Orchids are one of the most charismatic flowering plants and one of the largest families of flowering plants, with more than 26,000 species, and the individual species and hybrids of orchids that exist today have so many variabilities in size, shape, color, morphology, and growth requirements that botanists struggle to classify them.
Orchids have been around for millions of years back in the age of dinosaurs. Today, their growth can be found on all continents except Antarctica. Many orchid species live in the tropics, while others grow on shady forest floors and still others inhabit cool meadows. There are epiphytic, stony or terrestrial ones. Some orchids have aromas of honey, vanilla, or cinnamon, while others smell like rotten meat. Some orchids are suitable as indoor potted plants, while others prefer to grow outdoors. The juice and extract of the flowers, leaves and roots of orchids are used in medicine or cosmetics. Dyes, pastes, plasters, detergents, condiments, perfumes, etc. are all made from parts of the orchid plant.
Since the arrival of the first "exotic" orchid (Bletia purpurea) from the Bahamas in Western Europe in 1731, other orchids, mostly from the West Indies, have been introduced into British greenhouses. A few years later, Europeans began the cultivation of orchids. Chinese began cultivating orchids during the Han Dynasty (as early as 206 BC). It was not until the late Tang Dynasty that orchids were welcomed by ordinary people. Most of the previous cultivation was in the private collections of the Chinese aristocracy.
In 1853, the first orchid hybrid was born. In the early days, orchids were just an item of the rich. However, improvements in plant propagation and mass production have made orchids widely available and affordable. Some rare species and hybrids are still expensive and difficult to find. With 47 major tropical orchid species gathered below, start this visual feast.
1. Cymbidium iridioides (Tiger-Stripe Orchid)
This species is an epiphytic orchid with grassy leaves and a yellow base that produces 4 to 7 long-lasting flowers. The flowers are yellow in color, with distinctive brown stripes on the unfolded petals. The edges are frilled with large, irregular red spots. The flowers are a little fragrant, 3-4 inches large, open from September to November.
2, Grammatophyllum speciosum (Showy Tiger Orchid)
This species is an epiphytic orchid, considered the largest (though not the tallest) orchid in the world, with flowers up to 5 inches in size and blooming from July to October. Their lanceolate leaves grow on sugarcane-like pseudobulbs that look like palms. The flower has large yellow sepals and petals covered with chestnut-brown spots and spots, and the markings on the sepals and petals form its genus name, gramma meaning "letter" and phyllon meaning "leaf", which means "showy" in Latin. The peristome is pale yellow with some reddish tinges.
3, Dendrobium nobile (noble rock orchid)
This species is an epiphyte with a long history of cultivation and medicinal use in Asia. It is often utilized in traditional herbal medicine. The flowers are fragrant, usually white, with a purple tip. The flower lip usually has a dark yellow eye socket. This orchid is one of the most beautiful orchids, deciduous before flowering, 2.5-3 inches in flowers, blooming from late winter to early spring, and blooming twice a year.
4 Laelia gouldiana (Halloween Orchid)
This orchid is an epiphyte that usually lives on oak trees in the mountains. Elongated or flattened pseudobulbs are clustered with 2 or 3 lanceolate leaves at the apex. Halloween orchids have a creeping horizontal stem (also known as a rhizome). This orchid blooms in October-December, producing up to 10 large, fragrant flowers with a diameter of 3 inches ranging from bright purple to rose purple, with a darker middle lobe on the trilobed lip with yellow calluses and red spots or streaks. This flower is often referred to as flor de muerto ("flower of death") in native Mexico because it blooms around Halloween and is used to decorate tombs on the Day of the Dead.
5, Rossioglossum grande (Tiger's Mouth Orchid)
This species is an epiphyte. It is named for its color and a pair of protruding teeth in the center of the lip. Most of these plants grow in seasonally dry deciduous forests at higher altitudes. The flowers are large, blooming in November-January, 7-9 inches in diameter, bright colors, and smooth surfaces, which makes their appearance very impressive. Bright yellow sepals and petals are covered with reddish-brown spots that become more solid at the bottom. These orchids mimic other common flowers that provide pollination services for certain species of bees. These orchids did not have enough nectar as a reward for bees, but successfully imitated other common flowers to attract bees.
