Top 26 Beautiful Orchid Flowers

Beautiful orchid flowers are one of the most-loved blooms that represent luxury and strength. These delicate flowers have around 880 genres and 250,000 different species. Appearance wise, they look quite unlike regular flowers because of their geometrically shaped petals, which make them highly desirable, captivating, stunning, and exotic. Orchids are considered to be the 14th anniversary flowers. Pink orchids convey affection, white orchids signify purity, red orchids represent love and understanding and yellow orchids represent fertility. They add elegance and beauty to the flower arrangements and decoration.

Top 26 Beautiful Orchid Flowers

1. Brassavola Orchids:

Brassavola orchids are native to lowlands of Central and South America. They are greenish white flowers and emit an irresistible citrusy smell. The unique thing about this orchid is that it emits its fragrance only at night to attract the right moth. This lovely flower is nicknamed as the Lady of the night. They have greenish sepals and petals and have white and yellow blooms. The flowers are star shaped and measure 1 to 4 inches in size. The flowers last for almost 30 days. It blooms on and off during the year and more so in winter.

2. Catasetum:

Catasetum orchids are one of the most unique, fascinating, and unusual of orchids. The male flowers of Catasetum are showy flowers with large blooms and are produced in low light while female ones are smaller in size. They have big, thick pseudo bulbs with an attractive fan of thin leaves.

3. Cattleya:

Cattleya orchid was discovered in 1824 and is one of the most popular orchid flowers today. They have around 48 species and are mainly found in the West Indies and Mexico. One stem of this pretty and graceful orchid bears around 2 to 8 flowers of many vibrant color combinations. The flower blooms best in bright light conditions. It is used as a wonderful indoor plant as well as a cut flower. It blooms in colors like red, pink, white, yellow and orange. The flower blooms twice a year and lasts for week and can re-bloom quickly if they get enough light.

James David, a gardener and a blogger, shares his experience of growing Cattleya Orchids in his personal blog. He admires its spear-like leaves and notes his observations about their blooming: “I realized that these orchids tend only to bloom very close to year end. Normally that takes place when it is raining continuously for 2-3 days in a row followed by immediate hot & sunny days (i).”

4. Cycnoches:

This orchid flower is a member of Catasetum tribe and has a delightful fragrance. They bloom in yellow, red and green colors. These flowers will be a wonderful addition to your gardens. They bloom in early fall and have amazing and charming fan shaped petals.

5. Dendrobium:

Dendrobiums are one of the largest genuses of orchids, having around 1200 species. They comprise the largest and most diverse “catch-all” orchid genus. They are quite a diverse genus and can grow in any environmental condition. They grow in bright light, mostly in summers and take a relatively long time to grow in winter. It grows best in medium to bright light. Some also bloom at other times of the year as well. This beautiful flower blooms in every striking color combination – pendant like stems of fragrant flowers. Since it is a long lasting bloom the flower is usually used by florists to make bouquets. It comes in a diverse range of colors like white to pink and even green and purple.

6. Epidendrum Orchids:

Epidendrum orchids are one of the oldest orchids with around 1000 species in the world. It mainly grows in subtropical and tropical regions of the United States and in Argentina. They are quite easy to grow and have cane-like pseudo bulbs which grow delicate and alluring fragrant blooms. The majority of this genus has epiphytes and some are lithophytes. The flower ranges from a quarter of an inch to six inches in diameter. Some plants grow pseudo bubbles while other possesses cane like stems.

7. Maxillaria:

Maxillaria is a large genus with over 400 species of orchids. They are native to North America and get their name from the Latin word maxilla, which means jawbone. This is because most of flowers of this species have jaw line like appearance. The lip of this plant has an arched tongue like appearance and 3 lobes which results in a jaw bone like appearance. The flowers have a unique ability to grow rapidly. The plant produces numerous flowers, especially small flowers and bright green leaves. Most of these orchids of this species are highly fragrant.

8. Vanilla:

Vanilla orchid is the orchid which produces vanilla. They are an unusual type of orchid as they grow like a vine.

9. Miltoniopsis:

It is one of the best looking and elegant orchid flowers and has a very pleasant smell. Miltoniopsis orchids look very dainty with their light green grassy leaves and beautiful, showy blooms. It is a wonderful spring to summer blooming orchid. They are also known as pansy orchids. The plant produces long, thin leaves and the flower varies in color and sizes. They will make good house plants.

