Orchids are plants that belong to the family Orchidaceae, a diverse and widespread group of flowering plants with blooms that are often colourful and fragrant. Orchids are cosmopolitan plants that are found in almost every habitat on Earth except glaciers. The world’s richest diversity of orchid genera and species is found in the tropics.
Orchidaceae is one of the two largest families of flowering plants, along with the Asteraceae. It contains about 28,000 currently accepted species distributed across 763 genera. Orchid flowers often have petals that are fused together to some extent, forming a distinctive shape. They also have three sepals and three petals, with one of the petals modified into a lip or labellum, which is usually the most conspicuous part of the flower. This lip often serves to attract pollinators.
The lip is often enlarged, variously shaped, and can be highly colored or patterned. Its function is to guide pollinators to the reproductive organs of the flower. The lip can be flat, pouch-like, or even spur-like. Unique to orchids, the column (gynostemium) is a fused structure of the stamens and pistil. This makes orchids have what is termed as zygomorphic symmetry (bilaterally symmetrical, like a human face).
Many orchids produce a scent to attract pollinators. Some orchids mimic the scent of female insects to attract males for pollination (pseudo-copulation). Instead of loose pollen, orchids have pollinia, which are masses of pollen that stick together. This is an efficient way to transfer pollen during pollination.
Some species bloom for just a few days, while others can keep their flowers for months. The blooming period can vary greatly among different species. The flowers come in a wide array of colors, from whites and yellows to vivid purples, pinks, and reds. Some have spots or stripes, and their textures can range from velvety to waxy.
Orchid flowers can be tiny, measuring just millimeters across, or very large, like the Grammatophyllum speciosum, which has some of the largest orchid flowers in nature. They can grow as epiphytes (on trees), lithophytes (on rocks), or terrestrials (in soil). This diversity in habitat influences their root systems, which are often adapted to absorb moisture and nutrients from the air (in the case of epiphytes).
Ochid Flowers
Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid)
- Origin: Native to Southeast Asia, from the Philippines to northern Australia.
- Characteristics: Known for their large, flat petals that resemble moths in flight, hence their nickname. They come in various colors including white, pink, yellow, and purple. Phalaenopsis orchids are popular for their ease of care, long-lasting flowers, and ability to bloom several times a year under proper conditions. Their leaves are thick and fleshy, often with a waxy appearance.
Dendrobium
- Origin: Widely distributed across Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific islands.
- Characteristics: This diverse genus includes species with different growth habits like cane-like pseudobulbs and epiphytic or lithophytic growth. Flowers vary greatly in color and form, with some like Dendrobium nobile producing clusters of large, colorful flowers, while others like Dendrobium speciosum have showy inflorescences. They can have a sweet fragrance and require more light compared to Phalaenopsis.
Cattleya
- Origin: Primarily from Central and South America, with some species in the Caribbean.
- Characteristics: Known for their large, flamboyant flowers, which can be up to 20 cm across. They feature a distinctive lip or labellum, often frilled or ruffled. Cattleyas are prized for their vibrant colors and dramatic appearance, making them a staple in corsages. They prefer bright light and a distinct day-night temperature variation.
Oncidium (Dancing Lady Orchid)
- Origin: Found in tropical America, from Florida to Argentina and the West Indies.
- Characteristics: Their flowers have a unique shape that resembles a dancing lady, with a small, central lip and large, spreading petals. Oncidium orchids often produce numerous small flowers in bright, cheerful colors like yellow, brown, and red. They are epiphytic or lithophytic and require good air circulation.
Paphiopedilum (Slipper Orchid)
- Origin: Native to Southeast Asia, with some species in India, China, and Vietnam.
- Characteristics: Easily recognized by their pouch-like lip, which traps pollinators. The flowers are typically exotic with intricate patterns, often in earthy tones. They grow as terrestrials or lithophytes, preferring lower light conditions than many other orchids.
Vanda
- Origin: Southeast Asia, from the Himalayan region to the Philippines, New Guinea, and northern Australia.