6, Lycaste virginalis (Nun Orchid)
This orchid has particularly large, showy triangular flowers and a confusing scent, so it is loved and cherished by many. This flower has been exported in large quantities since its discovery, so it is very rare in the wild. This plant varies in color, size, and morphology, but the most coveted plant is pure white, considered Guatemala's national flower. Some other colors range from lilac to apricot. The lip crusts are yellow and tongue-shaped. Adaptable, resilient, and prefers cooler temperatures, similar to its native habitat at higher altitudes.
7 Zygopetalum maculatum (Spotted Cat of the Mountain Orchid)
These orchids usually grow in the shade, and each false bulb can have a tall and spectacular inflorescence, up to 25 flowers with a diameter of 1 3/4 inches. The sepals and petals are green, similar in size and shape, covered with red spots and stripes. The lips have a large lobe with white and purple textures. It has a pleasant scent-producing compound that is often associated with male euglossus bees that pick fragrances. Flowering occurs in October-November or throughout the year. A popular variety of this species is "Maui Jazz".
8, Earina autumnalis (Easter Orchid)
Pure white, rich and sweet flowers, yellow or orange spots on the lips and blooming around Easter. These plants are usually found in lowland and montane forests in the form of epiphytes, which grow on branches or trunks or on rocky shores. Barbel rhizome. Individual flowers are small, 0.5 inches in diameter, but they form a panicle with 3 to 40 flowers, and the rich floral fragrance tends to reveal its presence.
9 Aplectrum hyemale (Putty Root Orchid)
This orchid blooms in late spring, withers its leaves when flowering, and by autumn grows a beautiful silvery striped, purple-backed, ovate leaf, and photosynthesizes in winter using the light coming through the deciduous canopy. The flowers don't seem to be fully open. The sepals and petals are olive in color and dark purple at the apex. The lip of the flower is white with the tip of a plum and a wrinkled edge. The plant got its name from its underground bulbs, which when crushed produce mucus, which was used by early Native Americans and European settlers as a binder for repairing pottery and pottery. Native Americans used plasters to treat boils and bronchial diseases. This orchid is terrestrial and commonly found in deciduous temperate woodlands.
Galearis spectabilis (Showy Orchid)
In spring, a pair of broad leaves grow from a cluster of fat roots and a short rhizome, forming a completely white or completely pink flower. Some plants may have yellowish lips with pink petals and sepals. The inflorescence will have from 3 to 10 or more flowers. To take advantage of sunlight, the leaves appear before the canopy falls. Extra shoots may grow into dense clumps. Terrestrial, found in moist calcareous (alkaline) woodlands, shrublands and old fields.
Otoglossum brevifolium (Ruffled Dancing Lady Orchid)
Smooth, pear-shaped, flattened pseudobulbs, each with a firm leathery leaf, form a gorgeous inflorescence of 12 to 18 flowers with a diameter of 1.25 inches that open from February to March. The sepals of the flowers have yellow edges and are wavy, unfolded and chestnut-brown. The petals have a thin, yellowish edge, and the bottom of the yellow lips has reddish-brown spots. Between each false bulb is an elongated rhizome that allows the plant to grow along the surface of the soil. The species is often found in rainforests and cloud forests, and on land it inhabits the banks of steep clay rivers in deciduous layers.
12 Octopus orchid Prosthechea cochleata (Cockleshell Orchid)
Belize's national flower, which grows in tropical evergreen and deciduous oak forests, is an epiphyte. There are flowering periods of up to six months, with up to 20 upside-down unscented flowers with a diameter of 3 inches. These flowers bloom sequentially, so as one flower withers, the other also opens. Because of this feature, some people report flowering periods of up to 18 months. This plant is commonly cultivated for its unusual and long-lasting flowers. In nature, these flowers are pollinated by wasps. The mucus extracted from the pseudobulb can be used as glue for repairing wooden objects. The sepals and petals of individual flowers are greenish-yellow, twisted, pointing downward. The popular variety is "Hihimanu".
