In other EcologiaVerde articles related to orchids we have discussed how to care for these elegant plants with spectacular flowers. Now we want you to know the types of orchids that you can find so that you can choose the one that best suits your tastes. To do this, we will make a small initial classification, and then continue with some of the most used varieties in gardening. They are all beautiful and unique, but what kind of orchid do you like the most?
Basic orchid types
Orchids are divided into three main types based on their growth habits:
Epiphytic orchids
Epiphytic orchids need another plant to support their rooting and growth. However, this does not mean that they feed on the plant in which they grow, since they obtain their own nutrients from the humus deposited in the bark and from the humidity of the environment. In general, they grow near the treetops or on the trunk of plants such as palm trees, which are widely used for their growth, which keep them in an ideal state of semi-shade.
Find out more about Epiphytic Plants, what they are, types and examples with this other Green Ecologist article.
Terrestrial orchids
Like the vast majority of plants, terrestrial orchids form their roots inside the earth, letting them protrude to better absorb nutrients and humidity.
Semi-terrestrial or lithophytic orchids
These types of orchids are those that are rooted in stones that are covered with moss, or they can also be found rooted on leaves in the ground that are in decomposition. Although their group is much smaller than the previous two, they are one of the most used as indoor plants.
Calanthe Orchid
Known as CalantheThis orchid comes from both tropical and eastern climates. It differs from other tropical species by belonging to the group of ground orchids. This species has a spectacular flowering and its flowers have a wide range of colors.
Cattleya Orchid
This orchid gets its name from the first European able to reproduce and cultivate it successfully. The Cattleya orchid It is native to the Caribbean and Central America, it is characterized by having oversized flowers and intense colors. So much so, that some flowers can reach more than 30 centimeters in diameter.
Cymbidium orchid
Is variety of orchids is well known and, in fact, is highly appreciated in florists and by interior and exterior design companies for its flowers, as they are very curious because they have wax look and they are also very durable. The kind of cymbidium orchid It comes from tropical Asia and Australia.
Masdevallia Orchid
Also commonly known as kite orchid, It has showy flowers and elongated leaves that end in a kind of thread that almost reaches the ground. This variety called Masdevallia orchid It comes mostly from South America, although we can also find it in the Caribbean islands and in Mexico.
Aerangis Orchid
This species has its origin in tropical Africa and the island of Madagascar. The aerangis orchid It is commonly called hummingbird orchid due to belonging to type of epiphytic orchids, that is, located in the trees. Thanks to its forks, it grows in the treetops and produces a great flowering. Although its flowers are small and usually white, they have great ornamental value. In addition, it gives off a pleasant aroma.
Dendrobium Orchid
It is one of the varieties with a huge number of specimens and prefers temperate and cool environments. One of the most striking characteristics of the variety known as Dendrobium orchid is that they all have something similar to a spur.
Phalaenopsis Orchid
The phalaenopsis orchid It is one of the best known and commercialized types of orchids. Known as butterfly orchids Due to the shape of its flowers, it is one of the easiest to grow and care for for beginners. In addition, they are very easy to reproduce by cuttings and it has more than 50 different varieties.
If you have in mind to have a variety of these plants or to start reproducing them to sell them as a nursery, we recommend you consult this other article on Reproducing orchids: how to do it.
Coelogyne Orchid
The species coelogyne orchid It has varieties of the two main types and is native to Southeast Asia, although we can also find it in areas such as New Guinea and the Pacific Islands. Some orchids of this variety have hanging panicles, like the ones in the image below. Its flowers are usually white with a yellow center.
Vanda Orchid
Its flowers are bright and have a varied color that ranges from bluish to warmer tones such as orange. It also has an abundant flowering and its flowers are large. The vanda orchids They are characterized by their monopodial growth, that is, suspended in the branches of trees. They can also be kept as a houseplant, since they require very basic care.
Here you can find out more about How to grow orchids in trees.
Oncidium Orchid
Also known as golden shower orchid Due to the intense yellow color of its flowers, it is native to South America, but it can also be found in Mexico. Some varieties of this species have dots or stripes of warm colors such as red or brown. They branch into large-flowering panicles.
Lycaste Orchid
Another of the types of orchids that are exotic in appearance is the Lycaste orchid. One of the peculiarities of the lycaste orchid is that it reproduces through pseudobulbs. From these folded leaves sprout and have striking flowers due to their color and size. This is a species native to South America and is a rare species to see in florists, so it is not easy to find.
Cambria Orchid
This species has been created through hybridizations and crosses with other species of orchids. Like the Lycaste orchid, it reproduces through pseudobulbs, from which its leaves and flowers are born. The Cambria orchid It's one of the types of orchids They belong to the group of epiphytes and do not require overly complex care.
Below you can see a video about several of these types of orchids to see more images of these and get to know them a little better. Also, below you will learn about their care.
How to care for orchids - basic information
To finish, we want to give you some tips to take care of orchids and, for this, we recommend you consult the other Green Ecologist articles that are part of the practical guide to orchid care:
- Transplanting an orchid: when and how to do it.
- Prune an orchid: how and when to do it.
- Homemade fungicides for orchids.
In addition, here we leave a video in which the care of the Phalaenopsis orchid is explained, which is the most common in homes.
If you want to read more articles similar to 12 types of orchids, we recommend that you enter our category of Cultivation and care of plants.
