English gardens orchid-tips-typesorchid tips & types english gardens
Author: Ivica M
Reading time: 7 minutes
Plant Types: Orchids — The Ultimate Guide to Nature’s Floral Superstars
Hello, green thumbs and flower fanatics! Imagine if Robin Williams took a break from his whirlwind comedy to whisper secrets about orchids — those mysterious, elegant plants that look like they came from another planet. Well, here’s my best shot at channeling his wit and wisdom to bring you the full scoop on orchids, from types and care to blooming magic.
What Makes Orchids So Special?
Orchids are the divas of the plant world — exotic, intricate, and a little dramatic. With over 25,000 species, they’re one of the largest and most diverse plant families on Earth. They captivate us with their unusual flower shapes, vibrant colors, and that sweet perfume that screams “I’m fancy!”
Orchid Types: Know Your Bloomers
1. Epiphytic Orchids — The Tree Huggers
These orchids grow on other plants (usually trees) and don’t soil their roots with dirt. Instead, they soak up moisture and nutrients from the air. Phalaenopsis (moth orchids) and Cattleya are popular examples.
- Care Highlights: Use airy, well-draining orchid bark mixes. Bright, indirect light and good humidity are key.
2. Terrestrial Orchids — The Ground Dwellers
Unlike their epiphytic cousins, these grow in soil. Examples include some species of Cypripedium (lady’s slipper orchids).
- Care Highlights: Plant in rich, well-drained soil with some organic matter. Keep soil moist but not soggy.
3. Lithophytic Orchids — The Rock Climbers
These rare orchids grow on rocks, using minimal soil. They love well-draining, mineral-rich environments.
- Care Highlights: Mimic their natural habitat with rock-based media and good airflow.
Orchid Anatomy 101
To care for orchids like a pro, know your parts:
- Roots: Thick and fleshy, often green when healthy (means hydrated).
- Pseudobulbs: Storage organs in some orchids for water and nutrients.
- Leaves: Usually thick and leathery; color and texture tell their health story.
- Flowers: The star attraction, often symmetrical and designed to attract pollinators uniquely.
Orchid Care Basics
Light: Bright but indirect. Too much sun = crispy leaves; too little = no flowers.
Water: Water once a week in general. Let roots dry out slightly between watering — orchids hate soggy feet!
Humidity: They love 50–70% humidity. Use pebble trays or humidifiers indoors.
Fertilizer: Feed with orchid-specific fertilizer every 2 weeks during growth, monthly otherwise.
Potting Media: Use bark, sphagnum moss, or specialized orchid mix, never regular potting soil.
Common Orchid Problems and How to Fix Them
- Root rot: Caused by overwatering; fix by repotting and trimming rotten roots.
- Leaf spots: Could be fungal or bacterial; remove affected leaves and improve airflow.
- No blooms: Often a light or temperature issue — orchids need a cool night to trigger flowers.
- Pests: Watch out for mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Blooming Secrets
Patience is your best friend. Most orchids bloom once or twice a year. After blooming, don’t cut the flower spike immediately—some varieties can rebloom from old spikes.
Why Grow Orchids?
They’re stunning, rewarding, and each bloom is like holding a tiny work of art. Plus, they’re a great conversation starter: “Oh, this little gem? It’s an orchid. No big deal.”
Final Notes
Orchids may look complicated, but with some love, attention, and a little bit a zest for life, you’ll have these floral superstars thriving and dazzling everyone around.
Published: 10.07.2025
Orchid Care
For the novice orchid grower, it can be difficult to know where to start with plants that have a reputation for being complicated or delicate. With just a little knowledge of an orchid’s growing preferences however, any gardener can care for these entrancing plants. We have picked six common orchid types that are good entry points for the beginning orchardist. When trying to identify your orchid, always look for any tags provided with your plant. If that is not an option, compare the shape of your plant’s flower to the pictures below, to see which is most similar.
Click the links below to learn about proper orchid care techniques and strategies:
Common Pests (English/Spanish)
And learn how to best care for a specific genus of orchid using our printable pamphlets:
Learn how to care for orchids at home with the Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection’s Lead Horticulturist Justin Kondrat:
Additional Reading
Read about the Smithsonian Gardens Collection and learn some tips and tricks from the experts in the various articles linked below:
- Orchid Digest – America’s Orchid Collection of the Smithsonian Institution
- Orchid Digest – Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection: A Museum Without Walls
- Smithsonian Mag – Is This Endangered Orchid the Last of its Kind?
- Better Homes and Gardens – How to Propagate Orchids
- Better Homes and Gardens – How to Prune Orchids
- Better Homes and Gardens – Orchid Care After Blooming
- Better Homes and Gardens – Orchid Fertilizing Tips
Care of Cattleya
Native to Costa Rica and much of South America, this flamboyant, many colored orchid was extremely popular in flower arrangements (especially for corsages, as its name implies) in the 1950s. It typically has large, fragrant flowers which last for a shorter period of time than other orchids.
Care of Cymbidium
Cymbidiums are recognized by their plentiful, strap-like foliage and dense clusters of long-lasting flowers. Popular as cut flowers or grown as an ornamental, Cymbidiums are semi-terrestrial orchids from tropical and subtropical Asia and parts of Australia.
Care of Dendrobium
This genus of orchid, first described in 1799, is made up of over 1,000 species. Some Dendrobiums are evergreen, some are deciduous, and some are a mixture of the two. The types of Dendrobiums found in most stores are evergreen Phalaenopsis-type hybrids.
Care of Oncidium
Oncidiums belong to a large and diverse family of orchids whose common name comes from the shape of its highly modified, ruffled flower. Oncidiums’ habitats are so diverse that they can be one of the more challenging orchids for beginners.
Care of Paphiopedilum
Paphiopedilums are southeast Asian orchids which are native to humid forests. They are most notable for their unusual, pouch-shaped flowers.
Care of Phalaenopsis
Popular since Victorian times, this moth-shaped orchid is now what most people think of when they think “orchid.” Phalaenopses are showy, come in many varieties, and are naturally comfortable in home environments.
https://peasantplants.com/articles/plants/the-complete-guide-to-orchids-types-care-and-secrets-to-bloom-like-a-prohttps://gardens.si.edu/collections/plants/orchids/orchid-care-sheets/
