Orchid Encyclopedia
Encyclopedia of popular orchid species with care guides, traits, and flowering tips.
Showing 44 of 80 species(1–24)
© The original uploader was JoJan at English Wikipedia . ( Original text: Larsen Twins Orchids ) / Public domainAerides
A fragrant epiphytic orchid with foxtail-like spikes from Southeast Asia, related to Vanda.
Ascocenda
A Vanda x Ascocentrum hybrid, smaller than Vanda with colorful flowers and easier cultivation.
Brassia
Called Spider Orchid for its long spider-like petals, popular for its unique shape.
Bulbophyllum
The largest orchid genus with 2000+ species, popular among enthusiasts for bizarre flower shapes.
© BotBln / CC BY-SA 3.0Calanthe
Calanthe discolor
A terrestrial orchid native to Japanese mountains, with elegant spring flower spikes.
© Larsen Twins Orchids / AttributionCatasetum
A unique orchid with separate male/female flowers that shoots pollinia, with deciduous dormancy.
© Orchi / CC BY-SA 3.0Cattleya
Known as the Queen of Orchids, prized for large fragrant blooms and stunning colors.
© sunoochi / CC BY 2.0Cattleya Intermedia
Cattleya intermedia
A Brazilian Cattleya species with many color forms including coerulea and aquinii.
Cattleya Labiata
Cattleya labiata
The first Cattleya species discovered, with a large lip and vibrant autumn blooms.
© Orchi / CC BY-SA 3.0Cattleya Maxima
Cattleya maxima
A large Cattleya from Ecuador-Peru with lavender blooms and beautifully frilled lips.
© KENPEI / CC BY-SA 3.0Cattleya Mossiae
Cattleya mossiae
Venezuela's national flower, spring-blooming with large frilled lips, known as Mother's Day orchid.
© Arne Larsen (?) / CC BY-SA 3.0Cattleya Trianae
Cattleya trianae
Colombia's national flower, winter-blooming with large flowers and beautiful lip coloration.
© sunoochi from Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan / CC BY 2.0Cattleya Walkeriana
Cattleya walkeriana
A compact, fragrant Cattleya species from Brazil with sweet scent and charming blooms.
© Orchi / CC BY-SA 3.0Cycnoches
Called Swan Orchid for its swan-neck column, a fragrant orchid with deciduous habit.
© Yercaud-elango / CC BY-SA 4.0Cymbidium
Cymbidium spp.
One of Japan's most popular orchids. Grand flower sprays lasting weeks. Notably cold-hardy. Grow outdoors in direct sun spring-fall; summer heat initiates flower buds.
© No machine-readable author provided. Keisotyo assumed (based on copyright claims). / CC BY-SA 3.0Cymbidium Kanran
Cymbidium kanran
An oriental orchid blooming in late autumn to winter, treasured for elegant flowers and fragrance.
© The original uploader was JoJan at English Wikipedia . / AttributionDendrobium
Dendrobium spp.
One of the largest orchid genera with ~1,500 species. Nobile type is most popular in Japan. Spectacular blooms along the entire cane. Winter cold treatment is key to flowering.
Dendrobium Aggregatum
Dendrobium aggregatum
A small Dendrobium with vivid yellow flower clusters, spectacular when blooming all at once in spring.
© KENPEI / CC BY-SA 3.0Dendrobium Chrysotoxum
Dendrobium chrysotoxum
A Dendrobium with vivid golden flower clusters and sweet honey-like fragrance.
Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Type
A Dendrobium with Phalaenopsis-like flowers, popular as cut flowers, preferring warm conditions.
© Doug Beckers from Killcare Heights, Australia / CC BY-SA 2.0Dendrobium Speciosum
Dendrobium speciosum
Australia's largest Dendrobium, spectacular with many long flower spikes from massive plants.
© M.S. del., J.N.Fitch lith. / Public domainGongora
An orchid with complex flowers in pendant spikes, many species with spicy fragrance.
© Alpsdake / CC BY-SA 3.0Habenaria Radiata
Pecteilis radiata
A Japanese terrestrial orchid with flowers resembling white egrets in flight, a summer icon.
© Orchi / CC BY-SA 3.0Lycaste
A deciduous orchid with large triangular waxy flowers in vivid colors.
Related Content
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.