of orchids – Dendrobium maccarthiae. Photo: Edward Nguyen, Vietnam, 2021

These beautiful, fragrant, and long-lasting flowers appear from late spring to summer. The racemose inflorescence carrying between 2-5 blooms is about 9-11 cm long and hangs down. Sepals & petals look rosy-mauve with petals almost twice as wide as sepals.

The petals of the flower are flattened, giving it a partly open look. Its labellum is tongue-shaped and pale lavender in color (sometimes almost white), with purple stripes and spots as well as a deep maroon blotch in the center.

In closing, don’t let the internet scare you if you hear that all the different types of orchids are hard to grow. Information for all of the commonly sold species is easy to find, and if you follow the instructions then you’ll be in great shape. Don’t throw your orchid away if you think it’s dead – check online for possible symptoms of incorrect watering and feeding or talk to an expert in person at a nursery. Best of luck and happy gardening!

Source: https://thelittle.garden
Category: Flowers