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Discover 5 Different Types of Orchids

June 22, 2017

There is a vast amount of different types of orchids. Did you know there are more than 30,000 types of orchids, each with unique characteristics? It’s true. In fact, these exotic plants grow on every single continent (except Antarctica). If you love orchids as much as we do, you’re probably eager to discover these orchid types.

First, let’s brush up on your Phalaenopsis orchid knowledge, courtesy of the American Orchid Society.

If you’re a regular reader of the Just Add Ice® blog, you’re already familiar with their long-lasting and simple-care characteristics, which make them such a crowd pleaser. Their high success rate and widespread availability make them an easy item to buy again and again. This also makes them great gifts for any recipient, no matter their skill level. (Our extensive library of orchid care resources also helps; for instance, you can find tips on proper phalaenopsis orchid care in this short guide.)

Although we are partial to the Phalaenopsis orchid, we love all types of orchids and can’t deny that there are many interesting varieties out there. Here are some other well-known orchid types to discover:

Angraecum

types-of-orchids-angraecum

(Source: The American Orchid Society)

Discovered by Charles Darwin, the Agraecum orchid is a well-known species known for dramatic star-like leathery white blooms and their mid-winter blooming cycle. These two characteristics lends the orchid to its most common names, the "Comet orchid" and “Christmas orchid”. The bright white color and strong fragrance at night makes them attractive to moths, who help pollinate this monopodial species.

Dendrobium

types-of-orchids-Dendrobium

(Source: The American Orchid Society)

The Dendrobium Nobilé originates from South-East Asia, the Himalayan region, Malaysia, South China and Japan. It differentiates itself from the other orchid species with a stalk-like structure and the cluster of scented trumpet-like flowers which form opposite the axil of each leaf. The meaning of this orchid is refinement and beauty. They are popular in wedding bouquets and centerpiece sprays.

Cattleya

types-of-orchids-Cattleya

(Source: The American Orchid Society)

The popular Cattleya orchid is known as the “Queen of Orchids” due to its immaculate look. Known as epiphytes, they grow on trees or rocks and have bulb-like water-storage organs. They are often used as centerpiece flowers due to their long-lasting nature and aroma.

Cymbidium

types-of-orchids-Cymbidium

(Source: The American Orchid Society)

Also known as “boat orchids,” these eye-catching flowers produce sprays with dozens of large, brightly-colored blooms. They are characterized by thick roots and long, thin leaves which originate out of bulbs. They work well as cut flowers on corsages because their waxy appearance and ability to maintain their look for long periods once cut.

Paphiopedilum

Types-of-orchids-Paphiopedilum

(Source: The American Orchid Society)

Appropriately known as the “lady slipper orchid”, the Paphiopedilum pouch-shaped bloom is designed to trap insects as a way of increasing the likelihood of pollination. Additionally, the presence of duel anthers are a unique characteristic that allows them to produce double the amount of pollen. They’re characterized by blooms and leaves that are often speckled or mottled.

As you further explore more types of orchids, you can find a flower that hail from all kinds of diverse environments around the world. You can also find a flower in nearly any color. The indoor types of orchids produce flowers that last months at a time. When these houseplants start blooming, the flower show continues for a “long window” from four to 16 weeks. Phalaenopsis orchid flowers can linger from 80 to 120 days.  

One of the most interesting things about growing different types of orchids is how they grow. Most of the houseplant orchids and need good air flow around their roots. With indoor orchids, use an orchid potting mix that features some kind of blend of composted bark, expanded clay pellets, hardwood charcoal and peat moss or sand. The mix should create many air pockets for orchid roots to breathe. 

If you’re not ready to branch out and take on the challenge of new types of orchids, the Phalaenopsis has many varieties to try. In fact, we grow over 150 different varieties here at our Just Add Ice® greenhouses that we have tested to be durable and long-lasting.We’re always testing new varieties, so stay on the lookout for interesting colors and patterns to collect.

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