Green Orchids
Distinctive Orchids
Although there are thousands of varieties of orchids, there are relatively very few that are green in color. Coveted for their unique appearance, green orchids offer a distinctive elegance among their multi-colored peers. Ranging from vivid green to yellowish hue, green orchids are exceptional and stunning.
Verdant Varieties
One genus, the Platanthera, has a variety of green orchids. Interestingly, these rare orchids are not found in a remote tropical climate as you might expect. The Platanthera grow across North America and in Europe. In several states, the Platanthera hyperborean is considered a threatened and endangered species of orchid. Platanthera huronensis, commonly known as the Huron Green Orchid (referring to Lake Huron) grows predominantly in the northeast US and parts of Canada. The Platanthera orchids grow flowers on a tall, upright spike.
Green Cymbidium orchids are favored for bridal bouquets, adding lovely green color of a floral variety rather than from foliage. Native to China and Japan, there are many hybrids of the Cymbidium orchid. Cymbidiums in general are considered a beginner orchid, easy to grow and reasonably priced. Cymbidium Loch Lomond is a stunning hybrid with green petals and a white lip accented with red. Cymbidium Sweet Dreams orchids have distinctive pale green blooms with lovely medium green leaves. Learning all about cymbidium orchid care is extremely easy with the right information.
The Paphiopedilum, also known as slipper orchid, has several varieties of green orchids. Found mainly in China and Vietnam, they differ from other orchids in appearance with a lip shaped like a cup, a fanned leaf display, and the uppermost sepal appearing similar to an inverted heart. Species embody these characteristics to varying degrees. Flowers range in sizes from 12 inches across to a scant 2 inches.
Several Paphiopedilum orchids contain shades of green. The Paph.anhinga incorporates a deep evergreen color with vivid ruby. Paph. insigne combines shiny apple-green with brown, yellow, and purple in its flowers. Paph. glaucophyllum is another green species with large flowers of muted colors. Paph. fairrieanum has very elaborate 2 inch flowers. White, green, and violet combine on the curling petals. Paph. Malipoense, a very recently discovered species, are predominantly green with red reticulation on the petals. Paph. Maudiae, a popular orchid for beginners due to its ability to adapt to lower light conditions and average temperatures, has beautiful petals of varying shades of green and white.
Aeranthes arachnites and A. grandiflora have large star shaped flowers. Aeranthes are primarily found in Madagascar. Aeranthes Grandiose, a hybrid of A.grandiflora and A. ramose, is also known as the Shooting Stars orchid. This hybrid has won numerous awards from the American Orchid Society.
Dendrobium Burana Jade is one of the hybrids originating in Thailand. Abundant lemony green flowers grow on stalks that can reach nearly 3 feet in height.
Phalaenopsis Yellow Treasure is a very light yellow-green flowering hybrid. It is a very sought after color among orchid hybridists. This genus developed in Asia and Australia.
All of the green orchids are striking in appearance. The shape of the sepal, leaves, lips, and foliage vary significantly. In some varieties, green is the predominant color, while in others it is merely a highlight. The hues range from deep evergreen to a translucent lime. Whatever the tint, green orchids add something indefinably special to a collection. The unexpected surprise of finding green in a flower, coupled with the unique assortment of sizes and shapes make these flowers an orchid enthusiast’s dream.
