11 Types Of Orchid Plants

If you love orchids, you are not alone, these beautiful and intricate plants are so perfect they easily look fake. Some are vibrant and showy, while others are subtle and demure.

There are any number of orchids out there, each one a little different. 

In his article, we will be looking at 11 different types of orchids and learn a little about them. 

So, without further ado, here is the list:

Daddy-Long-Legs Orchid – Brassavola 

As its name suggests, this orchid has long tendrils that come off the flower. This is where the name hails from, it looks a bit like spider’s legs, but the bloom itself is quite stunning to look at.

They are not the most vibrant flowers, but their intricate nature makes them a winner and does not take away from their beauty in any way. 

Place Of Origin:

These flowers originate from the West Indies, South America, and Central America. 

Color Variations:

This orchid can come in pink, orange, yellow, white and has color combinations such as yellow and pink, white and purple as well as several other color combinations. 

Preferred Conditions:

These orchids like high humidity, and only water as they start to get dry. They can be quite picky about temperature and humidity so make sure you understand how to care for your tailed orchid.

These are not the ideal orchid for beginners, as it can be extremely fussy about the exact conditions it needs to thrive. 

Tailed Orchid – Masdevallia

This flower is curiously shaped in comparison to other orchids. But, the strange, atypical petal shape really adds to the tailed orchid’s flair and makes it all the more appealing. 

Place Of Origin:

The tailed orchid originated from Mexico to Brazil

Color Variations:

This type of orchid comes in green and white

Preferred Conditions:

You will need to water these flowers regularly, allowing the dirt to dry out between watering. If it is cold, make sure to water on the edge of the pot so that the plant does not get too wet and cold.

These orchids enjoy a bit of direct sunlight, which is on the stronger side. 

Moth Orchid – Phalaenopis

This orchid is a gorgeous pink, peach, and yellow flower that blooms numerous times over the course of the year. It is a striking and vibrant flower that is sure to light up any room. 

Place Of Origin:

This flower is originally from parts of Asia and Australia, is it native to the following countries, Taiwan, China, New Guinea, and Australia. 

Color Variations:

This flower can come in colors that range from red-purple, violet, violet-blue, purple, and purple violet. 

Preferred Conditions:

This plant prefers indirect or shady light, this is because direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, as such keep them away from radiators, heaters, or fireplaces.

Make sure that you water only when the ground is mostly dry, every 1 to two weeks should be enough for the Moth Orchid to thrive. 

Dancing-Lady Orchid – Oncidium

This quaint little orchid is uniquely shaped, the petals almost look like a woman dancing, hence the common name of this vibrant little flower. This flower is beautiful and loves to stand out with her bright colors and intricate petals.

Place Of Origin:

These flowers are native to Mexico and the Caribbean, but their habitat can range from Florida all the way to South America.

Color Variations:

These flowers are most often a golden yellow and have red or brown spots on the petals, there are other color combinations like pink and white as well as having the same spots and sections on the orchid. 

Preferred Conditions:

These orchids like it warm, and humid. They usually grow in trees and are more tolerant to dry conditions. They should be watered every 10 days or so, depending on the dryness of the soil.

Swan Orchid – Cycnoches

As its namesake suggests, this orchid is shaped a little like a swan and is almost as elegant and beautiful. It is a truly delightful little flower that comes in a variety of colors and is certain to make you smile if you ever saw one. 

Place Of Origin:

They originate from South America, Central America, and Mexico

Color Variations:

The swan orchid typically comes in yellow, white, pink, and green.

Preferred Conditions:

These orchids like warm or intermediate temperatures, and in these conditions they should bloom with no trouble. These orchids will need a chance to dry out before you can water them again.

There is a specific method that is used to water them correctly in order for them to thrive. As such, it is important to note that they are not the best plant for beginners to keep. 

