An orange orchid plant is not a common sight, but when you see one, the unique beauty is captivating. This lively shade is just one of the many colors in which they come. Burnham Nurseries claims the orchid family is among the most diverse groups of plants, with an incredible variety of shapes, patterns and sizes. The living orange orchid types you usually see are natural, with the tones varying from yellow to bright red.
These orchids thrive in varied environments, from tropical epiphytic settings to terrestrial gardens. Most prefer bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining media like bark or moss. Some need warm conditions, while others bloom best with cooler nights.
Orange orchids display diverse forms, from large, waxy flowers to delicate, clustered sprays. Their blooms, often lasting weeks, appear on upright spikes or cascading stems. Unique features like ruffled petals or spicy scents enhance their appeal.
Many orange orchids emit sweet or musky fragrances, drawing pollinators and adding allure to arrangements. Their vivid colors and long-lasting blooms make them ideal for vibrant, eye-catching decor in homes or events.
Culturally, orange orchids represent passion and vitality, shining at celebrations and festive occasions. Widely available through nurseries, their bold beauty and adaptability make them a favorite for collectors and casual growers alike.
Orange Orchids
Phalaenopsis ‘Copper Star’ (I-Hsin Salmon ‘Copper Star’)
A compact Phalaenopsis hybrid, this moth orchid is prized for its coppery-orange blooms, popular as a houseplant due to its ease of care and vibrant color. It’s ideal for beginners.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Small, copper-orange flowers, about 1.5 inches wide, with a waxy texture.
- Petals are broad, with a subtle yellow undertone; lip is slightly darker.
- Flowers on arching spikes, lasting 2–3 months.
- Thick, glossy green leaves in a rosette.
- Thrives in low to medium light and high humidity.
Cattleya ‘Carrotcake’
A hybrid Cattleya orchid, ‘Carrotcake’ is known for its warm, orange blooms with a soft, autumnal glow. It’s a showy epiphyte often used in corsages.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Large, light orange flowers, 2–4 inches, with ruffled petals.
- Lip often has yellow or red sprinkles at the center.
- Flowers in clusters of 2–5 on short stems.
- Slender pseudobulbs with 1–2 waxy leaves.
- Blooms last 3–4 weeks, often fragrant, in spring or fall.
Cymbidium ‘Foxfire Amber’
A beginner-friendly Cymbidium hybrid, ‘Foxfire Amber’ produces deep orange blooms with a robust growth habit, making it suitable for indoor or outdoor cultivation.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Deep orange flowers, 2–3 inches, with red and yellow speckles in the center.
- Multiple flowers (10–20) on tall spikes, lasting 8–12 weeks.
- Small pseudobulbs with long, grassy leaves.
- Blooms in late winter to early spring, often with a mild fragrance.
- Requires cool nights (below 60°F) to initiate flowering.
Brassia aurantiaca (‘Orange Claw’)
Known as the orange claw orchid, Brassia aurantiaca is a cool-growing epiphyte from montane forests of Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. Its vivid blooms attract hummingbirds.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Vivid orange, starfish-shaped flowers, 1 inch wide, with narrow, elongated petals.
- Small, indistinct lip; dense clusters on 12–20-inch arching stems.
- Light to mid-green, lanceolate leaves, up to 12 inches long.
- Blooms in late winter or early spring, lasting 4–5 weeks.
- Prefers 70–75% humidity and cool temperatures (45–80°F).
Oncidium ‘Brassada Orange Delight’
A hybrid of Brassada andreettae and Brassada ‘Mary Traub Levin’, this low-maintenance Oncidium produces bright orange blooms, ideal for small spaces.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Orange flowers, 3.5 inches wide, with spider-like, elongated petals.
- Flowers on 16-inch spikes, 8–12 per stem, blooming in summer.
- Thin pseudobulbs with narrow, grassy leaves.
- Blooms last 4–5 weeks, with a mild fragrance.
- Thrives in bright, indirect light and moderate humidity.
