12 Types of Orchids: How to Care for Orchids

Orchids (*Orchidaceae*) are tall tropical flowering plants with an evolved lip, three petals, and sepals surrounding it. The orchid family is robust, containing over 25,000 natural species and more than 200,000 hybrids. Orchid blossoms come in a wide range of colors, from white to orange to pink. *Orchidaceae* is one of the largest families of flowering plants, including hundreds of distinct genera. 1. __Cattleya orchids__: One of the most common orchids, *Cattleya* orchids have a ruffled appearance and a robust, vanilla-like fragrance. Commonly referred to as the corsage orchid, *Cattleyas* can grow up to two feet tall. 2. __Phalaenopsis orchids__: Also called the moth orchid, *Phalaenopsis* orchids are hardy, but they do best in high humidity and are especially sensitive to cold temperatures. *Phalaenopsis* orchids are native to Southeast Asia and Australia. 3. __Paphiopedilum orchids__: *Paphiopedilum* orchids are one of the best options for beginner-level orchid growers because they are low maintenance and thrive under most lighting conditions. Along with other genera like *Phragmipedium*, this orchid type is part of the subfamily *Cypripedioideae*, also known as lady slipper orchids. 4. __Dendrobium orchids__: *Dendrobium* orchids are epiphytes that grow on other objects in the wild. They do best in high humidity but are susceptible to overwatering. *Dendrobiums* have delicate, light-colored flowers ranging from purple to green and mostly maintain their foliage year-round. 5. __Oncidium orchids__: Also known as dancing lady orchids because of the unique shape of their petals, *Oncidium* orchids are native to Central America and South America. This genus includes a cultivar called ‘Sharry Baby’ that is notable for its chocolate-like scent. *Oncidium* orchids can be a more challenging genus to grow as they require consistent humidity and a cooler climate. 6. __Vanda orchids__: As an epiphytic genus, *Vanda* orchids grow on the surface of plants or rocks, gathering nutrients from water and air. This orchid genus inhabits the tropics of Southeast Asia. *Vanda* orchids can bloom two to three times each year in a variety of colors depending on the species. 7. __Cymbidium orchids__: *Cymbidium* orchids, also called boat orchids, are a hardy genus that thrives outside. This genus can survive drier, low temperatures and even small amounts of frost. *Cymbidium* orchids have distinct pseudobulbs with long leaves. 8. __Lycaste orchids__: *Lycaste* orchids have round pseudobulbs, broad leaves, and waxy flowers. One orchid species within this genus is *lycaste skinneri*, the national flower of Guatemala. Known for its white flowers, *lycaste skinneri* is commonly called the white nun orchid. 9. __Zygopetalum orchids__: Native to South America, *Zygopetalum* orchid flowers have a waxy texture and a strong fragrance. *Zygopetalum* orchids are within the *Epidendroideae* subfamily along with similar genera like *Masdevallia*, *Phaius*, and *Epidendrum* orchids. 10. __Cycnoches orchids__: *Cycnoches* orchids are a unique genus that include both male and female flower buds. The only other genus with this same feature is the *Catasetum* orchid. 11. __Encyclia orchids__: Also known as clamshell orchids or cockleshell orchids, this genus can bloom for several months at a time. *Encyclia* orchids encompass over 100 species, including the distinct *Encyclia tampensis*, also known as the Tampa butterfly orchid. 12. __Ludisia orchids__: The *Ludisia* orchid includes only one species that grows on the forest floor in Southern China and Southeast Asia. Commonly known as jewel orchids because of their colorful leaves, *Ludisia* orchids are great houseplants as they thrive in shade and require little maintenance. With so many orchid varieties, proper care methods vary based on the specific genus and species. However, there are some basic orchid care techniques to consider. 1. __Place your orchid in bright, indirect sunlight__. Orchid flowers generally need bright light to thrive—usually upwards of 10 hours a day. However, their natural habitat is in tropical rainforests, so direct sunlight can burn the leaves or petals. A south-facing or east-facing window is usually the best growing area for orchids during the summer months; in darker winter months, consider investing in a bright artificial light to encourage photosynthesizing. 2. __Watch the leaves on your orchids__. Your plant’s leaves will indicate whether you’re meeting its lighting requirements. Bright-green leaves mean the light levels are adequate, dark green leaves mean it’s not getting enough light, and yellowish or reddish leaves mean your plant is receiving too much light. 3. __Use fast-draining soil__. Planting orchids in traditional potting soil or potting mix can smother their roots, which need consistent airflow. Instead, opt for a potting medium that’s fast-draining, coarse, and porous. A combination of fir bark, perlite, sphagnum moss or peat moss, and horticultural charcoal is a great way to keep your orchid healthy. 4. __Buy a well-draining pot__. Since orchid roots are sensitive to overwatering and dense soil, a well-draining pot is necessary to help your plant thrive. Repot your orchid plant in a terracotta pot, which facilitates the air circulation that the plants need to survive. Choose a pot with at least one drainage hole at the bottom of the pot so that excess water drains out—terracotta is preferable since it’s incredibly porous. 5. __Water your orchids carefully__. Orchids do best in drier conditions. As a general rule, water only when the top inch of the soil feels dry—usually about once a week in the growing season and even less frequently in cooler winter months. The most common mistake in orchid care is keeping the soil too wet. If the soil is too wet, your orchid will get root rot, a condition where the roots turn black and eventually die. Consider these additional tips for keeping your orchids healthy. 1. __Orchids require good air circulation__. In the wild, orchid plants thrive in light breezes, which prevent excess moisture buildup and keep their roots healthy. Whenever possible, simulate this airflow for your orchids by keeping a window open in the summer or setting up an oscillating fan on a low setting. 2. __Orchids thrive in moderate temperatures__. Since orchids are tropical plants, they do best in warmer temperatures—daytime temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter, keep your orchids away from drafty window sills. 3. __Orchids need a humid environment__. Some tropical varieties of orchids are epiphytes, which, in the wild, grow in the air rather than soil. Their aerial roots extend out from the soil to absorb moisture. To mimic their tropical environment, you’ll need to provide the plant with added humidity. Place the plant near an air humidifier during drier seasons. Grow your own garden with Ron Finley, the self-described "Gangster Gardener." Get the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com/) and learn how to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables, keep your house plants alive, and use compost to make your community - and the world - a better place. Orchids are among the most popular houseplants in the world. Learn more about different types of orchids and how to grow these elegant tropical plants.