Purple orchids, with their regal hues from soft lavender to deep violet, symbolize luxury and admiration. Their vibrant blooms, often accented with contrasting lips or veining, make them a favorite for elegant displays and gifts.
These orchids thrive in varied settings, from epiphytic treetops to terrestrial gardens. Most prefer bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining media like bark, though some require moist soil or cooler temperatures to bloom.
Purple orchids showcase diverse forms, from large, waxy flowers to delicate, clustered sprays. Their blooms, lasting weeks, appear on upright spikes or pendulous stems, with unique features like fringed lips or nocturnal scents.
Many purple orchids emit sweet or spicy fragrances, enhancing their allure for pollinators and admirers. Their rich colors and long-lasting blooms make them ideal for sophisticated floral arrangements or indoor decor.
Culturally, purple orchids represent royalty and respect, gracing formal events and celebrations. Widely available through nurseries, their striking beauty and versatility captivate growers and enthusiasts alike.
Types of Purple Orchids
Phalaenopsis ‘Bellina Coerulea’
A vigorous Phalaenopsis variety from Malaysia and Borneo, this moth orchid is known for its vivid purple blooms and wonderful fragrance, ideal for shaded indoor settings.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Blue-purple flowers, 2–3 inches, with lighter speckles and a deeper purple lip.
- Flowers on arching spikes, lasting 2–3 months.
- Broad, leathery leaves in a rosette, typical of moth orchids.
- Blooms in spring or summer, prefers low light and high humidity.
- Pleasant fragrance, especially in shaded conditions.
Dendrobium Enobi Purple ‘Splash’
A mini Dendrobium hybrid, this orchid features striking purple-tipped blooms, resembling Phalaenopsis in shape but smaller. It’s a compact epiphyte, perfect for small spaces.
Identifying Characteristics:
- White petals with bright purple edges, 1.5 inches, and a deep purple lip.
- Flowers on short stalks, 5–10 per stem, lasting 4–6 weeks.
- Slender pseudobulbs with narrow, alternating leaves.
- Blooms in spring, thrives in bright light with 50/50 sun-shade mix.
- Lightly fragrant, with a compact growth habit.
Vanda ‘Motes Purple Rain’
A Vanda hybrid known for its large, vibrant purple blooms, this epiphyte is prized for its long-lasting flowers and is often grown in hanging baskets.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Light purple flowers, 3–4 inches, with visible darker veins.
- Flowers on upright spikes, blooming 2–3 times a year, lasting 4–6 weeks.
- Long, strap-like leaves in a fan-like arrangement.
- Aerial roots require high humidity and bright light.
- Fragrant, with a robust, upright growth habit.
Cattleya purpurata (Purple-stained Laelia)
A Brazilian epiphytic orchid, Cattleya purpurata (formerly Laelia purpurata) features large flowers with purple accents, often used in corsages for its bold beauty.
Identifying Characteristics:
- White petals with vivid purple veins or edges, 3–5 inches wide.
- Deep purple lip with darker veining, often fragrant.
- Flowers in clusters of 2–5 on short stems.
- Slender pseudobulbs with 1–2 leathery leaves.
- Blooms in summer, lasting 3–4 weeks, prefers bright light.
Brassanthe Maikai ‘Mayumi’
A hybrid of Brassavola nodosa and Cattleya bowringiana, this orchid produces vivid lavender-pink to purple flowers, blooming in winter with a striking fragrance.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Lavender-purple flowers, 2–3 inches, in clusters of 8–12.
- Darker purple lip with fine lines, fading to lighter shades at night.
- Slender pseudobulbs with narrow, terete leaves.
- Blooms last 4–5 weeks, fragrant at night.
- Thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity.
Zygopetalum ‘Black Beauty’
A robust epiphytic orchid, ‘Black Beauty’ is a Zygopetalum hybrid with deep, almost black-purple flowers, known for its spicy fragrance and cool-climate preference.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Deep violet to near-black flowers, 2–4 inches, with speckled petals.
- White or green lip with purple veins, 35–50 flowers on long stems.
- Thick pseudobulbs with glossy, lance-shaped leaves.
- Blooms from fall to spring, lasting 3–4 weeks.
- Fragrant, prefers bright light and 50/50 sun-shade.
Miltonia spectabilis
A pansy orchid from Brazil, Miltonia spectabilis is an epiphyte with large, showy purple flowers, blooming in spring to summer with a distinctive “mask” pattern.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Purple flowers, 2–3 inches, with a white or yellow lip and purple streaks.
- Flowers on short spikes, 3–5 per stem, lasting 4–6 weeks.
- Clustered pseudobulbs with pale green, strap-like leaves.
