Orchid Types

Orchids are beautiful and they have attracted people since generations. The orchid family is a diverse group of plant species that has been classified into a number of types, depending upon external characters and features. All different orchid types belong to the family Orchidaceae. Majority of these plants are distributed in tropical regions of Central and South America and in Asia. The trees bear colorful flowers and their physical traits varies from species to species. Coming up with different types of orchids, I'm sure you will find it interesting to read.

Types of Orchids

If we categorize them according to growth requirements, then they are broadly divided as epiphytes and terrestrial. Epiphytes grow on trees while the terrestrial species grow on ground. The terrestrial orchids are more popular than the epiphytes, having root system growing above the ground. Dendrobiums is the best example of epiphytes, while Cymbidium is the most widely occurring terrestrial or ground orchid.

Tulip Orchids
Also known as Anguloa, this a terrestrial orchid have plicate and lanceolate leaves. The leaves are very long and can extend to 1 m. The flowers arise from the pseudobulb and smells like cinnamon. Hybrids are produced by combining two different species and all total there are 9 species of Anguloa. It grows in the forest regions of Peru, Ecuador, Columbia and Venezuela. The flowers resemble tulips and hence it's named as tulip orchid.

Dendrobium
Dendrobium is one of the most largely occurring genus having a numerous species. It's a white orchid type and is popularly known as restaurant orchid. The hybrids bear pink, green, yellow and purple flowers. They are normally used during wedding seasons and festivals for decorative purposes. The leaves are ovate while the flowers have different shapes. This epiphytic plant thrive well all over Australia, Guinea, China, New Zealand, etc.

Moth Orchids
Moth orchids or Phalaenopsis orchids belong to the genus Phalaenopsis and nearly has 60 species. They bear purplish pink flowers are readily sold in horticulture and standard grocery shops. It has a typical feature bearing colorful spikes that are intensely attractive. They are used as presents for loved ones and are also kept as houseplants. Phalaenopsis aphrodite or moon orchid grows marvelous white flowers. Moth orchids are mostly seen in Asia.

Boat Orchids
The genus Cymbidium has large and showy flowers ranging from red, yellow, green, red and peach colored flowers. They look royal when ornamented in vases. Cymbidium has 50 different species that are evergreen. One more interesting fact is, boat orchid is used for culinary purposes in Bhutan. These orchids gained polarity in Europe during the Victorian era. One of the most beautiful species is Cymbidium clarisse blooming with bright pink flowers.

Milt Orchid
Also known as Miltonia, is occurs mostly in Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. It's a type of orchid that is used as horticultural purposes in Central America. It's an epiphytic orchid that bears waxy flowers on its inflorescence. The flowers have exotic scents and you can keep them at your house to create a soothing ambiance. The common species are M. flavescens and M. russelliana. The flowers have wide variation in color that makes them so versatile and highly lovable.

Other Types of Orchids
Apart from these, there are many other types having numerous species. Check out the list to know some more varieties of Orchid genus.

• Paphiopedilum
• Cattleya
• Oncidium,
• Sophronitis
• Catasetum
• Phaius
• Laelia
• Epidendrum
• Vanda
• Brassia
• Dracula
• Eulophia
• Oeceoclades
• Selenipedium
• Beloglottis
• Acanthephippium
• Zygopetalum
• Coryanthes
• Pleurothallis
• Thrixspermum
• Odontoglossum

Caring for orchids is one of the quintessential factors needed for the growth of the plants. The conditions required varies according to the species. In this context you can go through the orchid care tips. If you are planning to set up an orchid garden, then check the details with horticulturists.