Orchid Encyclopedia
Encyclopedia of popular orchid species with care guides, traits, and flowering tips.
Showing 22 of 80 species
© Orchi / CC BY-SA 3.0Bifrenaria
A hardy Brazilian orchid with large waxy fragrant flowers, easy for beginners.
© Jean-Jacques MILAN / CC BY-SA 3.0Bletilla
Bletilla striata
The easiest orchid to grow, a terrestrial species common in Japanese gardens with purple-pink spring flowers.
© Gaussian_venation / CC BY-SA 4.0Brassavola
An epiphytic orchid with intensely fragrant white flowers at night, known as Lady of the Night.
Cattleya Bowringiana
Cattleya bowringiana
A Cattleya species with clusters of purple-pink autumn flowers, prolific, gorgeous and easy to grow.
© Eric in SF / CC BY-SA 3.0Coelogyne
A hardy epiphytic orchid with white fragrant flowers and beautiful pendant flower spikes.
© Alpsdake / CC BY-SA 4.0Cymbidium Goeringii
Cymbidium goeringii
A wild Cymbidium species native to Japan, blooming with a single flower in early spring.
© Orchi / CC BY-SA 3.0Dendrobium Kingianum
Dendrobium kingianum
A hardy small Dendrobium from Australia with pink fragrant flower spikes.
© self / CC BY-SA 3.0Dendrobium Moniliforme
Dendrobium moniliforme
A small Japanese epiphytic orchid with many cultivated varieties, a classical horticultural plant.
Dendrobium Nobile Hybrid
The most common Dendrobium hybrid in Japan, blooming profusely along nodes, popular as gifts.
© No machine-readable author provided. Javier martin assumed (based on copyright claims). / CC BY-SA 3.0Encyclia
An epiphytic orchid with octopus-like petals, hardy and easy to grow with many fragrant species.
© João Medeiros / CC BY 2.0Epidendrum
A hardy orchid with ball-shaped clusters of small flowers in red, orange, yellow and more.
© The original uploader was JoJan at English Wikipedia . / Public domainLaelia
An orchid closely related to Cattleya, smaller with vivid flowers, many species are easy to grow.
© Nitesh8de at English Wikipedia / Public domainLudisia
A jewel orchid valued for its velvety dark red leaves with gold veins rather than flowers.
Mini Phalaenopsis
A compact Phalaenopsis perfect for tabletop display, popular as gifts.
© W. J. H. (= William Jackson Hooker) (1785-1865) del., Swan sc. / Public domainOncidium
A popular orchid with many small yellow butterfly-like flowers, widely used as cut flowers.
© Arne and Bent Larsen, Haarby, Denmark / CC BY-SA 2.5 dkOncidium Sharry Baby
A popular hybrid with chocolate fragrance, producing many reddish-brown flowers with sweet indoor scent.
© KENPEI / CC BY-SA 3.0Oncidium Twinkle
Oncidium cheirophorum
A compact Oncidium hybrid with vanilla scent and many cute small flowers, easy for beginners.
© Arne and Bent Larsen, Haarby, Denmark / CC BY-SA 2.5 dkPaphiopedilum Insigne
Paphiopedilum insigne
One of the easiest Paphiopedilums with green-brown winter flowers, relatively cold tolerant.
Paphiopedilum Maudiae
Paphiopedilum ʽMaudiae’
A popular Paphiopedilum hybrid with green-white stripes, easy and perfect for starting a collection.
© AtonX / CC BY-SA 3.0Phalaenopsis Equestris
Phalaenopsis equestris
A small Philippine species Phalaenopsis that branches and blooms with small flowers for a long period.
© D. Joshua Zampini / CC BY 3.0Prosthechea Cochleata
Prosthechea cochleata
A unique orchid with upside-down octopus-like flowers, Belize's national flower, blooming nearly year-round.
© pinay06 / CC BY 2.5Spathoglottis
Spathoglottis plicata
A hardy terrestrial orchid from Southeast Asia with purple-pink flowers lasting a long time outdoors.
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Orchid FAQ
- How much do orchids cost?
- Mini Phalaenopsis cost 1,000-5,000 yen, large Phalaenopsis 5,000-30,000 yen, Cattleya 3,000-20,000 yen, and rare species orchids tens of thousands of yen depending on type and size.
- Can beginners grow orchids?
- Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium are easy to manage indoors and recommended for beginners. Place in bright indirect light and water when the moss dries out for long-lasting blooms.
- How long do orchids live?
- With proper care, orchids can be grown for decades. Phalaenopsis bloom annually and can be propagated by division. Many enthusiasts have plants over 10 years old.
- What should I check when buying orchids?
- Check that roots are green and healthy, leaves are firm, and there are no disease spots. Choosing a blooming plant helps you see what to expect and is easier for beginners.
- How do I get orchids to rebloom?
- Cut the flower spike above a node after blooming and keep in bright shade. A day-night temperature difference in autumn encourages flower spike formation. Consistent fertilizing and watering are key.