What’s your favorite Orchid? While there are many thousands of Orchidaceae species only so many grow well in homes. Here is our selection:
Corsage Orchid – Cattleya
This species native to Central and South America has many lush colored flower varieties to choose from. These flowers have a delightful fragrance when in bloom and last 2-3 weeks (up to 6 weeks for some hybrids). A temperature drop during the evenings and enough light is required for healthy blooms.
Lycaste
The Lycaste is the national flower of Guatemala and can be highly fragrant depending on the species. This is a genus of approximately 30 species. These produce flowers that are medium in size (around 2-3 inches) and a number of different colors with many blooming on pseudobulbs that have no leaves.
Moth Orchid – Phalaenopsis
The Moth orchid is native to China, Southeast-Asia and other countries south and east of out planet. Phals are by far one of the most popular grown indoors in the west. Tall growing stalks and plenty of attractive blooms flourish throughout the year and they can last for over 3 months if given good growing conditions.
Slipper Orchid – Paphiopedilum
Paphs are very popular due to their ease of growing indoors and attractive blooms. Given the common name of slipper because of its distinct slipper shaped pouch. There are many varieties and hybrids that have been cultivated. These are terrestrial plants, unlike many other orchids that grow on trees and can be planted in a heavier soil mixture (still needs to provide plenty of air to the roots).
Paphiopedilum Concolor
The One Colored Paphiopedilum Concolor is the common name for this orchid species from the Paphiopedilum genus. These bloom a flower with a pouch which is why they can also be named the slipper orchid (it’s one type of slipper orchid). This species displays beautiful yellow or cream colored flowers that are speckled. Flowers bloom from spring – summer and last for up to 8 weeks.
Orchid Cactus
Orchid cactus native of southern Mexico flourishes in the tropical environment. Despite the name cactus, it enjoys water. Natural growth periods are in the spring and fall only. Its scientific name has recently been changed to Disocactus ackermannii from the previous Epiphyllum ackermannii, rendering some amount of confusion in the botanical world.
Elyssa Goins is an experienced house plant hobbyist who maintains over a hundred plants. She is a gardener, beekeeper, and a proud mother of four. She is a member of the American Horticultural Society, has been published in a Scientific Journal, and loves to talk about her love of plants. For the past twenty years, she’s been all about growing and caring for various fruits, veggies, herbs, livestock, kids, and houseplants. Managing a big garden to feed four growing kids and raising dairy goats has taught her so much about being an excellent plant parent and now is her time to share with you.
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