Venus Slipper – Paphiopedilum

This orchid has several common names, Venus slipper, and lady’s slipper, both coming from the same genus. These flowers are cheerful and intricately built, the colors and look of this flower are truly spectacular. 

Place Of Origin:

This plant originates from Southern China, Southeast Asia, and New Guinea.

Color Variations:

These flowers can also come in a lot of different colors. White and green, deep purple and light purple, pale orange and peach. There are countless combinations that you can get for this type of orchid flower. 

Preferred Conditions:

Unlike many other orchids, the Venus slipper orchid loves the cool nighttime air. They are able to tolerate the heat only if they are watered regularly and are in a humid environment. 

Greater Swamp Orchid – Phaius

These adorable hanging orchids are stunning to behold, they are vibrant and shaped almost like a star. They have several common names: the greater swamp orchid, swamp lily, swamp orchid, nun’s-hood, or the veiled orchid.

If you can handle caring for them, they are a fantastic plant to have around your own home. 

Place Of Origin:

These orchids are tropical and native to Africa, the Pacific Islands, and Australia. 

Color Variations:

The greater swamp orchid comes in numerous colors, pink, brown, yellow, white, and orange are the most common. 

Preferred Conditions:

These flowers can be picky, they will need well-drained soil, they will need to be constantly moist but not overly wet, and they enjoy warmer temperatures. They are not easy to care for, as they require very specific things in their environment in order to survive. 

Butterfly Orchid – Psychopis

These orchids are not as popular as others, but they really should be, they are stunning little flowers that are flashy and pretty to look at as well as coming in a range of different colors. 

Place Of Origin:

These flowers are originally from Trinidad, South America, and Central America. 

Color Variations:

These flowers can have spotted or patchy patterns and typically come in yellow, red, pink, or orange. 

Preferred Conditions:

Because this flower is from a tropical climate originally, it requires heat and humidity to thrive. They can be fussy plants if you do not get the temperatures and humidity just right. 

Vanda Orchid

This orchid is also known as the gray or checkered vanda. This is a vibrant and brightly colored orchid that is sure to steal your breath away. The intricate pattern and colors really make this orchid pop. 

Place Of Origin:

This flower originally comes from New Guinea, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Asia. 

Color Variations:

This orchid typically comes in pink, yellow, white, green, burgundy, and even purple. 

Preferred Conditions:

These orchids like warmer temperatures, but they can tolerate short cold spells if there is minimal wind. They will need to be watered often, even up to twice a day when it is really hot. 

Zygopetalum Orchid

These fragrant flowers are gorgeous, they are brightly colored and have a delicate set of petals that is amazing to see. They are well known for their spotted markings and the wide variety of patterns they come in. 

Place Of Origin:

These flowers can mostly be found in Brazil but have been seen in other parts of South America. 

Color Variations:

These flowers can come in brown, white green, and purple, and should have spotted or dappled markings on the petals. 

Preferred Conditions:

These flowers will need to be in a bright spot in your home so that they get all the light needed to thrive. They should be watered every nine days or so, once the soil is almost dry. 

Corsage Orchid – Cattleya

This orchid is also known as the queen of orchids, and who can argue with that. This plant is truly stunning. The frilled petals and colors it comes in really make it stand out amongst the others.

There are a lot of hybrids for this particular orchid type, leading to many colors and petal patterns, and shapes. 

Place Of Origin:

These orchids originate from South America and Central America

Color Variations:

The Corsage orchid comes in the following colors: Orange, purple, yellow, purple, and pink. 

Preferred Conditions:

These enjoy both day and night temperatures, they should need a good amount of sunlight to be able to grow. This type of orchid should only be watered once the soil is dry, this should be about once a week. 

Conclusion

There are over 25,000 species of orchids in the world and well over 100,000 hybrids in existence. They are found in almost every region of the world and are always a splendid sight. With the wide variety of orchids out there, this list can only cover so much. But hopefully, the few we have seen today have sparked some love for this variety of flowers and might spur you to go and purchase one of your own.