The beautiful orchids have a mysterious, fascinated attraction that is preferred by many people of all ages. Blooming in every color, orchids are known for their showy and sweet-smelling flowers, making them some of the best fragrant outdoor plants, so orchids are considered the queen of flowers. Orchids are one of the products of nature, a wonderful work of art that nature bestows on man.
So, in this post today, we are so glad to share 22 types of orchids to use as houseplants. 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. Click through the gallery to find an exciting array of orchids to grow in your garden or on your windowsill this year. Pick the right orchids for your needs and abilities, and you’ll be a fancy orchid expert in no time.
#1 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.
#2 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.
#3 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.
#4 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.
#5 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.
#6 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.
#7 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 known to smell like chocolate. Oncidium orchids need consistent moisture and humidity, prefer a cooler environment, and usually bloom in the fall.
#8 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.
#9 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.
#10 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.