Wow Visitors with These Stunning Orchids in Your Home or Garden
Orchids make up one of the largest and most diverse groups of flowering plants in the world. The orchid family includes more than 25,000 individual species that come from every continent except Antarctica, making them some of the best types of flowers you should have in your garden.
The high volume of orchid varieties is due to the fact that in highly competitive plant environments, like tropical areas, orchids have to compete with other plants to attract pollinators. Because of this, orchids are some of our favorite flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
Read more: How to Grow Orchids and Keep Them Blooming Year after Year
Blooming in every color except blue and black, orchids are known for their showy and sweet-smelling flowers, making them some of the best fragrant outdoor plants. Some orchids, like epidendrum orchids, thrive in the garden, while others like paphiopedilum orchids make for great indoor plants.
Orchids may have a reputation of being difficult to care for, but certain types like phalaenopsis orchids can be some of the easiest flowers to grow.
Here, we've collected our favorite kinds of orchids to grow in our garden or on a windowsill. Pick the right orchids for your needs and abilities, and you'll be a fancy orchid expert in no time.
Cattleya Orchids
As one of the most popular orchids, cattleya orchids, also known as "corsage orchids," come in a variety of different colors due to hybridization. Many have freckles or streaks of contrasting colors, and they thrive best in warm climates with medium bright light.
Care Guide
Light: Abundant bright but indirect light, east-facing windows
Water: About once a week, when the soil feels very dry
Temperature: 70 to 80°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night
Brassia Orchids
Brassia orchids are distinguished by their spider-like sepals and interesting color patterns. These fragrant orchids boast numerous blooms with 8 to 12 flowers blooming from a single bulb. Brassia orchids love moisture and prefer bright, diffused light.
Care Guide
Light: Bright, indirect
Water: weekly, when the soil feels very dry
Temperature: Can tolerate cool temps but keep above 50°F
Dendrobium Orchids
There are as many as 1,800 different species of dendrobium orchids. These orchids like to grow in small pots and often have tall, top-heavy blooms that require staking for support. Dendrobium orchids require cooler temperatures and less humidity than other orchids.
Care Guide
Light: Bright, indirect morning light for 5-6 hours, east-facing windows
Water: Every few days from spring to fall, and during flowering, then once a week after that.
Temperature: 70 to 80°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night
Vanda Orchids
With about 80 species in this genus, vanda orchids have endless color varieties and are known for their fragrant and long-lasting flowers. These orchids are often seen growing in hanging baskets with their roots exposed to plenty of air. Although they bloom 2 to 3 times a year, vanda orchids can be fickle to grow as they demand lots of light and high humidity.
Care Guide
Light: Bright or dappled light, south-facing windows
Water: Once every 5-7 days, as the soil begins to dry
Temperature: 70 to 80°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night
Phalaenopsis Orchids
One of the most common types of orchids, phalaenopsis orchids, also known as "moth orchids," are ideal for beginners. They are relatively easy to grow inside and stay in bloom for most of the year. Phalaenopsis orchids prefer diffused lighting and moderate humidity, so try placing yours in the kitchen or bathroom.
Care Guide
Light: Shaded, indirect light, east or west-facing windows
Water: When soil becomes slightly damp, up to 2 times per week during dry periods
Temperature: 70 to 80°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night
Maxillaria Orchids
Often found in tropical areas, maxillaria orchids like bright light and can take a lot of water. There are more than 300 species of maxillaria orchids and most are known for their fragrance of coconut and vanilla. Maxillaria orchids bloom in early spring.
Care Guide
Light: Abundant bright but indirect light, east-facing windows
Water: When soil feels dry to the bottom of the pot, about once a week at most
Temperature: 70 to 80°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night
Miltonia Orchids
Miltonia orchids are often referred to as "pansy orchids" because of their similar appearance to garden pansies. Unlike garden pansies who prefer cooler temperatures, miltonia orchids require bright indirect light and moderate temperatures, blooming from late spring to summer.
Care Guide
Light: Abundant bright, partial sun
Water: Let soil almost dry all the way out between waterings
Temperature: 75 to 85°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night
Zygopetalum Orchids
Zygopetalum orchids are another example of cool-climate orchids, blooming from fall to spring. These fragrant flowers boast bright purple petals with veiny streaks throughout. They make up a relatively small genus with only 15 species.
Care Guide
Light: Shaded, indirect light, east or west-facing windows
Water: Keep fairly moist, watering up to 2 to 3 times per week during warm, dry weather
Temperature: 70 to 75°F during the day, around 60°F at night
Brassavola Orchids
Nicknamed "lady of the night orchids," brassavola orchids have white and green flowers with narrow petals that release a fragrant scent in the evening. These orchids can be grown in a pot or on an orchid mount and flower in early winter.
Care Guide
Light: Tolerates medium to high indirect light
Water: Keep well watered, but allow plenty of drainage. Brassavola does best in high humidity (40 to 7o%) environments
Temperature: 70 to 75°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night
Cymbidium Orchids
Commonly known as "boat orchids," cymbidium orchids have smaller flowers compared to other orchid varieties, but can produce up to 30 blooms per spike. They can be grown in a garden or as an indoor houseplant and prefer warmer temperatures during the day and cooler temperatures at night.
Care Guide
Light: Bright but diffuse light, south, east, or west-facing windows
Water: Keep moist at all times. In the spring, water frequently and heavily
Temperature: Cymbidium do best outdoors, where fall temperatures drop below 60°F. Plants are not frost tolerant and will need to come indoors if temperatures reach 35°F or colder
Encyclia Orchids
Also known as "cockleshell orchids," encyclia orchids are recognized for their octopus-like shape and ability to bloom for several consecutive months. These orchids are not fragrant and bloom best when planted on an orchid mount that mimics how they naturally grow in the wild.