10. Cymbidium:

This is a large, unruly orchid which delights us with tall spikes loaded with flowers. The orchid has around 44 species and is found abundantly in Himalayas. The plant grows almost 3 feet tall and the flower has smaller pseudo bulbs that are topped with long thin leaves that drape to form an attractive foliage plant. The flower spike grows from the bottom of the bulb and has many flowers along its length. It usually grows between November and April in early springs and winters. It grows best in temperatures ranging from 50 to 70F. Since it is an easy to care plant, it is found abundantly in indoor gardens.

11. Miltassia:

Miltassia is an intergeneric orchid – Miltonia crossed with Brassia. Both these flowers produce a highly scented, multi colored flower known as Miltassia.

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12. Vanda:

The Vandas are the delightful and unique orchids and are often grown in baskets with their roots hanging down in mid air. The orchid requires bright light and high humidity and blooms few times a year. It has around 50 species and is majorly found in Asia, Australia and Sub tropic regions. The plant produces strap like green leaves and they appear from the axil of the mature leaves. The color and size of this orchid depends on its species.

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13. Spathoglottis:

Spathoglottis are terrestrial orchids with purple showy flower. The flower is mainly grown in garden areas because of its size. It grows well in very low temperatures too.

14. Phalaenopsis:

Phalaenopsis is a moth orchid and is the most commonly available orchid. It is found all over the world but is found abundantly in Java and South Seas, Queensland Australia and Philippines. This one is very easy to grow and is the perfect choice for beginners who want to grow orchids. They have large, showy flowers and come in a variety of colors. The flowers can be white, single colored, striped and spotted. Most of the species have several flowers per stem while some have one or two per stem. They have round fleshy leaves and new leaves grow from the centre of the plant. It is very popular for its long lasting ability and big, colorful blooms. They grow relatively quickly and can flower twice a year.

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15. Monkey Face Orchid:

As the name suggests, this orchid resembles a monkey’s face. It belongs to the genus Dracula simian and grows in the forest region of South Eastern Ecuador and Peru Mountain. It scientific name simian refers to the monkey face wile Dracula refers to the 2 long spurs that hang down. The flower has a citrusy smell and smells like a ripe orange when it blooms fully.

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16. Bee Orchid:

This orchid resembles a female bee visiting a pink flower to attract the attention of male bees to mate with the flower. When pollination occurs, the bee is covered with pollen which it spread around as it flies, pollinating other flowers on the go. Its scientific name is Ophrys apifera and is found mainly in England, Ireland, and Wales.

17. Bird’s Head Orchid:

This one is a gorgeous pink orchid flower belonging to the Phalaenopsis genus. The flower looks unique for the sole reason that it looks like a little bird’s head guarding the nectar of the flower.

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18. White Egret Orchid:

This unusual and enchanting orchid flower is one of the most beautiful white flowers in the world. Its scientific name is Habenaria radiate. The flower has an uncanny resemblance to the white garnet, spreading its fluffy white wings, and is ready to take off. This white orchid produces 3 replacement bulbs and can be easily multiplied if handled properly. It is markedly different from a white-fringed orchid. It is found mainly in Korea, Russia, China and Japan.

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19. Lady Slipper Orchids:

Lady slipper orchids have a very strange appearance. They have a slipper, pouch shaped labellum in which the pollinating insects get stuck. This big bloom is composed of a hollow pouch, backed by a sepal and 2 petals and bear variegated foliage which makes them look strikingly beautiful. They are mostly terrestrial. Lithophytic slipper orchids include four genres Paphiopedilum, Phragmipedium, Cypripedium and Selenipedium. This orchid grows in all kind of lights, including low, medium and bright. The flower grows best in 50 to 70 degrees. The multi floral varieties produce several flowers in a single stem.

 20. Dove Orchid:

This orchid also resembles a living creature hidden inside it. The flower looks like the bird dove. Its scientific name is Peristeria elata.

21. Flying Duck Orchid:

Flying ducks scientific name is Caleana major. It is quite a small orchid, measuring around 50 cm. This plant grows in Eastern and Southern Australia. The flower resembles a duck in flight. This orchid flowers blooms mainly from fall to mid winter. The flower is pollinated via male saw flies. The orchid quickly shuts trapping the sawfly as soon as the insects touch the orchid’s labellum.

