Orchids are one of the largest and most diverse flowering plants in the world. The orchid family includes more than 25,000 individual species, native to every continent except Antarctica, making it one of the best flower species to have in your garden.
The large number of orchids is diverse, because in highly competitive environments, such as the tropics, orchids have to compete with other plants to attract pollinators. This is why orchids are one of our favorite flowers to attract bees and butterflies.
Read more: How to grow orchids and how to make them bloom year after year
Blooming in every color except blue and black, orchids are known for their bright, fragrant flowers, making them one of the most fragrant outdoor plants. Some orchids, such as epidendrons, grow well in the garden, while others, such as Paphiopedilum, make excellent houseplants.
Orchids may have a reputation for being difficult to care for, but some species, such as the Phalaenopsis orchid, can be among the easiest flowers to care for.
Here we have collected our favorite types of orchids that can be grown in the garden or on the windowsill. Choose the right orchid for your needs and abilities and you will quickly become a great orchid expert.
Cattleya orchid
One of the most popular orchids, the cattailia orchid, also known as the corsage orchid, comes in a variety of colors due to hybridization. Many have contrasting colored freckles or stripes and do best in warm climates with relatively bright light.
Interview guide
Light : bright but indirect light, east facing window.
Watering : Once a week if the soil is very dry.
Temperature : 70 to 80°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night.
Brascia orchids
Brassia orchids have spider-shaped sepals and striking color patterns. These fragrant orchids have numerous inflorescences of 8 to 12 flowers from a single bulb. Brascia orchids prefer moisture and prefer bright, indirect light.
Interview guide
Light : bright, indirect.
Watering : Once a week if the soil is very dry.
Temperature : Tolerates cold temperatures, but not over 50°F.
Dendrobium orchid
There are about 1,800 species of Dendrobium orchids. These orchids prefer to grow in small containers and often have large, large flowers that require support. Dendrobium orchids require cooler temperatures and lower humidity than other orchids.
Interview guide
Light : bright, indirect morning light for 5-6 hours, windows facing east.
Watering : From spring to autumn and during flowering every few days, then once a week.
Temperature : 70 to 80°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night.
Vanda Orchid
With approximately 80 species, Vanda orchids come in an endless variety of colors and are known for their fragrance and long-lasting blooms. These orchids grow in hanging baskets and their roots are exposed to a lot of air. Although Vanda orchids bloom 2 or 3 times a year, their growth is inconsistent because they require a lot of light and high humidity.
Interview guide
Light : bright or dappled, south-facing window.
Watering : every 5-7 days, as the soil dries
Temperature : 70 to 80°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night.
Phalaenopsis orchid
One of the most common types of orchids, the Phalaenopsis orchid, also known as the moth orchid, is ideal for beginners. They are relatively easy to grow indoors and bloom almost all year round. Phalaenopsis orchids prefer indirect light and moderate humidity, so try placing them in the kitchen or bathroom.
Interview guide
Light : shade, indirect light, windows facing east or west.
Water : when the soil is slightly moist, up to twice a week in dry conditions.
Temperature : 70 to 80°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night.
Jaw Orchid
Common in the tropics, jaw orchids like bright light and can take a lot of water. There are more than 300 species of jaw orchids, most of which are known for their scents of coconut and vanilla. Macillaria orchids bloom in early spring.
Interview guide
Light : Bright but indirect light, east facing window.
Watering : more than once a week, when the soil under the container is dry.
Temperature : 70 to 80°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night.
Miltonia orchid
Miltonia orchids are often called "pansy orchids" because of their pansy-like appearance in the garden. Unlike garden pansies, which prefer cooler temperatures, Miltonia orchids require bright, indirect light and moderate temperatures and bloom from late spring to summer.
Interview guide
Light : bright, partial sun.
Watering : Allow the soil to dry almost completely between waterings.
Temperature : 75 to 85°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night.
Zygopetalum orchid
The Zygopetalum orchid is another example of a cool climate orchid that blooms from fall to spring. This fragrant flower has bright purple petals. It is a relatively small genus, with only 15 species.
Interview guide
Light : shade, indirect light, windows facing east or west.
Water : Maintain adequate humidity, water 2 or 3 times a week in hot, dry weather.
Temperatures : 70 to 75°F during the day, around 60°F at night.
Brasavolos orchids
Brassica orchids, nicknamed "night orchids," have white-green flowers with narrow petals that give off a fragrant scent in the evening. These orchids can be grown in a container or in an orchid stand and bloom in early winter.
Interview guide
Light : Tolerates moderate to bright indirect light.
Water : water well but ensure plenty of drainage. Brassavola does best in an environment with high humidity (7-40%).
Temperatures : 70-75°F during the day, 60-65°F at night.
Cymbidium orchid
Cymbidium orchids, commonly called boat orchids, have smaller flowers than other orchid varieties, but can produce up to 30 flowers per stem. They can be grown in the garden or as houseplants and prefer warm temperatures during the day and cool temperatures at night.
Interview guide
Light : bright but dim light, windows facing south, east or west.
Water : always keep it moist. In the spring, water frequently and deeply.
Temperature : Cymbidium grows best outdoors when temperatures drop below 60°F in the fall. The plants are not hardy and should be brought indoors when the temperature is 35°F or below.
