12 Types of Orchids: How to Care for Orchids

Orchids (Orchidaceae) are tall tropical flowering plants with an evolved lip, three petals, and sepals surrounding it. The orchid family is robust, containing over 25,000 natural species and more than 200,000 hybrids. Orchid blossoms come in a wide range of colors, from white to orange to pink.

Orchidaceae is one of the largest families of flowering plants, including hundreds of distinct genera.

1. 1. Cattleya orchids: One of the most common orchids, Cattleya orchids have a ruffled appearance and a robust, vanilla-like fragrance. Commonly referred to as the corsage orchid, Cattleyas can grow up to two feet tall.
2. 2. Phalaenopsis orchids: Also called the moth orchid, Phalaenopsis orchids are hardy, but they do best in high humidity and are especially sensitive to cold temperatures. Phalaenopsis orchids are native to Southeast Asia and Australia.
3. 3. Paphiopedilum orchids: Paphiopedilum orchids are one of the best options for beginner-level orchid growers because they are low maintenance and thrive under most lighting conditions. Along with other genera like Phragmipedium, this orchid type is part of the subfamily Cypripedioideae, also known as lady slipper orchids.
4. 4. Dendrobium orchids: Dendrobium orchids are epiphytes that grow on other objects in the wild. They do best in high humidity but are susceptible to overwatering. Dendrobiums have delicate, light-colored flowers ranging from purple to green and mostly maintain their foliage year-round.
5. 5. Oncidium orchids: Also known as dancing lady orchids because of the unique shape of their petals, Oncidium orchids are native to Central America and South America. This genus includes a cultivar called ‘Sharry Baby’ that is notable for its chocolate-like scent. Oncidium orchids can be a more challenging genus to grow as they require consistent humidity and a cooler climate.
6. 6. Vanda orchids: As an epiphytic genus, Vanda orchids grow on the surface of plants or rocks, gathering nutrients from water and air. This orchid genus inhabits the tropics of Southeast Asia. Vanda orchids can bloom two to three times each year in a variety of colors depending on the species.
7. 7. Cymbidium orchids: Cymbidium orchids, also called boat orchids, are a hardy genus that thrives outside. This genus can survive drier, low temperatures and even small amounts of frost. Cymbidium orchids have distinct pseudobulbs with long leaves.
8. 8. Lycaste orchids: Lycaste orchids have round pseudobulbs, broad leaves, and waxy flowers. One orchid species within this genus is lycaste skinneri, the national flower of Guatemala. Known for its white flowers, lycaste skinneri is commonly called the white nun orchid.
9. 9. Zygopetalum orchids: Native to South America, Zygopetalum orchid flowers have a waxy texture and a strong fragrance. Zygopetalum orchids are within the Epidendroideae subfamily along with similar genera like Masdevallia, Phaius, and Epidendrum orchids.
10. 10. Cycnoches orchids: Cycnoches orchids are a unique genus that include both male and female flower buds. The only other genus with this same feature is the Catasetum orchid.
11. 11. Encyclia orchids: Also known as clamshell orchids or cockleshell orchids, this genus can bloom for several months at a time. Encyclia orchids encompass over 100 species, including the distinct Encyclia tampensis, also known as the Tampa butterfly orchid.
12. 12. Ludisia orchids: The Ludisia orchid includes only one species that grows on the forest floor in Southern China and Southeast Asia. Commonly known as jewel orchids because of their colorful leaves, Ludisia orchids are great houseplants as they thrive in shade and require little maintenance.

With so many orchid varieties, proper care methods vary based on the specific genus and species. However, there are some basic orchid care techniques to consider.

1. 1. Place your orchid in bright, indirect sunlight. Orchid flowers generally need bright light to thrive—usually upwards of 10 hours a day. However, their natural habitat is in tropical rainforests, so direct sunlight can burn the leaves or petals. A south-facing or east-facing window is usually the best growing area for orchids during the summer months; in darker winter months, consider investing in a bright artificial light to encourage photosynthesizing.
2. 2. Watch the leaves on your orchids. Your plant’s leaves will indicate whether you’re meeting its lighting requirements. Bright-green leaves mean the light levels are adequate, dark green leaves mean it’s not getting enough light, and yellowish or reddish leaves mean your plant is receiving too much light.
3. 3. Use fast-draining soil. Planting orchids in traditional potting soil or potting mix can smother their roots, which need consistent airflow. Instead, opt for a potting medium that’s fast-draining, coarse, and porous. A combination of fir bark, perlite, sphagnum moss or peat moss, and horticultural charcoal is a great way to keep your orchid healthy.
4. 4. Buy a well-draining pot. Since orchid roots are sensitive to overwatering and dense soil, a well-draining pot is necessary to help your plant thrive. Repot your orchid plant in a terracotta pot, which facilitates the air circulation that the plants need to survive. Choose a pot with at least one drainage hole at the bottom of the pot so that excess water drains out—terracotta is preferable since it’s incredibly porous.
5. 5. Water your orchids carefully. Orchids do best in drier conditions. As a general rule, water only when the top inch of the soil feels dry—usually about once a week in the growing season and even less frequently in cooler winter months. The most common mistake in orchid care is keeping the soil too wet. If the soil is too wet, your orchid will get root rot, a condition where the roots turn black and eventually die.

Consider these additional tips for keeping your orchids healthy.

1. 1. Orchids require good air circulation. In the wild, orchid plants thrive in light breezes, which prevent excess moisture buildup and keep their roots healthy. Whenever possible, simulate this airflow for your orchids by keeping a window open in the summer or setting up an oscillating fan on a low setting.
2. 2. Orchids thrive in moderate temperatures. Since orchids are tropical plants, they do best in warmer temperatures—daytime temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter, keep your orchids away from drafty window sills.
3. 3. Orchids need a humid environment. Some tropical varieties of orchids are epiphytes, which, in the wild, grow in the air rather than soil. Their aerial roots extend out from the soil to absorb moisture. To mimic their tropical environment, you’ll need to provide the plant with added humidity. Place the plant near an air humidifier during drier seasons.

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