13 Cypripedium acaule (Pink Lady's Slipper Orchid)
This large, colorful wildflower has two opposing basal leaves with parallel veins, an erect stem at the end of a flower, 3 inches in diameter, magenta to white-pink, white-pink flowers with dark pink veins, or (rarely) all white, open in March-April. The plant's colloquial name is "moccasin flower", and the root has traditionally been used as a remedy for tension, tooth pain, and muscle spasms. It is often found in pine and hemlock mixed broadleaf coniferous forests on rocky/mossy slopes or deep humus semi-open areas.
14 Calopogon tuberosus (Grass Pink Orchid)
These orchids are elongated plants with narrow, folded leaves and an underground bulb. The genus name means "beautiful beard" and refers to the bright yellow hair on the flower lip. These are thought to mimic pollen and attract pollinators. This species mimics another orchid called the American dragon's beak. These orchids can be found in swamps, meadows, savannas, swamps, and permeable slopes, and are terrestrial in nature. The flowers are bright pinkish-purple, 1 inch in diameter, 4-6 yuan open, and have 10 flowers or more per panicle.
Phalaenopsis spp. (Moth Orchids)
Phalaenopsis and hybrids are some of the most widely growing species. Their aerial roots allow photosynthesis and produce green color through the production of chlorophyll. The colors of the flowers are green, pink, purple/lilac, white, and various patterns of these colors. With 3 to 6 thick and juicy leaves with a diameter of 3-6 inches, some varieties have a sweet scent, and most have a long flowering period, making them an excellent choice for beginners in orchid cultivation.
Vanilla planifolia (Vanilla Orchid)
This species is probably one of the most commercially valuable orchids. In the tropics, vanilla orchids are grown because their "beans" are fermented and dried to produce a vanilla flavor, providing 95% of the world's commercially produced vanilla pods. Vanilla orchids usually inhabit lowland tropical forests, terrestrial. The flowers are usually yellow or green and 2.5 inches in diameter. The single flowering period lasts only one day, but blooms frequently and continuously.
17 Cattleya coccinea (Scarlet Cattleya Orchid)
This small orchid, which flowers 1.5-3 inches, forms a cluster of false bulbs, each with a leathery leaf at the bottom. The midrib of the leaves is red. A persistent red flower forms at the bottom of each leaf, which blooms from November to March. This particular species is widely used in hybridization to create large, bright red varieties. Found in the Atlantic rainforest, it is an epiphyte on moss-covered trees or mossy rocks.
18 Ludisia discolor (Common Jewel Orchid)
This orchid has attractive reddish-brown leaves with pinkish-white veins, hence the name "jewel orchid". The leaves are arranged in a spiral shape by fleshy rhizomes. The inflorescence is described as "hairy", with 10 to 25 flowers, the bracts are pink, the sepals are white, and a hooded sepal is covered with a yellow plain and white curved lip. Terrestrial, naturally grows in shady places near evergreen lowland forests or streams.
19 Oncidium spp. (Dancing Lady Orchid)
This genus, which has about 300 species of orchids, is named for its sepals and petals and is the most commonly cultivated orchid, but many species are very unique, which has led to some classification confusion. Mostly epiphytes, distributed in several different habitats. It usually produces long, branched, flowered, erect, arched inflorescences ranging in color from yellow to brown. Usually, the flowers have dark brown spots.
20 Dendrobium chrysotoxum (Fried-Egg Orchid)
This orchid is a medicinal plant in Southeast Asia that produces 20 or more honey-scented flowers on one spike. These flowers are collected, dried and made into medicinal teas, which are said to provide a peaceful and dreamless sleep. These leaves are used to treat diseases associated with diabetes. Adapted to the monsoon climate of extreme rainfall in spring and summer, unfortunately these flowers only last 7 to 10 days. The flowers are variable in color, but are usually bright yellow-orange or dark orange, with reddish-brown spots in the center of the lip and a diameter of 1.5–2 inches. These plants are epiphytic.
21 Laelia speciosa (Mayflower Orchid)
It is a showy species with short, rounded pseudobulbs with one or two fleshy leaves with a hint of purple. Each inflorescence has 1 to 4 bright pink/purple, large, richly scented flowers. This plant is highly sought after by lovers of orchid cultivation. The plant may not mature in its native habitat in the mountains until it is 16 to 19 years old. Prefer dry, open oak forests at higher altitudes and live in the form of epiphytes on mossy branches. The starch paste of false bulbs can be made into candy by mixing it with sugar, lemon juice, and traditional Day of the Dead egg whites.