- Sweet, floral fragrance, prefers shaded light.
- Blooms in warm, humid conditions.
Paphiopedilum ‘Maudiae Vinicolor’
A lady slipper orchid hybrid, this terrestrial Paphiopedilum features deep purple flowers with a unique pouch-like lip, ideal for low-light indoor settings.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Single, deep purple flower, 3–4 inches, with a glossy pouch.
- Petals have green or white veining; lip is solid purple.
- Mottled, green leaves in a fan-like rosette.
- Blooms last 6–8 weeks, typically in fall or winter.
- Prefers low light and high humidity.
Spathoglottis plicata (Purple Form)
A terrestrial ground orchid from Southeast Asia, Spathoglottis plicata has purple forms that thrive in sunny pots or as garden ground cover, with a long blooming season.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Light purple to magenta flowers, 1–2 inches, with a yellow center.
- Flowers on upright spikes, 5–10 per stem, lasting 6–7 weeks.
- Broad, grassy leaves from a clumping base.
- Blooms continuously in warm climates, mildly fragrant.
- Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist soil.
Phaius tankervilleae (Purple Form)
Known as the nun’s cap orchid, Phaius tankervilleae is a terrestrial orchid from Asia and Australia with purple forms, growing up to 4 feet tall in gardens or pots.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Dusky purple flowers, 3–4 inches, with a brownish hue and white lip.
- Flowers on tall spikes, 5–10 per stem, lasting 4–6 weeks.
- Large, pleated leaves from a pseudobulbous base.
- Blooms in spring, prefers partial shade and rich soil.
- Mildly fragrant, robust growth habit.
Oncidium ‘Twinkle Purple’
A miniature Oncidium hybrid, ‘Twinkle Purple’ is a dancing lady orchid with small, vibrant purple flowers, known for its compact size and sweet fragrance.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Tiny, purple flowers, 1 inch, in branching sprays of 10–20.
- Petals resemble a dancing figure with a contrasting lip.
- Thin pseudobulbs with grassy, narrow leaves.
- Blooms last 4–6 weeks, typically in fall or winter.
- Prefers bright, indirect light and moderate humidity.
Calanthe ‘Kozu Spice’
A hardy terrestrial orchid from the Calanthe genus, ‘Kozu Spice’ produces soft purple to pinkish-purple flowers, ideal for containers in cooler climates (USDA zone 7).
Identifying Characteristics:
- Soft purple flowers, 1–2 inches, with a white or yellow lip.
- Flowers on upright spikes, 10–20 per stem, lasting 4–6 weeks.
- Broad, pleated leaves that may overwinter in mild climates.
- Blooms in spring, prefers shaded, moist conditions.
- Sweet fragrance, naturalizes well in suitable climates.
Epidendrum ‘Purple Passion’
A hybrid Epidendrum, ‘Purple Passion’ is a reed-stem orchid known for its vibrant purple blooms. This hardy epiphyte thrives in warm climates and is ideal for beginners.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Small, bright purple flowers, 1–2 inches, in dense terminal clusters.
- Star-shaped petals with a slightly darker lip.
- Tall, reed-like stems with narrow, alternating leaves.
- Blooms last 4–6 weeks, often continuous in warm conditions.
- Tolerates bright light and moderate humidity.
Cymbidium ‘Purple Queen’
A Cymbidium hybrid, ‘Purple Queen’ features rich, plum-purple flowers, popular for its long-lasting blooms and suitability for cooler climates or outdoor gardens.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Medium-sized, deep purple flowers, 2–3 inches, with a waxy texture.
- Lip often has white or yellow markings.
- Flowers on tall spikes, 10–20 per stem, lasting 8–12 weeks.
- Long, grass-like leaves from small pseudobulbs.
- Blooms in winter to spring, requires cool nights (below 60°F).
Maxillaria porphyrostele
A compact epiphytic orchid from South America, Maxillaria porphyrostele produces small, vibrant purple flowers, favored by collectors for its unique color and ease of care.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Tiny, deep purple flowers, 1 inch, with a glossy finish.
- Flowers emerge singly or in pairs from small pseudobulbs.
- Oval pseudobulbs with one or two narrow leaves.
- Blooms last 3–4 weeks, often in spring or summer.
- Prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity.
Aerangis biloba
A miniature epiphyte from Africa, Aerangis biloba is known for its delicate, lavender-purple flowers with a night-blooming fragrance, ideal for humid terrariums.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Small, lavender-purple flowers, 1 inch, with star-like petals and long nectar spurs.
- Flowers hang in clusters of 5–10 from short stems.
- Small, oval leaves in a fan-like arrangement.
- Blooms last 3–5 weeks, with a sweet fragrance at night.