Care Guide
Light: Abundant indirect light
Water: Allow roots to dry out between watering, 1 to 2 times per week
Temperature: Depending on species, cool to warm. Keep above 60°F for most plants
Oncidium Orchids
Oncidium orchids are commonly referred to as "dancing lady orchids" because of the skirt-like frill of their petals. There are more than 300 species in this genus, including the popular "sharry baby" variety that is said to smell like chocolate. Oncidium orchids need consistent moisture and humidity, prefer a cooler environment, and usually bloom in the fall.
Care Guide
Light: Semi-shaded, east or west-facing windows
Water: Keep moist, watering up to 2 to 3 times per week in dry, warm weather
Temperature: 70 to 85°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night
Epidendrum Orchids
With more than 1,000 different species and hybrids, epidendrum orchids are one of the most common types of orchids. Their flowers are more petite compared to other orchids and they usually bloom in bunches. Epidendrum orchids need very bright light and are best grown outdoors in the summer or with supplemental artificial lighting inside.
Care Guide
Light: Abundant diffuse light
Water: Allow roots to dry completely between watering. Water more often during hot weather.
Temperature: Can tolerate most temperatures above 50°F
Odontoglossum Orchids
Odontoglossum orchids are cool-climate orchids known for their colorful and freckled petals. These flowers need moderate light and frequent watering (about 2 to 3 times per week). Odontoglossum orchids are highly recommended for growing in greenhouses.
Care Guide
Light: Bright shade, no direct light
Water: Keep well watered in a high-humidity environment
Temperature: 70 to 75°F during the day, 50 to 55°F at night
Psychopsis Orchids
Psychopsis orchids are also known as "butterfly orchids" because their speckled petals look like butterflies dancing in the breeze. They are relatively easy to grow as they have a good tolerance for a wide range of temperature and light conditions and can bloom for many months.
Care Guide
Light: Low to moderate light. East or west-facing windows
Water: Fully moisten when watering, allow to nearly dry out between. Humidity as much as 85%
Temperature: Up to 90°F during the day, to 60°F at night
Paphiopedilum Orchids
The fused petals of paphiopedilum orchids create a pouch that looks a lot like a ballet flat, which is why this orchid is often referred to as the "lady's slipper orchid." This orchid is an easy-to-grow houseplant and is great for beginners, with petals in a variety of colors with speckled and striped patterns.
Care Guide
Light: Well shaded, indirect light, east or west-facing windows
Water: Keep moist, watering up to 2 times per week in dry, warmer months
Temperature: 70 to 80°F during the day, 55 to 65°F at night
Phaius Orchids
Phaius orchids, also known as "nun's cap orchids," can grow up to 4 feet tall. They have large leaves at their base and flowers that come in colors like white, pink, red, and purple. Phaius orchids can grow outside year round (without freezing) and typically bloom in the winter.
Care Guide
Light: Moderate to bright filtered light, can tolerate some low light situations
Water: Keep moist, watering up to 2 times per week in dry, warmer months
Temperature: Above 60°F
Phragmipedium Orchids
Unlike a vast majority of other types of orchids, phragmipedium orchids thrive in wet conditions and prefer to have "wet feet." This comes as no surprise since these orchids are commonly found on the sides of streams and rivers. Phragmipedium orchids look much like lady's slipper orchids with petals that form a pouch.
Care Guide
Light: semi-shade to bright, indirect light, east-facing windows
Water: Keep moist, watering up to 2 to 3 times per week, use clean water
Temperature: 70 to 80°F during the day, 55 to 65°F at night
Catasetum Orchids
As one of the most unique orchids, catasetum orchids have unusually waxy flowers and produce both male and female flower buds. If the plant is touched or bumped, the male flowers will actually shoot pollen into the air.
Care Guide
Light: Bright shade to full sun, east-facing windows
Water: 2 to 3 times per week while bulbs are forming. Reduce watering after plants flower, then stop altogether when leaves fall off and plant goes dormant.
Temperature: 70 to 80°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night
Lycaste Orchids
Many species of lycaste orchids are fragrant with scents like lemon and cinnamon. These orchids shed their leaves during dormancy revealing spikes that can be quite sharp. Lycaste orchids come in colors like white, yellow, and red, and bloom in late winter to early spring.
Care Guide
Light: Abundant, indirect light, east-facing windows
Water: Keep soil moist at all times during growing, reduce slightly in the winter
Temperature: 65 to 75°F during the day, 50 to 60°F at night
Ludisia Orchids
Also known as "jewel orchids," ludisia orchids make up a rare genus that only includes one species. These orchids have dark green leaves and small white flowers that bloom in the fall and winter. Ludisia orchids don't need a lot of sunlight and do well as indoor houseplants.
Care Guide
Light: Medium indirect light, east or west-facing windows
Water: Keep soil moist and keep plant in a high-humidity environment
Temperature: 65 to 75°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night. Don't let it get below 50°F
Vanilla Orchids
Vanilla, one of the most popular fragrances and spices, actually comes from a genus of orchids. Vanilla orchids are the only type of orchids that grow on vines and need a lot of vertical space. Individual flowers only last about a day, but the plant will continue to produce them for up to 1 to 2 months.
Care Guide
Light: Shade to bright, indirect light, east-facing windows
Water: Keep soil moist and keep plant in a high-humidity environment
Temperature: 80 to 95°F during the day, 60 to 70°F at night
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