22 Miltonia spectabilis (Spectacular Big Lip Orchid)
The species is highly variable in color, and "spectabilis" means "significant" in Latin, is about this trait. These flowers are similar in shape to the genus Vencena and are associated with attracting bees, but do not produce nectar. Ranging in color from pink to lilac, there is a large, wide lip with a purple vein, a yellow callus in front of the column, and flowers 4 inches in diameter that bloom in summer. Epiphytic orchids, which prefer moist forests.
23 Paphiopedilum spp.
These orchids are named "slipper orchids" because of their flower's distinctive slipper-like lips. Paphiopedlum comes from Paphos, Greece, a city with a temple dedicated to Venus, which means sandal. These plants are mostly terrestrial and consist of six or more leaves. Some species of flowers have warts or hairs and can be single or multiple.
24 Cattleya trianae (Christmas Orchid)
Christmas orchids are Colombia's national flower and grow naturally in the humid lowlands and cloud forests of the Colombian Andes. The combination of lavender blue, yellow and red is reminiscent of the Colombian flag. This species lives as an epiphyte with 3 to 14 flowers per inflorescence 8 inches in diameter. The fragrance is extracted and used in the perfume industry. In the 20th century, it was a popular corsage.
25 Dracula simia (Monkey-Face Orchid)
The center of each face-down flower of this orchid appears to be a monkey's face, hence the name. The flowers are long-tailed and continuous, hanging under the leaves. The flowers are hairy, warty, have a rounded lip, and their structure resembles the gills on the underside of a mushroom. The sepals are reddish-brown with a long tail and small, dark petals. This plant is naturally an epiphyte of cloud forests and prefers moist, cool environments.
26 Peristeria elata (Holy Ghost Orchid)
The magnolia-like inflorescences are hard, erect with 10 to 15 waxy flowers and a strong fragrance. The flower's lip is articulated so that when the bee lands on it, it is pushed onto the pillar, picking up pollen as it struggles to gain freedom. This orchid is Panama's national flower and resembles a white dove sitting on a nest, and in Christian tradition, the dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. This orchid lives naturally in moist deciduous mountain forests, terrestrial or stony, or epiphytic, growing on mossy tree trunks.
27 Psychopsis papilio (Northeastern Phalaenopsis Orchid)
The large flowers of the orchid of this name are exactly the same as its common name: butterflies. The apical sepals are antennae-shaped, while the lateral petals and sepals resemble wings. There is a theory that the pollination of this orchid is carried out by male butterflies who believe that the flowers are female, but this flower is actually pollinated by bees. The yellow background of the flower is covered with red spots. The lips are large with an ochre-colored circle around them and a broad yellow center in the middle. These flowers bloom continuously, each lasting 10 days. The inflorescences of these orchids will bloom for many years. As an epiphyte, it naturally lives in low-mountain wet forests.
28 Coelogyne pandurata (Black Fiddle Orchid)
Black violin orchids have yellow-green sepals and petals, and the large green lip is covered with black spots and stripes. A series of ridges, knobs, keels and folded edges give the lips an interesting shape, like a violin or lute, hence the name. Up to 15 flowers bloom on one inflorescence, which open at the same time and give off a strong smell of honey. This plant blooms almost all year round. It is an epiphytic climbing plant that prefers areas near rainforests or streams.
29 Vanda coerulea (Blue Vanda Orchid)
After its discovery in 1847, there was quite a stir about its persistent, large, checked blue flowers. The juice of this flower is used to make eye drops that are used to treat glaucoma and cataracts. Studies have shown that Blue Wanda's extract has the potential to be used in anti-aging skin treatment. It grows naturally in the form of epiphytes on exposed deciduous trees, especially on dwarf oaks.
30 Aerides multiflora (Pink foxtail Orchid)
This beautiful orchid has long inflorescences of 25 to 50 white flowers, pink spots to rosy, lavender, 0.75 inches in diameter, and blooms from May to June. There is an extremely sweet fragrance and it lasts. In Nepal, there are reports of medicinal properties of this orchid, often as a tonic for wounds and skin diseases. It lives naturally in the form of epiphytes in deciduous and semi-deciduous forests.