- Requires high humidity and shaded light.
Rhynchostylis gigantea (Purple Form)
Known as the foxtail orchid, Rhynchostylis gigantea includes purple forms with dense, cylindrical spikes of vibrant flowers, native to Southeast Asia and prized for their fragrance.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Small, deep purple flowers, 1 inch, tightly packed in cone-shaped inflorescences.
- Petals may have white or pink spotting.
- Thick, strap-like leaves in a fan-like arrangement.
- Blooms last 2–3 weeks, typically in winter, with a sweet scent.
- Needs high humidity and bright light.
Paphiopedilum rothschildianum (Purple Hybrids)
A lady slipper orchid from Borneo, Paphiopedilum rothschildianum hybrids with purple tones are rare and stunning, featuring dramatic, long-lasting flowers.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Large, purple-tinged flowers, 4–6 inches, with a pouch-like lip.
- Petals are elongated, often with green and purple veining.
- Mottled, green leaves in a fan-like rosette.
- Blooms last 6–8 weeks, typically in spring.
- Prefers low light, high humidity, and constant moisture.
Bulbophyllum purpurascens
A Southeast Asian epiphyte, Bulbophyllum purpurascens is a quirky orchid with small, purple flowers, popular among collectors for its unusual shape and scent.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Tiny, purple flowers, 1 inch, with a fan-like arrangement of petals.
- Flowers on short spikes from small pseudobulbs.
- Single, thick leaf per pseudobulb.
- Blooms last 2–4 weeks, often with a musky odor.
- Thrives in warm, humid conditions with shaded light.
Laelia anceps (Purple Form)
A Mexican epiphyte, Laelia anceps includes purple forms with vibrant, star-shaped flowers, closely related to Cattleya and valued for its hardiness.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Bright purple flowers, 2–3 inches, with a darker purple lip.
- Flowers in clusters of 2–5 on long stems.
- Slender pseudobulbs with one or two leathery leaves.
- Blooms last 4–6 weeks, typically in winter.
- Prefers bright light and moderate humidity.
Sobralia macrantha (Purple Form)
A terrestrial orchid from Central and South America, Sobralia macrantha has purple forms with large, short-lived flowers, known for its bamboo-like growth.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Large, purple flowers, 3–4 inches, with a papery texture.
- Lip is deeper purple with yellow markings.
- Flowers last 1–2 days but bloom in succession on tall spikes.
- Tall, cane-like stems with broad, lance-shaped leaves.
- Blooms last weeks due to sequential flowering, prefers partial shade.
Pleione formosana (Purple Form)
A terrestrial orchid from East Asia, Pleione formosana includes purple forms with delicate, spring-blooming flowers, often grown in pots or rock gardens.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Small, lavender-purple flowers, 2–3 inches, with a cupped shape.
- Lip has yellow or white spotting.
- Single flower per short spike from small pseudobulbs.
- Broad, pleated leaves that drop seasonally.
- Blooms last 2–3 weeks, prefers cool conditions.
Coelogyne pandurata (Purple-Lipped Form)
An epiphytic orchid from Southeast Asia, Coelogyne pandurata has forms with purple-lipped flowers, known for their dramatic sprays and mild fragrance.
Identifying Characteristics:
- White or cream flowers, 2–3 inches, with a vivid purple lip.
- Flowers in pendulous clusters, 5–15 per spike.
- Large pseudobulbs with glossy, paired leaves.
- Blooms last 4–6 weeks, typically in summer.
- Prefers warm temperatures and high humidity.
Ascocenda ‘Princess Mikasa’
A hybrid of Vanda and Ascocentrum, ‘Princess Mikasa’ is a compact epiphyte with vibrant purple flowers, bred for intense color and frequent blooming.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Deep purple flowers, 2–3 inches, with a rounded shape.
- Flowers on upright spikes, blooming 2–3 times a year.
- Strap-like leaves in a compact, fan-like arrangement.
- Blooms last 4–6 weeks, requires high humidity and bright light.
- Often grown in baskets with exposed roots.
Notes:
- Care Considerations: Purple orchids vary in care needs. Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilum prefer low light, while Vanda and Dendrobium need bright light and high humidity (50–70%). Most thrive in well-draining media like bark or moss, with some terrestrials like Spathoglottis requiring moist soil.
- Availability: Hybrids like Phalaenopsis ‘Bellina Coerulea’ and Vanda ‘Motes Purple Rain’ are available at nurseries or online, while species like Cattleya purpurata may require specialty growers.
- Cultural Significance: Purple orchids symbolize royalty, respect, and admiration, making them ideal for gifting to esteemed individuals or for elegant displays.