Orchid Encyclopedia
Encyclopedia of popular orchid species with care guides, traits, and flowering tips.
Showing 81 of 140 species(73–81)
© Elena Gaillard from New York, USA / CC BY 2.0Stuart's Phalaenopsis
Phalaenopsis stuartiana
A moth orchid species endemic to Mindanao in the Philippines. It has mottled leaves and in winter and spring arches a branching stem up to 90 cm long bearing as many as 100 faintly fragrant flowers 5-9 cm across.
© Orchi / CC BY-SA 3.0Sukhakul's Paphiopedilum
Paphiopedilum sukhakulii
A slipper orchid found only in a small mountain area of north-eastern Thailand. Its green petals, dotted with dark spots, spread out horizontally, making a single flower up to 14 cm across. The leaves are mottled in light and dark green.
Takane Calanthe (natural hybrid)
Calanthe discolor × Calanthe striata
A group of Calanthe thought to arise from natural crossing between C. discolor and C. striata. Plants are intermediate and very variable, many resembling C. discolor with a yellow lip; flower colour differs by plant.
© 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.
© Elena Gaillard from New York, USA / CC BY 2.0Unscented Dendrobium
Dendrobium anosmum
A Dendrobium whose canes hang to over a metre and, once leafless, bloom at every node with large purple flowers. Despite a name meaning unscented, it has a strong raspberry-like 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.
© Dinkum / CC BY-SA 3.0Yellow Calanthe
Calanthe striata
A showy Calanthe bearing many large, bright yellow flowers from late winter to spring. Both flowers and plant are larger than C. discolor, the blooms have a citrus-like scent, and it is a key parent of Calanthe hybrids.
© 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.