Types of Orchids
When choosing to buy an orchid, the vast amount of varieties and hybrids can be overwhelming. This guide will give you some basics of each of the main types of orchids, and hopefully help you narrow your search for the right types of orchids.
Cattleya’s: The Corsage Orchid:
Cattleya orchids are the ideal corsage orchid, due to the large size of their orchid bloom. The flower itself can vary in size from 5 cm to as large as 15 cms wide. There are over 42 species of these types of orchids, with the majority originating from Costa Rica and South America. Due to the warm climate that they originated from, they require a warm, humid, home environment to prosper.
Phalaenopsis: The Moth Orchid
This is probably the easiest orchid to grow at home, and is therefore often recommended for the beginner orchid grower. There are approximately 60 varieties of this species of orchids. The blooms on this orchid can vary from a few simple blooms, to a long beautiful trail of delicate small flowers. These plants typically bloom on an annual basis, and the blooms will last for approximately a month.
Paphiopedilums: The Slipper Orchid
This exotic plant is often referred to as a slipper orchid due to the unique shape of the flower. In nature, these types of orchids are often found on the ground and therefore will tolerate moister environments than your typically orchid. If you are lacking a sunny environment and tend to over water, this may be the perfect orchid for you.
Cymbidium: The Ideal Cut Flower
These plants are one of the taller varieties of orchids, with plant heights sometimes reaching and exceeding 60 cms. Cymbidium orchids are often used as cut flowers, due to their length and the trail of flowers that each stem holds. However, these plants are probably one of the more challenging orchids to grow, as they require a fairly warm environment when flowering and a cool one during their dormant period. If you are a patient grower and are looking for a challenge, then these may be the perfect plant for you.
Dendrobium: the Diverse Genus
There are hundreds of varieties of dendrobium orchids, and within this genus there is a full range of simple to grow varieties to those that a bit more challenging. When selecting this variety, be aware of the specific genus as the light, temperature, and moisture needs will vary accordingly. The flowers on this orchid variety can last anywhere from four to eight weeks.
Oncidiums: The Dancing Lady
This orchid is often referred to as the dancing lady, because the flowers, for those with a vivid imagination, resemble a lady about to dance. The beauty of these flowers is not in their size, but in their sheer amount. The stems of this plant sometimes lean over from the sheer weight and amount of flowers. With the right oncidium orchid care, you too can have your own dancing lady flowers.
Vandaceous Orchids: the Colourful Variety
These types of orchids are originally from Southern Asia, and so they naturally thrive in warm, humid environments. Perhaps the most colourful of the orchid variety, these plants usually bloom two to three times a year.
This article provided a simple overview of the main types of orchids that are available to the consumer. However, it will not help with perhaps the main concern with growing orchids. For most growers, the challenge is not in selecting a particular variety, but stopping yourself, from selecting them all.
