Orchid Encyclopedia
Encyclopedia of popular orchid species with care guides, traits, and flowering tips.
Showing 44 of 80 species(25–44)
© Arne and Bent Larsen, Haarby, Denmark / CC BY-SA 2.5 dkMacodes Petola
Macodes petola
A jewel orchid with lightning-like golden lines on leaves, the most popular foliage orchid.
Maxillaria
is derived
An epiphytic orchid with many species having coconut scent, producing numerous flowers.
© KENPEI / CC BY-SA 3.0Miltonia Spectabilis
Miltonia spectabilis
A Brazilian Miltonia species with large flowers and distinctive lip patterns, relatively heat tolerant.
© Eric in SF / CC BY-SA 3.0Miltoniopsis
Called Pansy Orchid for its large pansy-like flowers. Prefers cool growing conditions.
© KENPEI / CC BY-SA 3.0Neofinetia Falcata
Vanda falcata
A small Japanese native orchid cultivated since the Edo period, with white flowers and sweet night fragrance.
© Orchi / CC BY-SA 3.0Paphiopedilum
A terrestrial orchid with distinctive pouch-shaped lip, valued for muted colors and long-lasting blooms.
© Orchi / CC BY-SA 3.0Paphiopedilum Delenatii
Paphiopedilum delenatii
A Vietnamese Paphiopedilum with cute pink flowers and beautiful mottled leaves.
© Raabbustamante / CC BY-SA 3.0Phaius Tankervilleae
A large terrestrial orchid with brown-white flowers in spikes, also called Nun's Orchid.
© sunoochi from Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan / CC BY 2.0Phalaenopsis Bellina
Phalaenopsis bellina
A species Phalaenopsis with refreshing lemon fragrance and beautiful green-purple gradient.
Phalaenopsis Schilleriana
Phalaenopsis schilleriana
A species Phalaenopsis with silver-mottled leaves and pink flowers in cascading sprays.
© Eric Hunt / CC BY-SA 4.0Phragmipedium
A South American slipper orchid similar to Paphiopedilum but preferring constantly wet conditions.
© Ghislain118 http://www.fleurs-des-montagnes.net / CC BY-SA 3.0Pleione
A small deciduous orchid from the Himalayas, blooming with a single large flower in spring, cold hardy.
© yakovlev.alexey from Moscow, Russia / CC BY-SA 2.0Pleurothallis
A huge genus with 1000+ species, many with tiny flowers best observed with a magnifying glass.
© Paul Prior / CC BY 4.0Psychopsis
Known for butterfly-like flowers that bloom sequentially on one spike for extended enjoyment.
© Akasmita / CC BY-SA 4.0Rhynchostylis
Known as Foxtail Orchid, with dense flower spikes and sweet fragrance.
© Orchi / CC BY-SA 3.0Stanhopea
A unique orchid with downward-hanging flowers, requiring basket culture with intense fragrance.
© Dalton Holland Baptista / CC BY-SA 3.0Thunia
A deciduous orchid with bamboo-like stems and large Cattleya-like white flowers in summer.
© Francisco Manuel Blanco (O.S.A.) / Public domainTrichoglottis
A Southeast Asian epiphytic orchid with numerous small flowers along the stem, some with chocolate fragrance.
© Malcolm Manners from Lakeland FL, USA / CC BY 2.0Vanilla
Vanilla planifolia
The vanilla-producing vine orchid, the only commercially important orchid, also enjoyed for its flowers.
© Accrochoc / CC BY-SA 3.0Zygopetalum
A fragrant orchid with beautiful purple-green contrast and sweet hyacinth-like scent.
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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.