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22. Anguloa:

Anguloa is a beautiful orchid which is commonly called Tulip Orchid because of its resemblance to tulips. The flower grows in intermediate to bright light and in cool temperature to intermediate temperature with high humidity. 2 to 4 leaves are grown from the base of each pseudo bulb and are around 1 cm long. The leaves are deciduous and shed at the start of each new growth. The flowers have a waxy appearance and bloom in colors like yellow, white, green and red. They have 6 inflorescences per pseudo bulbs and can grow up to 12. The sepals have a bulbous shape and are curved inward which gives a resemblance to tulip and have long, thin leaves. It has a very strong cinnamon like smell. These are mainly found in South American rainforest region.

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23. Oncidium:

Oncidium is also referred to as The Dancing Lady orchid and offers loads of small flowers in clusters of 50 or even more. It comes in colors like yellow, tricolor and red. It smells just like chocolates which makes them all the more irresistible. The flower needs abundant lightening and regular watering to grow. It is very sensitive and prone to rotting because of its large pseudo bulbs and profuse roots. Thus it is very important to keep the plant well hydrated. It thrives on a few hours of direct sunlight every day. This plant can tolerate temperatures as high as 100 degrees if tree has sufficient air movement. They are wonderfully fragrant and can add a delightful note to your indoor garden.

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24. Sarcochilus:

Sarcochilus is a miniature orchid native to Australia. They are lithophytes and thrive on moist conditions without drying out. These are very little in size, grow in clumps and bloom in the spring. There are around 15 species of this summer flowering orchids. These flowers are grown in Eastern Australia. It grows in shady places with plenty of air movement and quick draining sand. This is a quite easy to grow orchid and would make a delightful addition to your living rooms. Sarcs have attractive fleshy leaves and produce sort racemes with plenty of flowers. It has a very pleasant smell.

25. Odontoglossum Orchids:

Odontoglossum orchids are one of the showier flowers of the orchid family. The name is derived from the Greek word odon which means tooth and lossa which means tongue. These orchids are fragrant and produce blossoms with ruffled sepals and petals. It blooms in colors like white, yellow, brown, red, purple and some color blends.
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26. Zygopetalum Orchid

Zygopetalum orchids are known for their exquisite beauty and boast of vibrant and captivating blooms. These orchids feature lush, glossy foliage and stunning flowers that showcase a blend of colors—ranging from deep purples, greens, blues, to occasional hints of white. They are also known for their delightful fragrance, often described as a mix of floral, spicy, and sweet notes that just adds to their allure. Zygopetalum orchids thrive in moderate temperatures with bright, indirect light. With proper care and suitable growing conditions, these elegant flowers grace their surroundings with their unique coloration and fragrance, making them a sought-after addition for orchid enthusiasts.

This was the list of pretty orchid blooms that are great for both new and experienced gardeners. If you are thinking of adding these flowers to your garden, it is a good idea to learn some tricks and tips to keep your orchids happy and blooming.

How To Care For Your Orchids

Orchids thrive in humidity but cannot stand for long periods in overwatered conditions. Knowing such tips can allow you to keep your orchid plants looking healthy and growing. Here are some care tips for orchid plants.

• Place orchid plants such that they receive indirect sunlight. Excessive or direct sunlight can cause some varieties to wear or burn.
• Use sphagnum moss or bark for potting orchid plants to ensure quick drainage and good airflow.
• If aphids attack your orchid plant, spray insecticidal soap on the leaves of the plant to get rid of them.
• Keep orchid plants in warm and humid conditions. They can thrive in temperatures between 72 °F-85 °F during the day and 60°F at night.
• Use an orchid fertilizer twice a month to keep the flower looking fresh and vibrant.

Following these maintenance tips and planting advice can help your orchid blossoms stay healthy for years to come.

Illustration: Beautiful Orchid Flowers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best orchid color?

Blue is considered the best and rare orchid color.

How long do orchid blooms last?

Orchid blooms last for 6-8 weeks.

Is the orchid a lucky flower?

Many associate orchids with luck, prosperity, and success. Hence, it is considered a lucky flower.

Be amazed by the beauty of orchids! Click on the video to explore the collection of 60 stunning orchid flowers and discover the perfect one for your garden!

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