12 types of orchids

Orchids are divided into three main types based on their growth habits:

epiphytic orchids

Epiphytic orchids need another plant as support for their rooting and growth. However, this does not mean that they feed on the plant they grow on, 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 tops of trees or on the trunks 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 article from EcologíaVerde.

terrestrial orchids

Like the vast majority of plants, terrestrial orchids form their roots inside the earth, letting them protrude to better absorb nutrients and environmental humidity.

semi-terrestrial or lithophytic orchids

This type of orchids are those that are rooted in stones that are covered with moss, or they can also be found rooted on leaves on the ground that are decomposing. Although their group is much smaller than the previous two, they are one of the most used as indoor plants.

known as Calanthe, this orchid comes from both tropical and eastern climates. It differs from other tropical species by belonging to the group of terrestrial orchids. This species has a spectacular flowering and its flowers have a wide range of colors.

This orchid gets its name from the first European able to reproduce and cultivate it successfully. The cattleya orchid is native to the Caribbean and Central America, is characterized by having large flowers and intense colors. So much so, that some flowers can reach more than 30 centimeters in diameter.

Is variety of orchids It is well known and, in fact, it is highly appreciated by florists and by interior and exterior design companies for its flowers, since 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.

Also commonly known as comet orchid, has striking flowers and elongated leaves that end in a kind of thread that almost touches 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.

This species originates from tropical Africa and from the island of Madagascar. The aerangis orchid is commonly called the 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 large bloom. Although its flowers are small and usually white, they have great ornamental value. In addition, it gives off a pleasant aroma.

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.

The phalaenopsis orchid It is one of the best known and most 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 beginners. In addition, they are very easy to reproduce by cuttings and there are 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.

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.

Its flowers are bright and have a varied coloration that goes from bluish tones to warmer ones like orange. It also has abundant flowering and its flowers are large. The vanda orchids They are characterized by their monopodial growth, that is, suspended on the branches of trees. They can also be kept as an indoor plant, since they require very basic care.

Here you can discover more about How to grow orchids on trees.

Also known as golden rain orchid due to the intense yellow color of its flowers, it is native to South America, but 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 out into large flowering panicles.

Another of the types of orchids that are exotic looking is the Lycaste orchid. One of the peculiarities of the lycaste orchid is that it reproduces by means of pseudobulbs. Folded leaves sprout from these and they 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 get.

This species has been created through hybridizations and crosses with other species of orchids. Like the Lycaste orchid, it reproduces by means of pseudobulbs, from which its leaves and flowers are born. The cambria orchid It’s one of the types of orchids that belong to the group of epiphytes and does not require too 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. In addition, below you will learn about their care.

To finish, we want to give you some tips to take care of orchids and, for this, we recommend you to consult the other EcologíaVerde articles that are part of the practical orchid care guide:

• Transplant 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 that explains the care of the Phalaenopsis orchid, which is the most common in homes.

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