12 types of orchids

In otherarticles related to orchids we have discussed how to care for these elegant plants with spectacular flowers. Now we want you to know the types of orchids that you can find so that you can choose the one that best suits your tastes. To do this, we will make a small initial classification, and then continue with some of the most used varieties in gardening. They are all beautiful and unique, but what kind of orchid do you like the most?

Basic orchid types

Orchids are divided into three main types based on their growth habits:

Epiphytic orchids

Epiphytic orchids need another plant to support their rooting and growth. However, this does not mean that they feed on the plant in which they grow, since they obtain their own nutrients from the humus deposited in the bark and from the humidity of the environment. In general, they grow near the treetops or on the trunk of plants such as palm trees, which are widely used for their growth, which keep them in an ideal semi-shadow state.

Terrestrial orchids

Like the vast majority of plants, terrestrial orchids form their roots inside the earth, allowing them to protrude to better absorb nutrients and humidity.

Semi-terrestrial or lithophytic orchids

These types of orchids are those that are rooted in stones that are covered with moss, or they can also be found rooted on leaves in the ground that are in decomposition. Although their group is much smaller than the previous two, they are one of the most used as indoor plants.

Calanthe Orchid

Known as Calanthe , this orchid comes from both tropical and eastern climates. It differs from other tropical species by belonging to the group of terrestrial orchids . This species has a spectacular flowering and its flowers have a wide range of colors.

Cattleya Orchid

This orchid gets its name from the first European able to reproduce and cultivate it successfully. The Cattleya orchid is native to the Caribbean and Central America, it is characterized by having large flowers and intense colors. So much so, that some flowers can reach more than 30 centimeters in diameter.

Cymbidium orchid

This variety of orchids is well known and, in fact, is highly appreciated in florists and by interior and exterior design companies for its flowers, since they are very curious because they have a wax appearance and are also very durable. The Cymbidium orchid species comes from tropical Asia and Australia.

Masdevallia Orchid

Also commonly known as a comet orchid , it has striking flowers with elongated leaves that end in a kind of thread that almost reaches the ground. This variety called Masdevallia orchid comes mostly from South America, although we can also find it in the Caribbean islands and in Mexico.

Aerangis Orchid

This species has its origin in tropical Africa and the island of Madagascar. The Aerangis orchid is commonly called a hummingbird orchid because it belongs to the epiphytic orchid type , that is, located in trees. Thanks to its forks, it grows in the treetops and produces a great flowering. Although its flowers are small and usually white, they have great ornamental value. In addition, it gives off a pleasant aroma.

Dendrobium Orchid

It is one of the varieties with a huge number of specimens and prefers temperate and cool environments. One of the most striking characteristics of the variety known as the Dendrobium orchid is that they all have something similar to a spur.

Phalaenopsis Orchid

The Phalaenopsis orchid is one of the best known and commercialized types of orchids. Known as butterfly orchids for the shape of their flowers, they are one of the easiest to grow and care for for beginners. In addition, they are very easy to reproduce by cuttings and it has more than 50 different varieties.

Coelogyne Orchid

The Coelogyne orchid species has varieties of the two main types and is native to Southeast Asia, although we can also find it in areas such as New Guinea and the Pacific Islands. Some orchids of this variety have hanging panicles, like the ones in the image below. Its flowers are usually white with a yellow center.

Vanda Orchid

Its flowers are bright and have a varied color that ranges from bluish to warmer tones such as orange. It also has an abundant flowering and its flowers are large. The Vanda orchids are characterized by monopodial growth, ie suspended in the branches of trees. They can also be had as a houseplant, since they require very basic care.

Oncidium Orchid

Also known as the golden shower orchid due to the intense yellow color of its flowers, it is native to South America, but it can also be found in Mexico. Some varieties of this species have dots or stripes of warm colors such as red or brown. They branch into large-flowering panicles.

Lycaste Orchid

Another type of orchid that is exotic in appearance is the Lycaste orchid. One of the peculiarities of the Lycaste orchid is that it reproduces using pseudobulbs. Folded leaves sprout from these and have striking flowers due to their color and size. This is a species native to South America and is a rare species to see in florists, so it is not easy to get.

Cambria Orchid

This species has been created through hybridizations and crosses with other species of orchids. Like the Lycaste orchid, it reproduces through pseudobulbs, from which its leaves and flowers are born. The Cambria orchid is one of the types of orchids that belongs to the group of epiphytes and does not require overly complex care.

Here below you can watch a video about several of these types of orchids to see more images of these and get to know them a little better. Also, below you will learn about their care.