12 most beautiful popular orchids 2024

Orchids belong to one of the two largest plant families (Orchidaceae) that includes about 900 genera and 25,000 species. They can be found on every continent except Antartica. They are, however, predominantly found in the tropics.

Orchids are incredibly beautiful. Aside from their beauty, some orchids exude a wonderful fragrance. Their scent can leave an impression greater than the orchid itself.

Unlike other houseplants, orchids do not grow in soil. Potting an orchid in soil is the best way to kill it. Most orchids in the wild are epiphytic – they grow on trees, attaching themselves by thick roots to the sides of the trees or on their branches. They absorb water and nutrients from the air and rain and whatever drips down the tree. They have to survive for weeks, if not months, without rainfall, hoarding water in thick leaves, stems and roots.

Here are 12 of the most popular orchids commonly available today. Fairly easy to grow, they are good choices for novice and experienced growers.

12 Most Popular Orchids

Cattleya (Corsage Orchids)

Cattleya Orchids are among the most popular and easy-to-grow orchids. Epiphytes (growing on trees) or lithophytes (growing on rocks), they grow from pseudobulbs which are food and water-storage organs. Native to Central and South America, they include about 50 species and numerous hybrids in a variety of colors. They are divided into two groups, the unifoliates, which have one leaf and large flowers, and the bifoliates, which have two leaves per stem and smaller flowers. Both types are very fragrant with showy flowers appearing on naked stems and lasting 4-8 weeks.

Cymbidium (Boat Orchids)

Among the oldest horticultural orchids in the world, Cymbidiums have been grown and revered in China for thousands of years. Prized for their incredibly decorative flower spikes, used especially as cut flowers or for corsages in the spring, they are among the most popular orchids in cultivation today.

Cypripedium (Lady Slipper Orchids)

Lady’s slipper orchids are among the most desired of all hardy orchids. Often colorful and striking, these rhizomatous perennials have a distinctive inflated pouch or modified lip (labellum) that resembles a slipper or shoe. The slipper can be as large as a chicken egg or quite small depending on the species. Cypripedium is a genus of terrestrial orchids in the Orchidaceae family. It includes about 50 species, most of them quite hardy, which can be found in America, Europe, and Asia.

Dendrobium (Orchids)

Dendrobium is a diverse genus of more than 1000 orchid species distributed throughout tropical and subtropical Asia, the islands of the South Pacific, and Australia. These orchids are usually epiphytic (growing on trees), lithophytic (growing on rocks) and rarely terrestrial. Since the Dendrobium genus is so large and complex, the cultural requirements of these spectacular orchids will depend on their native habitat and the section of the genus to which they belong. Dendrobium orchids are not difficult to grow in the home.

Masdevallia (Flag Orchids)

Native to Mexico, Central and South America, Masdevallia (Flag Orchids) is a genus of 500 species of epiphytic, lithophytic or terrestrial orchids found growing in cloud forest at high elevations. These miniature to medium-sized orchids are attractive because of their compact growth habit and profuse blooms. Masdevallias are best known for their striking flowers consisting of sepals fused into a tubelike structure. Their origins in cool, damp environments make them an excellent choice for cool or coastal climates.

Miltoniopsis (Pansy Orchids)

Native to Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, Miltoniopsis (Pansy Orchids) is a genus of 5 species and over 2000 hybrids of epiphytic or lithophytic orchids found growing in rain forests and cloud forests at elevations between 1,650-6,500 ft. (500-2,000 m). Resembling garden pansies, smelling like roses and reblooming quickly, these beautiful orchids are enjoying increasing popularity. These orchids are not hard to grow, but when new growth begins, they need adequate care and you must make sure to give them enough water.

Oncidium (Dancing Lady Orchids)

Oncidium is an incredibly large and diverse genus of about 300 orchid species distributed throughout tropical and subtropical America. These orchids have been nicknamed the Dancing Lady Orchids because their flowers resemble a small dancer with a colorful skirt. Relatively trouble-free, these orchids are attractive plants for the home or greenhouse. They are sometimes described as difficult to grow. However, with proper care, it is possible to grow them relatively easily.