- Characteristics: Vandas are known for their large, vibrant flowers which can be up to 15 cm wide. They are monopodial, meaning they grow upward from a single stem, and many species are epiphytic. They require bright light and high humidity, often growing best when mounted on a wooden slab.
Cymbidium
- Origin: Native to tropical and subtropical Asia, Australia, and the Pacific islands.
- Characteristics: They produce long, arching spikes of flowers that can last for months. Cymbidium flowers are often large and showy, with colors ranging from green and yellow to pink, red, and brown. These orchids prefer cooler temperatures and are suitable for outdoor cultivation in mild climates.
Miltoniopsis (Pansy Orchid)
- Origin: Found in Central and South America, particularly in regions like Peru and Ecuador.
- Characteristics: These orchids have pansy-like flowers with wide, flat petals in pastel shades. They are known for their delightful fragrance. Miltoniopsis prefers cooler temperatures and thrives in intermediate conditions.
Stanhopea
- Origin: From Mexico to Venezuela, growing in mountainous regions.
- Characteristics: Famous for their often explosive pollination mechanism, Stanhopea orchids have large, complex flowers that can be very colorful and intricately patterned. They are epiphytic and grow in baskets or pots with open bottoms to accommodate their pendant spikes.
Coelogyne
- Origin: Primarily from the Himalayas, Southeast Asia, and Papua New Guinea.
- Characteristics: This orchid genus is known for its round, often fragrant flowers which usually have a yellow or white background with markings. Many Coelogynes are epiphytic or lithophytic, requiring a cool to intermediate climate. They often bloom in winter or spring, producing flowers with a distinctive fringed lip.
Catasetum
- Origin: Central and South America, particularly in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia.
- Characteristics: Catasetum orchids are known for their unique feature where male flowers can explosively eject pollen onto pollinators. The flowers are often large, colorful, and can be quite variable in appearance. They have a deciduous growth habit, losing their leaves in winter and requiring a dry rest period to bloom.
Angraecum
- Origin: Mostly from Madagascar, but also found in Africa and the Comoro Islands.
- Characteristics: Known for their white, star-shaped flowers, Angraecum orchids often have long nectar spurs, which can be significantly longer than the flower itself, attracting specific pollinators like moths. They are epiphytic and prefer high humidity and good air movement.
Mormodes (Goblin Orchid)
- Origin: Central America, particularly Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica.
- Characteristics: Named for their grotesque, goblin-like faces, Mormodes orchids produce flowers that are often twisted or distorted. They are dioecious, meaning plants produce either male or female flowers, which is rare among orchids. The flowers are generally green or brown and can be quite fragrant.
Laelia
- Origin: Widespread in Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America.
- Characteristics: Similar in appearance to Cattleya, Laelias have large, showy flowers but are often more compact. They come in bright colors like purple, pink, and white. Some species grow on rocks or trees, requiring specific conditions like bright light and cooler nights to bloom.
Aerides (Cat-tail Orchid)
- Origin: Southeast Asia, from India to the Philippines.
- Characteristics: Aerides orchids have inflorescences that resemble a cat’s tail. Their flowers are often fragrant, with a waxy texture, and come in shades of white, pink, or yellow. They are epiphytic, needing high humidity and good air circulation, which makes them popular for hanging baskets.
Rhynchostylis
- Origin: Southeast Asia, especially Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
- Characteristics: Known as the “foxtail orchid” due to the dense, cylindrical spikes of flowers. The flowers are small but numerous, giving the appearance of a bottlebrush. They are renowned for their sweet fragrance and are often used in garlands. Rhynchostylis prefers warm, humid conditions.
Bulbophyllum
- Origin: One of the largest orchid genera, found worldwide in tropical regions from Africa to the Pacific Islands.
- Characteristics: Bulbophyllums are known for their bizarre flower shapes, which can mimic insects or fungi to attract pollinators. Many have a distinctive, often unpleasant odor. They can be epiphytic, lithophytic, or terrestrial, with growth habits ranging from small creeping plants to large, imposing species.