Encyclopaedia of Orchids
Encyclopedic orchids, also known as "shell orchids," are known for their octopus shape and ability to bloom for months. These orchids are unscented and bloom best when planted in an orchid medium that mimics their growth in the wild.
Interview guide
Light : lots of indirect light.
Watering : let the roots dry out between watering 1 or 2 times a week.
Temperature : from cold to warm, depending on the species. For most plants, keep the temperature above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Oncidium orchid
Oncidium orchids are often called the "dancer orchid" because of the reliefs on the petals. There are more than 300 species in this genus, including the popular "Ball Baby" variety, which has a chocolate scent. Oncidium orchids require constant moisture, prefer a cool environment and usually bloom in autumn.
Interview guide
Light : partial shade, windows facing east or west.
Water : maintain moisture, water 2 or 3 times a week in dry and hot weather.
Temperature : 70 to 85°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night.
Epidendrum orchids
With over 1,000 species and hybrids, the epidendrum orchid is one of the most common orchid species. Their flowers are smaller than other orchids and usually bloom in clusters. Epidendrum orchids require very bright light and are best grown outdoors in summer or indoors with supplemental artificial light.
Interview guide
Light : lots of dim light.
Watering : Allow the roots to dry completely between waterings. In hot weather, water more often.
Temperature : Can withstand temperatures above 50°F.
Odontoglossum orchid
Odontoglossum orchids are cool climate orchids known for their colorful, wrinkled petals. These flowers need moderate light and frequent watering (about 2-3 times a week). It is highly recommended to grow Odontoglossum orchids in greenhouses.
Interview guide
Light : bright shadow, no direct light
Water : A pool of water in high humidity conditions.
Temperatures : 70-75°F during the day, 50-55°F at night.
Psychopsis orchid
Psychopsis orchids are also known as "butterfly orchids" because their petal varieties resemble butterflies dancing in the wind. They are easy to grow as they tolerate a wide range of temperature and light conditions and can bloom for months.
Interview guide
Mild : mild or moderate. The window faces east or west
Water : When watering, soak well, let it dry in between. Humidity up to 85%
Temperatures : up to 90°F during the day, up to 60°F at night.
Paphiopedilum orchid
The compound petals of the Paphiopedilum orchid form a bag similar to a ballet flat, which is why this orchid is often called the "slipper orchid". With colorful varieties and striped petals, this orchid is easy to grow and perfect for beginners.
Interview guide
Light : well shaded, indirect light, windows facing east or west.
Water : keep moist, dry, water 2 times a week in hot months.
Temperature : 70 to 80°F during the day, 55 to 65°F at night.
Faeus orchid
The Fi orchid, also known as the "nan orchid", can grow up to 4 meters tall. They have large leaves at the base and white, pink, red and purple flowers. Faeus orchids can be grown outdoors year-round (except during frost) and usually bloom in winter.
Interview guide
Light : Moderate to bright filtered light, can tolerate some low light conditions.
Water : keep moist, dry, water 2 times a week in hot months.
Temperature : Above 60°F
Phragmipedium orchid
Unlike most other orchid species, Phragmipedia orchids thrive in humid conditions and prefer to have "wet feet". It is not surprising that these orchids are found along streams and rivers. Phragmipedium orchids look a lot like handkerchief orchids, with petals like a bag.
Interview guide
Light : partial shade from bright light, indirect light, east-facing window.
Water : maintain humidity, water 2 or 3 times a week, use clean water.
Temperature : 70 to 80°F during the day, 55 to 65°F at night.
Catasetum orchid
One of the most unique orchids, the Catasetum orchid, has unusual wax flowers and produces both male and female flower buds. If the plant is touched or knocked over, the male flowers release pollen into the air.
Interview guide
Light : from bright shade to full sun, east-facing windows.
Watering : 2 or 3 times a week, until the bulbs emerge. Reduce watering after flowering has finished, and stop watering completely when the leaves fall and the plant goes dormant.
Temperature : 70 to 80°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night.
Licus orchid
Many types of Licus orchids have scents like lemon and cinnamon. These orchids lose their leaves when dormant, exposing thorns that can be quite sharp. Licus orchids are white, yellow and red and bloom from late winter to early spring.
Interview guide
Light : Abundant and indirect light, windows facing east.
Watering : the soil must always be moist while growing, slightly reduce the humidity in winter.
Temperature : 65 to 75°F during the day, 50 to 60°F at night.
Ludicea orchid
The Ludicea orchid, also known as the "jewel orchid", is a rare, single-species species. These orchids have dark green leaves and small white flowers that bloom in fall and winter. Ludicea orchids don't need a lot of sun and do just as well as houseplants.
Interview guide
Light : Moderate indirect light, windows facing east or west.
Water : Keep the soil moist and plant in a high humidity environment.
Temperature : 65 to 75°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night. Do not allow the temperature to drop below 50°F.
Vanilla orchid
Vanilla, one of the most popular flavors and spices, actually comes from the orchid family. The vanilla orchid is the only type of orchid that grows in a hatch and needs a lot of vertical space. Individual flowers last a day, but the plant will continue to produce for 1 to 2 months.
Interview guide
Lighting : Shaded in indirect light, east-facing windows.
Water : Keep the soil moist and place the tree in an environment with high humidity.
Temperature : 80 to 95°F during the day, 60 to 70°F at night.
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