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Orchid Encyclopedia

Encyclopedia of popular orchid species with care guides, traits, and flowering tips.

Showing 19 of 80 species

Aerides© The original uploader was JoJan at English Wikipedia . ( Original text: Larsen Twins Orchids ) / Public domain

Aerides

Intermediate

A fragrant epiphytic orchid with foxtail-like spikes from Southeast Asia, related to Vanda.

OrchidAeridesFragrant

Bifrenaria

Beginner

A hardy Brazilian orchid with large waxy fragrant flowers, easy for beginners.

OrchidBifrenariaHardy

Brassavola

Beginner

An epiphytic orchid with intensely fragrant white flowers at night, known as Lady of the Night.

OrchidBrassavolaFragrant

Cattleya

Intermediate

Known as the Queen of Orchids, prized for large fragrant blooms and stunning colors.

OrchidCattleyaQueen of Orchids

Cattleya Walkeriana

Cattleya walkeriana

Intermediate

A compact, fragrant Cattleya species from Brazil with sweet scent and charming blooms.

OrchidCattleyaSpecies

Coelogyne

Beginner

A hardy epiphytic orchid with white fragrant flowers and beautiful pendant flower spikes.

OrchidCoelogyneWhite

Cycnoches

Intermediate

Called Swan Orchid for its swan-neck column, a fragrant orchid with deciduous habit.

OrchidCycnochesSwan

Cymbidium Kanran

Cymbidium kanran

Intermediate

An oriental orchid blooming in late autumn to winter, treasured for elegant flowers and fragrance.

OrchidCymbidiumOriental

Dendrobium Chrysotoxum

Dendrobium chrysotoxum

Intermediate

A Dendrobium with vivid golden flower clusters and sweet honey-like fragrance.

OrchidDendrobiumGolden

Dendrobium Kingianum

Dendrobium kingianum

Beginner

A hardy small Dendrobium from Australia with pink fragrant flower spikes.

OrchidDendrobiumHardy

Encyclia

Beginner

An epiphytic orchid with octopus-like petals, hardy and easy to grow with many fragrant species.

OrchidEncycliaHardy
Gongora© M.S. del., J.N.Fitch lith. / Public domain

Gongora

Intermediate

An orchid with complex flowers in pendant spikes, many species with spicy fragrance.

OrchidGongoraPendant
Maxillaria

Maxillaria

is derived

Intermediate

An epiphytic orchid with many species having coconut scent, producing numerous flowers.

OrchidMaxillariaFragrant

Oncidium Twinkle

Oncidium cheirophorum

Beginner

A compact Oncidium hybrid with vanilla scent and many cute small flowers, easy for beginners.

OrchidOncidiumFragrant

Phalaenopsis Bellina

Phalaenopsis bellina

Intermediate

A species Phalaenopsis with refreshing lemon fragrance and beautiful green-purple gradient.

OrchidPhalaenopsisSpecies

Rhynchostylis

Intermediate

Known as Foxtail Orchid, with dense flower spikes and sweet fragrance.

OrchidRhynchostylisFoxtail

Stanhopea

Intermediate

A unique orchid with downward-hanging flowers, requiring basket culture with intense fragrance.

OrchidStanhopeaPendant
Trichoglottis© Francisco Manuel Blanco (O.S.A.) / Public domain

Trichoglottis

Intermediate

A Southeast Asian epiphytic orchid with numerous small flowers along the stem, some with chocolate fragrance.

OrchidTrichoglottisSoutheast Asia

Zygopetalum

Intermediate

A fragrant orchid with beautiful purple-green contrast and sweet hyacinth-like scent.

OrchidZygopetalumFragrant

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.