Lady’s Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium)
- Origin: Mostly temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
- Characteristics: Terrestrial orchids famous for their distinctive pouch-shaped lip, resembling a lady’s slipper. These orchids often have vibrant colors like yellows, reds, and purples. They are harder to cultivate due to their need for specific soil mycorrhizal fungi.
Zygopetalum
- Origin: South America, particularly Brazil, Bolivia, and Argentina.
- Characteristics: Known for their fragrant, vibrant flowers, often with blue or purple hues, Zygopetalums have a distinctive lip and are typically grown for cut flowers. They require cooler temperatures and a resting period with less water after blooming to initiate new growth.
Miltonia (Pansy Orchid)
- Origin: Brazil, primarily in the central and southeastern regions.
- Characteristics: Sometimes confused with Miltoniopsis, Miltonia has flat, pansy-like flowers but is more closely related to Oncidium. The flowers are generally lighter in color, with softer shades of purple, pink, or white, and they emit a pleasant fragrance. They are epiphytic or lithophytic, preferring intermediate conditions.
Ludisia (Jewel Orchid)
- Origin: Southeast Asia, particularly China, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
- Characteristics: Unlike most orchids, Ludisia is grown primarily for its foliage rather than its flowers. The leaves have striking patterns, often in shades of green with red or pink veins, giving them a jewel-like appearance. The flowers are small, white to pink, and less showy. They are terrestrial and prefer low light conditions.
Masdevallia
- Origin: From Mexico south to Brazil, but predominantly in the Andean regions of South America.
- Characteristics: These orchids have unusual, often triangular flowers with long, tail-like structures. The flowers can be quite colorful, with reds, yellows, and greens being common. Masdevallias prefer cooler temperatures, high humidity, and good air movement, making them trickier to grow outside their natural cloud forest habitats.
Encyclia
- Origin: North and Central America, with some species in the Caribbean and parts of South America.
- Characteristics: Similar to Cattleya but generally smaller, Encyclia orchids have star-shaped flowers that can be quite fragrant. They come in various colors, including green, purple, and yellow. These orchids are epiphytic, requiring bright light and a dry rest period to induce blooming.
Phragmipedium (South American Slipper Orchid)
- Origin: Central and South America, particularly Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, and Venezuela.
- Characteristics: These are terrestrial or lithophytic orchids related to the lady’s slipper but with a different structure. Their pouch-like lip is less pronounced, and they often grow in wetter environments. They are noted for their long-lasting flowers and various color forms, including some with dramatic stripes or spots.
Brassavola
- Origin: Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America.
- Characteristics: Known for their fragrant flowers, especially at night, Brassavolas have long, narrow petals and sepals, with a prominent, often ruffled lip. They are night-blooming to attract moth pollinators. These orchids thrive in conditions similar to Cattleyas, enjoying bright light and moderate temperatures.
Gongora
- Origin: From Mexico to Brazil, with a concentration in Central America.
- Characteristics: Gongora orchids have flowers hanging down from the inflorescence, which are often heavily scented. The flowers mimic the appearance of dead insects to attract pollinators. They prefer warm to intermediate temperatures and high humidity.
Sobralia
- Origin: From Mexico to South America, with some species reaching down to Argentina.
- Characteristics: One of the few genera of orchids with a cane-like growth habit similar to bamboo. Sobralia flowers can be very large for the size of the plant, with vibrant colors like white, purple, and pink. They have a short bloom time but are striking when in flower. They can be terrestrial or epiphytic.
Pleurothallis
- Origin: Widespread throughout the neotropics, from Florida to Brazil.
- Characteristics: This genus includes a vast array of species with small, often inconspicuous flowers. However, some species have quite showy blooms. Pleurothallis orchids are known for their miniature size and can be epiphytic, lithophytic, or terrestrial, with many requiring very specific conditions like high humidity and frequent watering.
Epidendrum (Star Orchid)
- Origin: Throughout the Americas, from Florida to Argentina.
