Types of Orchids
Orchid Types and Varieties

There are two types of orchids are terrestrial orchids and epiphytes.

Terrestrial orchid varieties are made up of orchid species that grow on the ground.

Epiphytes are made up of orchid species that grow in trees.

Both of these orchid types grow in one of two ways - new shoots can appear alongside the original growth causing the orchid to spread, or new growth can be added to the apex which increases the height of the orchid.

The following two terms the growth habits of orchids:

Monopodial (upright orchids) develop stems that emerge from a crown, or foot. When the orchid matures, flower spikes emerge from the stem – in the midsection between the leaves.

Two orchid varieties that are typically describe monopodial are Lady’s slippers and moth orchids.

Sympodial (creeping orchids) develop a shallow creeping rhizome. A green shoot that will eventually flower emerges from the tip of the rhizome.

Sympodial orchids include cattleya, dendrobium, and oncidium orchid species.

Types of Orchids – What are Your Options?

Cattleya Orchids - Large, Stunning Blooms in Unique Colors and Patterns

Cattleya orchids are ephytes (or air plants). They are known for their large, stunning (and sometimes fragrant) flowers. The huge blooms can reach up to eight inches across, and come in a wide range of colors and patterns.

Since cattleya orchids are so beautiful and easy to grow, they are one of the most hybridized orchid species - there are thousands of hybrids registered.

Cymbidium Orchids - Long-Lasting Sprays of Flowers

Cymbidium orchids are known for their long-lasting sprays of flowers, and are a popular cut flower for tropical flower arrangements, wedding flowers, and corsages. There are two main types of cymbidiums - standards and miniatures.

Standard cymbidium orchids are more cold-tolerant that other common orchid species. Miniature cymbidium orchids are more heat tolerant and flower nicely in warm weather climates.

Dendrobium Orchid - Arching Displays of Colorful Blooms

Dendrobium orchids are epiphytes, and one of the largest orchid types. There are approximately 1,200 individual species, and they grow a variety of climates, from warm, damp lowlands to high-altitude, cold climate mountains.  

Flowers can last anywhere from one day to several weeks, depending on the species.

Oncidium Orchid - Exotic Blooms in a Variety of Colors

Oncidiums orchids are popular indoor plants and florist orchids due to their large display of flowers that often include dozens of blooms. There are several hundred oncidium species and most thrive in normal indoor conditions.  

Large pseudobulbs rise from a mass of thin white roots. Their large leaves emerge from the pseudobulbs, and can grow up to 2 ft.  Blooms appear in fall.

Paphiopedilum Orchid - Unique Flowers with a Slipper-Shaped Pouch

Paphiopedilum orchids, also known as lady's-slipper orchids due to their slipper-shaped pouch, originate in the jungles of the Far East. They grow in humus and other material located on the forest floor, on cliffs in pockets of humus, and some species grow in trees.

Paphiopedilums are easy to grow in the home, under lights, or in a greenhouse.

Phalaenopsis Orchid - Elegant Sprays of Long-Lasting Flowers

Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as moth orchids, are one of the most popular types of orchids for growing in the home or greenhouse. The arching sprays of elegant blooms make them popular accents for interior décor.  

Full grown plants can flower often; sometimes a few flowers will bloom throughout the year. The main season is late winter to early spring.

These types of orchids typically thrive in average indoor temperatures and conditions. Some hybrids can be forced to rebloom by cutting the tip off after the initial flowering.