31 Rhynchostylis gigantea
This variety is characterized by long inflorescences with 15 to 20 flowers with a spicy fragrance. The colors range from pure white to rose, from white to pink, and from wine to peach. Flowers are 1-1.5 inches in diameter and open from January to February. There is amazing beauty. Nature is an epiphyte.
32 Brassia spp. (Spider Orchid)
The flowers of the genus Cymbidium have extremely long and narrow sepals and petals, which make them look like spiders. Arachnid grows naturally as an epiphyte. The color varies from white to yellow to light brown. The sepals and petals are often spotted and speckled and dark brown.
33 Bulbophyllum grandiflorum (Foul Giant Orchid)
The genus Lycopodium is considered to be one of the largest genera of orchids. These plants have distinct ovate pseudobulbs and an oblong leaf. There is only one flower in the inflorescence, and the smell is extremely unpleasant. Because of the stench of this orchid, it is believed that this plant is meant to attract flies to pollinate. The flowers are very distinctive, with creamy to yellow-brown sepals with reddish-purple spots curved forward, covered with flowers, shaped almost like duck heads, 6 inches in diameter, and open in April-May. This orchid lives naturally in the rainforest in the form of an epiphyte.
34 Arundina graminifolia (Bamboo Orchid)
Bamboo orchids are terrestrial and easily settle in fresh lava flows. It can be found naturally in bare environments, rocks, and meadows. The tall stems and leaves resemble reeds, a bit like bamboo. On the stem blooms 6 fragrant flowers, which open sequentially with bright purple colors with trumpet-like lips and a yellow spot in the center of the peduncle. The petals are large and bright, 2.5 inches in diameter, and open from December to January. It is usually grown as an ornamental plant in tropical gardens.
35 Cymbidium spp.
The genus contains about 100 recognized species, but less than 20 are used for horticulture. Modern Cymbidium hybrids have only about ten species native to the high mountains of Asia. Known for their aroma and charm, oriental species usually grow in deep pots because their roots grow downwards rather than branching. Most of these orchid species are terrestrial and semi-dormant during the winter. Orchids of this genus are favored for their longevity flowers, which are often used as cut flowers. Bright but cool places are ideal for this orchid.
36 Brassavola nodosa (Lady of the Night Orchid)
The Lady of the Night Orchid takes its name from its wonderful fragrance, which radiates from clusters of 4 to 12 flowers at night. The flowers have green to white cream, spider-like sepals and petals. The lips are large and tubular and open into a heart shape. It blooms several times a year, most often in autumn or winter. The round, pencil-like leaves look like thick clusters, which makes the trunk of this orchid look like a pile carpet. Naturally inhabits seasonally dry forests, often close to the coast, and lives as epiphytes.
37 Dactylorhiza spp. (Marsh Orchids)
These orchids grow as terrestrial plants in swamps, steppes or woodlands and are native to Europe. They have beautiful and colorful inflorescences and are relatively easy to cultivate. Because of the shape of its inflorescences, some people call them "wild hyacinths". Marsh orchids can be found in the northern, temperate or (rarely) Mediterranean regions. Sun-loving marsh orchids are often found in the wild, in stone fields, railway lines and heavy clay soils in species-rich grasslands, limestones and sand dunes.
38 Pecteilis radiata (Egret flower orchid)
The flowers of this lovely orchid have a beautiful tassel and feathered lips, similar to egrets. These flowers appear 2 to 3 at a time from one stem, white, 1 inch in diameter, with a nocturnal fragrance. Flowering occurs from late spring to early summer. The stems come from pea-sized tubers with leaves that look like grass. In Asia, these plants are widely propagated for the potted flower market. This orchid is considered a window sill orchid for beginners. It is terrestrial in nature, growing in seasonal swampy forests.
39 Lycaste aromatica (Cinnamon Orchid)
Up to 10 yellow, cinnamon-scented flowers bloom on the leafless pseudobulbs on the leafless pseudobulbs of this adaptable orchid. The genus name Lycaste comes from the beautiful daughter of Priam, King of Troy. The cinnamon smell is produced to lure male bees to attract females. These flowers endure. In nature, this orchid can be epiphytic, terrestrial or stony. They are deciduous plants, so their leaves are brown up and down. They grow in seasonally dry forests, but are often found in humid environments such as moss trees or damp limestone cliffs.