Epidendrum ibaguense ‘Apricot’ (Crucifix Orchid)
A terrestrial or epiphytic orchid from Central and South America, this Epidendrum hybrid is tough and produces sprays of delicate, apricot-orange flowers.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Small, apricot-orange flowers, 1–2 inches, with a cross-shaped lip.
- Flowers in dense clusters on reed-like stems.
- Narrow, alternating leaves along tall stems.
- Blooms last 4–6 weeks, often in spring or summer, sometimes fragrant.
- Tolerates bright light and a wide range of conditions.
Vanda ‘Orange Magic’
A Vanda hybrid, ‘Orange Magic’ is a tropical epiphyte known for its large, vibrant orange flowers. It’s often grown in hanging baskets due to its aerial roots.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Large, bright orange flowers, 3–4 inches, with rounded petals.
- Petals may have faint red spotting or veining.
- Long, strap-like leaves in a fan-like arrangement.
- Blooms last 4–6 weeks, 2–3 times a year in warm conditions.
- Requires high humidity, bright light, and good air circulation.
Dendrobium ‘Showoff’
A hybrid Dendrobium, ‘Showoff’ is a vibrant orchid with yellow-orange flowers, recognized by the American Orchid Society for its striking display.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Yellow-orange flowers, 2 inches, with red streaks on the lip.
- Flowers cluster along cane-like pseudobulbs, 10–15 per stem.
- Slender, alternating leaves that may drop seasonally.
- Blooms last 4–6 weeks, typically in winter or spring.
- Prefers bright light and a dry rest period post-bloom.
Miltonia ‘Sunset’
A pansy orchid hybrid, Miltonia ‘Sunset’ features warm orange flowers with a pansy-like shape, blooming in late spring to summer. It’s an epiphyte with a delicate charm.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Orange flowers, 2–3 inches, with yellow or red markings on the lip.
- Flowers on short spikes, 3–5 per stem.
- Soft, light green leaves from small pseudobulbs.
- Blooms last 4–6 weeks, with a sweet, floral fragrance.
- Prefers shaded light and high humidity.
Ascocenda ‘Orange Embers’
A hybrid of Vanda and Ascocentrum, Ascocenda ‘Orange Embers’ combines large flowers with compact growth, producing vivid orange blooms ideal for warm climates.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Bright orange flowers, 2–3 inches, with a full, 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, requiring high humidity and warmth.
- Often grown in baskets with exposed roots.
Lycaste (Lycaste skinneri ‘Orange’)
A terrestrial or epiphytic orchid from Central America, Lycaste skinneri orange forms produce triangular, orange flowers. It’s valued for its unique silhouette and robust growth.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Orange flowers, 3–4 inches, with a triangular shape (three petals, three sepals).
- Flowers on multiple short spikes from pseudobulbs.
- Thin, pleated foliage, deciduous in dormancy.
- Blooms last 3–5 weeks, typically in spring.
- Prefers intermediate temperatures and shaded light.
Maxillaria tenuifolia
Known as the coconut orchid, Maxillaria tenuifolia is an epiphyte with small, fiery orange-red flowers, popular for its fragrance and ease of care.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Small, orange-red flowers, 1–2 inches, with yellow-tipped petals.
- Flowersទ3;Single flowers or small clusters from pseudobulbs.
- Grass-like leaves from small, oval pseudobulbs.
- Blooms in early spring, lasting 3–4 weeks, with a coconut-like scent.
- Thrives in bright light and high humidity.
Notes:
- Care Considerations: Orange orchids vary in needs. Phalaenopsis and Epidendrum tolerate moderate conditions, while Vanda and Ascocenda require high humidity and bright light. Most prefer well-draining media like bark and 50–70% humidity. Cool-growing species like Brassia aurantiaca need lower temperatures.
- Availability: Hybrids like Phalaenopsis ‘Copper Star’ and Cymbidium ‘Foxfire Amber’ are widely available at nurseries. Species like Lycaste skinneri may require specialty growers.
- Cultural Significance: Orange orchids symbolize creativity, passion, and adventure, often used to inspire energy and boldness in floral displays.