- Characteristics: Epidendrums are incredibly diverse, with species ranging from tiny, reed-like plants to larger, more robust forms. Their flowers are often star-shaped and can come in a variety of colors, with some species like Epidendrum radicans being popular for their bright orange flowers. Many are easy to grow, making them a good choice for beginners.
Maxillaria
- Origin: From Mexico through Central America to South America, extending to the Caribbean.
- Characteristics: Maxillaria orchids have flowers that vary from simple to complex, often with a distinctive lip that can be quite different in form from the rest of the flower. They can be fragrant, and their colors span from white and yellow to darker shades. This genus includes both epiphytic and terrestrial species, generally preferring intermediate to warm conditions.
Aerangis
- Origin: Africa, particularly Madagascar, and surrounding islands like the Mascarenes.
- Characteristics: Aerangis orchids are known for their delicate, often white, star-shaped flowers that resemble Phalaenopsis in form but are more dainty. They have long spurs, which can extend far from the flower, and they require high humidity and cooler temperatures, making them a favorite among those who can provide these specific conditions.
Trichocentrum (Mule Ear Orchid)
- Origin: Central America, extending into South America.
- Characteristics: Known for their mule-ear shaped pseudobulbs, Trichocentrum orchids have flowers that are often yellow, orange, or red with a distinctive lip. These orchids need bright light and good air movement, similar to their Oncidium relatives, and they can be quite drought-resistant.
Bifrenaria
- Origin: Primarily Brazil, but also in other parts of South America.
- Characteristics: Bifrenaria orchids produce robust flowers that can be very fragrant, often with a waxy texture. The flowers might not be as large as some other orchids but are notable for their rich colors and patterns. They require a slight drop in temperature at night to bloom well.
Cochleanthes
- Origin: The Caribbean, especially Cuba, and parts of Central America.
- Characteristics: Named for their shell-like lip (cochlea means shell in Latin), Cochleanthes orchids have flowers that are often quite showy with vibrant colors. They are related to Oncidium and need similar conditions but are known for their unique lip shape which forms a hood over the column.
Catasetum
- Origin: Central and South America, particularly Brazil, Peru, and Colombia.
- Characteristics: Already mentioned in a previous list, but worth noting again for their fascinating pollination mechanism. Unlike the previous mention, here we’ll note that some species of Catasetum can change sex from year to year, a phenomenon known as sequential hermaphroditism.
Oeceoclades
- Origin: Africa, extending to Madagascar and other Indian Ocean islands.
- Characteristics: These terrestrial orchids are often found in dry or semi-arid environments. Their flowers are not typically showy but are interesting for their structure. They have adapted to survive in less humid conditions than many other orchids, making them unique among their kin.
Polystachya
- Origin: Widespread in Africa, as well as in tropical regions of Central and South America.
- Characteristics: Polystachya orchids often grow in clusters, hence the name which means “many spikes.” Their flowers can range from tiny to relatively large, often in shades of yellow, green, or white, sometimes with complex patterns. They are epiphytic or lithophytic, thriving in warm, humid environments with good air movement.
Thunia
- Origin: Southeast Asia, from India to Thailand and Vietnam.
- Characteristics: Thunia orchids have large, showy flowers that resemble Cattleyas but with a different growth habit. They grow from pseudobulbs that are elongated, giving them a cane-like appearance. The flowers can be very fragrant, and the plants prefer intermediate temperatures.
Grammatophyllum (Giant Orchid)
- Origin: Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia and the Philippines.
- Characteristics: This genus includes the largest orchid in the world, Grammatophyllum speciosum, which can produce hundreds of flowers on a single inflorescence. The flowers are typically yellow with brown or red markings. Due to their size, these orchids need ample space, strong support, and they thrive in warm, humid conditions.
Anoectochilus (Jewel Orchid)
- Origin: Predominantly from Southeast Asia, China, India, and parts of Oceania.
- Characteristics: Similar to Ludisia, Anoectochilus is valued more for its foliage than its flowers. The leaves often exhibit metallic or iridescent patterns, making them highly decorative. Their flowers, while not as prominent, can be quite intricate. These orchids grow terrestrially and prefer shaded, humid environments.