Paphiopedilum (Slipper Orchids)

Originating in the jungles of the Far East including Indonesia, Paphiopedilum (Slipper Orchids) are semi-terrestrial orchids, growing in humus and other material on the forest floor, on cliffs in pockets of humus and occasionally in trees. Paphiopedilums are called Slipper Orchids because of their unique floral pouch. Resilient and easy to grow in the home, they are probably the easiest orchids to rebloom, or at least to keep alive.

Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchids)

Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchids) is a genus of 60 species and several natural hybrids growing in tropical Asia to the Pacific Islands and Australia. These orchids are usually epiphytic (growing on trees), but occasionally lithophytic (growing on rocks) or terrestrial. They are among the most popular cultivated orchids and thousands of hybrids have been made throughout the years. The showy flattened flowers are generally long-lasting (4 months or more) and they come in a myriad of colors with spots and stripe combinations. Healthy plants can flower often, sometimes with a few flowers throughout the year, though the main season is late winter into spring. Moth Orchids are the easiest orchids to grow in the home.

Phragmipedium (Slipper Orchids)

Mostly native to Mexico, Central America, and South America, Phragmipedium (Slipper Orchids) is a genus of about 25 species of terrestrial or epiphytic orchids found growing along stream banks of shady mountain slopes at elevations between 7,200-13,000 ft. (2200-3900 m). Phragmipedium are called Slipper Orchids because of their little floral pouch flanked by long twisted petals that hang like ribbons. They are vigorous, trouble-free, and flower dependably in the right conditions.

Vanda Orchids

Coveted around the world, Vanda is a genus of 50 orchid species found throughout tropical Asia, into the Philippines, and down to Australia. Prized for their huge and long-lasting flowers, these warm-growing tropical orchids are grown in the millions throughout Asia and in America. Vanda orchids are not a good choice for beginners as many species require bright light, warm temperatures, high humidity, ample water and strong air movement.  Some of these requirements can be difficult to follow at home.

Zygopetalum Orchids

Becoming very popular in cultivation, Zygopetalum is a genus of about 16 species of terrestrial or epiphytic orchids found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Peru. Easy to grow in the home, as long as you follow an appropriate care routine, these cool to moderate growing orchids make ravishing houseplants. Long-lasting, slender-petalled, wax-like flowers are borne on tall spikes that originate at the base of the new pseudobulbs. They are usually extremely fragrant and bloom in shades of green, purple, burgundy, and raspberry with several patterns.

Compost

Home orchids are grown in pots filled with chips of bark, stones, treefern or some other loosely packed material, which keeps their roots well-aerated and allows water to drain quickly.

Water

Water your orchid thoroughly, usually about once a week, then allow it to dry slightly before watering again. Never let your orchid sit in a water-logged pot.

Temperature

Orchids are usually classified as warm growing, intermediate and cool growing, with regard to their temperature needs. The limits are defined by the minimum night temperatures. Warm-growing orchids, such as Phalaenopsis, require a night minimum of 65-70°F (18-21°C). Intermediate growers, such as Cattleyas, prefer winter nights around 55-65°F (13-18°C). Cool-growing orchids, such as Cymbidiums, are used to winter nights of 50-55°F (10-13°C).
Whatever the temperature range, it is important that there should be a day-lift in temperature of 10°F (5°C). Reducing the home temperature so it will drop at least 10°F (5°C) at night, especially in autumn and winter when many orchids initiate buds, will induce the orchids to set flower buds more readily.

Light

Most orchids require plenty of light, preferably at least six hours a day. Southern- and eastern-facing windows work best for orchids.
The leaf color indicates if the amount of light is adequate. If a plant is grown in too much shade, the leaves become dark green and luxuriant but the plant may be leggy and not bloom. In too bright light, the leaves may scorch, be small and yellow-green. A grassy green color means the plant is receiving sufficient light to bloom.

Fertilizing

To keep your orchid healthy and blooming, apply a weak solution of 20-10-20 fertilizer once a week. Each month, water with plain water to flush out any accumulated fertilizer salts. Dilute the fertilizer to one-quarter the strength recommended on the package. Switch to a blossom-booster fertilizer in the fall, when many orchids are initiating flower buds.

Humidity

Maintain adequate humidity (50%) for most of the year. In the home, placing the plants in a tray of damp pebbles is ideal.

Whether you grow your orchid on your windowsill, or under lights in your basement, here are great types of orchids you might want to try as houseplants. Because these orchids are fairly easy to grow, they are good choices for novice and experienced growers alike.