![20 Most Beautiful Orchids You Can Grow at Home (1) 20 Most Beautiful Orchids You Can Grow at Home (1)](https://i0.wp.com/hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/exotic-orchids-on-display-at-the-akatsuka-orchid-gardens-on-news-photo-1641420186.jpg?crop=0.668xw:1.00xh;0.285xw,0&resize=640:*)
Orchids are the largest family of plants in the world. With more than 25,000 species, different types of orchids range in size from a few inches to a few feet tall and they come in almost every color except for black. Many orchids grow in the tropics and don’t adapt easily to life in our homes, where they need a very specific growing setup to thrive. But don’t give up on growing orchids just yet!
"Orchids look exotic so they’ve earned a reputation for being difficult," says Justin Hanco*ck, horticulturist with Costa Farms. "But some types are sturdy and easy to grow and work well as houseplants or landscape plants." Another plus? The flowers can last for weeks!
Some types of orchids are epiphytes, growing on tree limbs or trunks and gathering moisture from the air, while other varieties grow in soil. Many orchids do best as houseplants, though a few types will grow as landscape plants. Nearly all of these stunning plants need bright light—and lots of it, though some types will tolerate medium light. When growing indoors, south and east-facing windows are best; west often are too hot, especially in the south, and orchids don’t like direct sunlight. North-facing windows are too dark. In general, many types of orchids like to dry out between waterings.
While not every orchid is considered easy to grow, there are many less fussy types that will thrive with the right conditions. Here are the most beautiful orchids you can try growing at home, indoors or out.
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1
Phalaenopsis, standard
Also called moth orchids, these are the most commonly grown orchid in the U.S., says Hanco*ck. You’ll find these sold everywhere, so they’re a great inexpensive starter orchid for everyone. They may be sold growing in moss or bark, but let them dry out (feel the planting medium!) between waterings. If you’d like to feed them, use an orchid fertilizer so you will not burn the exposed roots.
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2
Dendrobium
There are hundreds of types of dendrobiums, but the most common resemble the Phalaenopsis-style blooms with butterfly-like flowers on thin, tall stems. They’re a more upright plant. Follow the same care tips as Phalaenopsis, and let them dry out slightly between waterings.
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3
Oncidium
These have similar care requirements to dendrobiums. Generally, oncidiums require lower humidity levels than other types.
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4
Paphiopedilum
Also called slipper orchids, these orchids have elegant blossoms with the lower petals fused into a pouch or slipper-like shape. They don’t like to dry out quite as much as other types, says Hanco*ck. Keep them moist—never soggy, but never dry.
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5
Cymbidium
Cymbidiums come in a wide range of sizes and colors and have thick, waxy flowers. They need a constant supply of moisture and cooler temperatures to bloom. There are standard and miniature types, and this type is often used in spring corsages.
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6
Vanda
Vandas often are sold without any planting medium, mounted on a piece of wood or set in a big basket with their roots dangling. Mist the roots every few days because they like higher humidity levels. Their foliage almost resembles that of lilies. Some vandas are available in a stunning violet-blue color, a shade which is unusual for the plant world. They can be a bit more challenging to grow, says Hanco*ck.
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7
Zygopetalum
Zygopetalum orchids, often called zygos for short, require care that’s similar to what dendrobiums and oncidiums prefer. Some have attractive mottled petals, while others have a strong scent.
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8
Phaius
Phaius grows in potting mix, as opposed to orchids that grow in bark or moss. It’s a real showstopper when in bloom, reaching heights of 4 feet. This type of orchid is becoming more readily available in recent years.
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9
Cypripedium
Known commonly as the lady slipper orchid, this is a native North American landscape plant that grows in cold climates and flowers in early to mid-spring. They’re quite expensive and not the easiest to grow in your garden, but they are eye-catching when in bloom.
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10
Psychopsis papilio
This is definitely one of the more rare and difficult orchids. Psychopsis papilio have long stems with unusual red and yellow flowers.
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11
Bletilla
Known as ground orchid and native to Asia, this hardy orchid is grown as a landscape plant where the ground does not freeze. Lavender or white flowers bloom in the spring.
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12
Ludisia
Also known as the jewel orchid, this plant has pretty variegated leaves. It’s actually grown more for its leaves than for its diminutive whitish to pink flowers.
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13
Cattleya
Commonly known as the corsage orchid, these pretty flowers need to dry out between waterings. They’re easier than many other types to grow, but they do need tons of bright light.
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14
Brassavola nodosa
Also called lady of the night, this orchid has beautiful white flowers with a strong scent. It’s not particularly common but it’s a lovely orchid, which likes conditions similar to what cattleya orchids prefer.
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15
Goodyera
Also called the rattlesnake orchid due to its patterned leaves, this is a considered a landscape plant. It’s not the easiest plant to find, and it also can sometimes be a little fussy to grow, says Hanco*ck.
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16
Encyclia
The encyclia, or co*ckleshell orchid, has an intriguing shape, with the flower resembling a clam shell. It can be a difficult orchid to find, but it is quite charming.
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17
Miltonia
It’s easy to see why miltonia orchids also are known as pansy orchids, because they strongly resemble this iconic springtime flower. They prefer cool temperatures and will not flower if kept above 80 degrees.
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18
Lycaste
The lycaste orchid produces long-lasting triangular flowers, which are quite eye-catching. They are deciduous, meaning they’ll lose their leaves every winter when they go dormant.
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19
Epidendrum
Grown as a landscape plant in warm climates, epidendrum orchids like lots of bright light and well-draining soil.
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20
Brassia
These eye-catching orchids have fun, crazy-looking sepals that make them irresistible. Brassia are sometimes called spider orchids.