Orchid Types: Varieties, Home Care (Photos)

Orchids were once commonly kept in greenhouses or conservatories, but recently they have become exclusively houseplants and thrive in home environments. Today, there are many orchid varieties, so everyone can find the one they like.

There are various types of orchids, and in addition to the original varieties, there are also hybrids, many of which thrive indoors even better than other species. These days, this flower has become quite accessible, so you can find it in any specialty store or flower market (a photo of the plant can be seen below). Proper care at home is essential.

Characteristics and description of the orchid

Orchids are one of the most common flowering species. They often occur as perennials in nature, but shrubs and woody vines are also common, though these are found in much smaller quantities. Orchid height can vary significantly depending on the variety, reaching a maximum height of 35 cm.

Types of orchid flowers

Flowers such as orchids are usually classified according to their root system. Different orchid species have different characteristics related to this factor.

• Epiphytic

This species typically grows at a certain altitude, using either trees or shrubs for support. This plant variety typically obtains nutrients through the air or from a small amount of soil that accumulates in tree hollows or tree cavities. They also utilize tree branches or wrinkled bark.

In order to stay on the tree, epiphytic orchids are given very strong stems, which are usually green in color with a slight silvery tint.

• Lithophytes

This type of orchid grows in harsher conditions, as it is forced to adapt to hard rock conditions, limestone, and can often be found among rocks.

This variety is more demanding than the previous one, requiring more moisture. However, they are also more resilient, as they are rarely affected by sudden temperature changes during the day. High humidity also has no negative effect on them.

• Ground

To successfully grow this orchid, the conditions should be the same as for other standard houseplants. Orchids are best planted in soil; their root system consists of bulbs. They typically reach a height of no more than 50 cm. This species is native to tropical countries, where they grow more spreading, characterized by larger flowers and shrubs.

• Phalaenopsis

This orchid variety is currently considered the most common. It's the most common orchid seen on flower shop shelves, and it's recommended by market vendors who grow them themselves. The stems of this plant are significantly shortened, and the leaves have a retina. This species can bloom for up to five months. Due to its visual similarity, this variety is also called "moth" or "butterfly."

There are quite a lot of varieties of phalaenopsis today, they differ from each other in many ways:

• Schiller

This plant grows in the Philippines. It has very luxurious flowers, but equally beautiful leaves, usually drooping and up to a meter long. The flower stalks unfurl almost simultaneously. The color spectrum ranges from light pink to lilac or purple.

• Amabis

This variety has very thick leaves, reaching half a meter in length. The flowers can reach up to a decimeter in diameter. Provided the right conditions are provided, the plant will bloom year-round indoors. It's an easy-to-grow plant and requires standard humidity. Each stem typically produces up to twenty flowers, each with a distinct fragrance.

• Stuart

This species is easy to care for. Its branched flower stalks produce fairly large flowers that emit a pleasant, subtle fragrance.

The petals are typically white with speckles, and the insides have a beautiful golden hue. Stuart can bloom all year round.

• Luddeman

This variety is quite heat-loving, and its flowers are typically vibrantly colored. A distinctive feature of 'Luddeman' is that its flowers open alternately and have a pleasant scent. Each flower stalk can produce up to seven flowers.

• Pink

This species is distinguished by its miniature size, yet its flowers are quite lush and graceful. A single stem typically produces about 15 flowers. The lower part is reddish-green, while the upper part is a soft pink.

• Sander

This flower is a rather rare variety, and its name comes from a very passionate orchid lover. Color tones range from white to pale pink. This orchid variety is considered one of the most expensive.

• Horse

An elegant flower with delicate purple blooms. Given the right conditions, this variety will bloom year-round. The flowers themselves are very small, no more than 3 cm in diameter, but they are densely concentrated on the stem.

• Giant

When this variety blooms, a light citrus scent fills the air. It's named for its wide flowers, which are typically yellow or green with spots and speckles.

Varieties of orchids

Orchids are very diverse plants and among them there are several interesting species:

1. Calypso bulbosa. It typically grows in cool, temperate climates. It is protected in Russia and is listed in the Red Book of Threatened Species. It is very difficult to encounter in the wild.
2. Vanda Blue. This is the only variety with bluish petals. This variety is quite large and has strong roots.
3. Cymbidium eburneum. This species is one of the most popular; its flowers are typically white with yellowish spots. It requires more water and moderate temperatures.
4. Odontoglossum cordata. This variety produces yellow flowers with a contrasting purple lip. The plant is quite large, but requires moderate watering.
5. Habenaria radiata. This species reaches a height of 30 cm, and its petals are typically pearly white. This variety is quite delicate and requires a specific temperature regime; it is completely drought-intolerant.
6. The oncidium is a beautiful plant. Among the vast variety, this species stands out. It is distinguished by its size, with sturdy stems bearing elegant yellow flowers. When young, the oncidium's leaves are a delicate green, but with age, they turn brownish or purple.

Indoor varieties of orchids

Among the indoor species, the following are particularly distinguished:

• Brassia is a flower with tapered lemon-colored petals with brown spots;
• cambium – a flower with a pinkish or purple calyx;
• Cattleya is a luxurious flower of white, purple or greenish colors;
• lycasta - flower petals can be orange, beige or yellow;
• Miltonia - the flower visually resembles a pansy;
• Odontoglossum - variegated orchids of mixed purple-orange color;
• Oncidium is a miniature flower with yellow petals;
• Cymbidium is a flower of a lilac hue;
• Blue orchid is a multi-colored plant with mixed blue and white flowers;
• Vanda is a flower with purple petals;
• yellow orchid – a hybrid, distinguished by a pleasant honey aroma;
• Phalaenopsis mini – a miniature flower with purple petals;
• Dracula is a flower with three petals in calm pastel colors;
• Bulbophyllum is a bright, spreading orchid with a pleasant aroma.

Caring for a home orchid during flowering

For artificial lighting, use special lamps, but it's preferable to keep orchids in full sun. The optimal temperature for these plants is between 14 and 170°C (55 to 350°F). Orchids require a lot of moisture, so make sure the soil beneath the orchid is always moist.

Repotting the plant frequently is not necessary. Before repotting, trim the roots slightly and move the plant to a new pot. Gentle conditions are essential after this procedure. The plant can propagate by cuttings, rhizomes, or stems.

Advantages and disadvantages of orchids

The fundamental advantages of orchids include their diversity, meaning buyers can choose a variety that will thrive in their region and withstand temperature fluctuations. A disadvantage of orchids is their sensitivity to moisture.

How to identify orchid varieties by their flowers

Orchids are usually divided into two groups based on their growth:

• monopodial;
• sympodial.

In the first case, a stem forms on which flowers grow. Phalaenopsis and Vandas are common among these. In the second case, these are more expensive and valuable varieties, as they produce several shoots simultaneously, growing from the very roots.

Reviews

Most people who tried growing orchids were pleased with them. Some women wrote that they literally had to throw away the shoots of other flowers because they died. However, when they tried planting the orchid, the plant quickly took root and bloomed for a very long time.