40 Dendrobium victoriae-reginae (Queen Victoria Blue Orchid)
This Filipino orchid grows naturally in mossy, moist, cool oak forests and coexists with azaleas, azaleas, and myrtle. The inflorescence has 2 to 5 flowers, the unusual lilac-blue color seems to mimic the azalea. The flower diameter is 1.5 inches and it is open in April-May. The Queen Victoria Blue natural state is an epiphyte. This orchid is named in honor of Queen Victoria, who was ending her long reign when this orchid was discovered. This orchid prefers warm days and cool nights, has high humidity, and has a pronounced dormancy period.
41 Ghost Orchid Dendrophylax lindenii (Ghost Orchid)
Ghost orchid is a unique and rare leafless plant with photosynthetic roots. White to greenish-white frog-like flowers seem to sway in the air, which is where this species got its name. Their roots form a clump on the host tree, hence the genus name Dendrophylax. "Dendro" means "tree" in Greek and "phylax" means "guard" because the root of the tree seems to be "guarding" its host tree. Ghost orchids are believed to be pollinated at night by giant sphinx moths, as well as other moths. The species is considered endangered in Florida, USA, and it is rare for it to bloom in captivity.
42 Coelogyne cristata (Crested Snow Orchid)
Delicate, shiny white sepals and petals, wide, open lips, are all characteristic of beautiful and huge crested cedarys. If properly cared for, these orchids can grow in large numbers, bloom in hundreds, bloom 4 inches in diameter, and bloom from late winter to early spring. The Indian town of Kurseong is at the center of the native range of this orchid. It also has a wonderful scent and prefers cool mountain mossy regions that naturally live in the form of epiphytes or lithophytes.
43 Cattelan genus Cattleya spp. (Cattleya Orchids)
Cattelan is considered the "orchid" of orchids, once the standard flower in flower beds, often referred to as the "queen of orchids". These flowers come in almost every color (except true blue) and tend to be very showy. Flowering lasts for weeks and is fragrant. The lip edges of these orchids often contrast with the rest of the flower. Since they require very little to grow, they can be grown almost anywhere in the world. In nature, these plants are mostly epiphytes and lithophytes. Small cattelans are gaining popularity due to their size and ease of growing on window sills.
44 Macodes petola (sparkling jewel orchid)
Macodes is the home of "jewel orchids". These orchids are known for their veined leaves, which are more beautiful than their usually lifeless flowers (although the blooming plants are still beautiful). The leaves form a rosette with silvery veins that sparkle in the sun. Plants use rhizomes to crawl along the ground. Since the texture of the leaves resembles writing, it was once thought that squeezing the sap of such leaves on the eyes would improve writing skills. Its natural habitat is lowland and low-mountain forests.
45 Phaius spp. (Phaius Orchids)
The genus Crane contains about 50 species, terrestrial or epiphytic. Inflorescences can be large, some up to 4 feet long, white, purple, magenta, or yellow. Propagation is carried out by cutting the flower stem above the base, and below each bract on the stem is a bud capable of producing new plants. If the stems are laid flat on moist sphagnum moss, they will take root and bloom after 2 to 3 years. The marsh orchid (P. tankervilleae) is a well-known species in this genus. Traditionally, indigo is extracted from the flowers of this orchid to dye clothes. Plants are also used as ointments for infected sores. The species usually evades cultivation and becomes invasive in Hawaii and Florida.
46 Stanhopea tigrina (Spotted bull orchid)
The flowers of the spotted cow orchid are a very complex creamy yellow with dark purplish-brown spots. The species name "tigrina" refers to tiger-like markings on large flowers. This orchid has an aroma that attracts bees. Some say that the flower is shaped like a bird of prey with open claws. In nature, this orchid inhabits seasonally moist forests, epiphytes.
47 Masdevallia (Masdevallia Orchids)
The genus contains about 300 species, most of which are epiphytes in nature. Loved the high altitude and cool environment. These flowers are usually brightly colored and range in size from less than an inch to more than 12 inches. White, red, and purple are the most popular color combinations. Each inflorescence usually has one flower (but not all species). The sepals of these species combine at the base to form a narrow bell-shaped tube.