“Bring the Beauty of Nature Inside: Discover 25 Stunning Orchid Varieties Perfect for Indoor Gardening”

Mary Marlowe Leverette, an expert in housekeeping and textile conservation, shares her extensive knowledge on growing orchids at home. With more than 40 years of experience in gardening and over two decades of writing experience, Mary is a Master Gardener and a member of The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board. Debra LaGattuta, a Master Gardener with over 30 years of experience, specializes in perennial and flowering plants, container gardening, and raised bed vegetable gardening. She is also a lead gardener in a Plant-A-Row program that donates organically-grown vegetables to local food banks. As a member of The Spruce Garden Review Board, Debra provides valuable insights into gardening and plant care. Here are some of the best orchid types recommended by these experts for growing at home.

Leticia Almeida from The Spruce mentions that while there are plenty of unique and exotic orchids found all over the globe, only a few dozen types are suitable for growing as houseplants. If you learn how to properly care for and grow these 25 types of orchids, you might even develop a passion for them that leads to building your own greenhouse.

For those who want to grow orchids as houseplants, it is important to note that they require a significant amount of light. This can be achieved either through supplementary lighting or placing them in an area with sufficient natural light. East or south-facing windows are ideal locations as they provide the necessary bright light. However, north-facing windows do not offer enough light, and west-facing areas tend to get too hot during the afternoon. It is recommended to use a light, well-draining growing medium and an unglazed terracotta pot for adequate airflow. Orchid bark is a good choice for the growing medium. When orchids are in their active growth phase, they should be fed with orchid-specific fertilizer at half strength. To start your collection of orchids, these 25 types of orchids that can be grown as houseplants are listed alphabetically. For orchid novices, it is suggested to begin with Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, Dendrobium, or Cymbidium. The first orchid on the list is the Aerangis Orchid.

When it comes to growing Aerangis orchids, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. These beautiful tropical orchids thrive in a well-aerated environment with plenty of sunlight and humidity. To get the best results, it’s important to feed them regularly. These orchids are native to Tropical Africa and Madagascar and can grow anywhere from 6 to 24 inches depending on the species. For optimal growth, they prefer partial sun and bright filtered light. So if you’re looking to add some unique and stunning orchids to your collection, give Aerangis orchids a try!

If you’re looking for a unique and beautiful addition to your indoor garden, consider the Ascocenda orchid. These stunning plants are actually a hybrid of Vanda and Ascocentrum orchids, resulting in a compact plant with jewel-like flowers that grow along a single upward-growing main stem. Originating from the Asian tropics, the height of these orchids can vary by species, but they all require strong, bright light to thrive. Another interesting option is the Brassavola orchid, which comes in a variety of species and boasts unique features that make it a standout among other orchids.

The Brassavola orchids, with their slender petals and sweet fragrance, are often white or greenish in color. These flowers rely on moths for pollination, hence the recurring white color. The Brassavola genus encompasses over 20 species, with the ‘Lady of the Night’ or B. nodosa being a beginner-friendly option. These orchids hail from Central and South America, as well as the West Indies, and require bright light for optimal growth.

The spider orchid, known for its unusual sepal shapes that resemble spider legs, requires high humidity and warmth for optimal growth. Brassia orchids produce vibrant blooms in shades of orange, red, and more. These orchids are native to Mexico and South America and can vary in height depending on the species. Bright indoor lighting is ideal for their sun exposure needs. Another type of orchid, the Catasetum Orchid, is also worth noting.

The Catasetum genus is famous for its unique and waxy flowers that come in both male and female varieties. Interestingly, the male and female flowers of this orchid bear little resemblance to each other. The male flowers have a special mechanism that ejects pollen onto bees that visit them. During winter dormancy, this deciduous plant naturally loses its leaves. These orchids are native to Central America and Northern South America and grow to varying heights depending on the species. They thrive in bright, diffused indoor light. Another popular orchid is the Cattleya Orchid, known as Cattleya spp.

Cattleya orchids are well-known for their diverse range of colors and forms due to widespread hybridization. These orchids feature attractive freckles, streaks and bicolor patterns that add to their appeal. Some species of Cattleya orchids are even fragrant and are a popular choice for corsages. These orchids are native to Central and South America and can grow anywhere from 3 inches to 2 feet depending on the species. They thrive under bright indoor light conditions. Moving on to Cymbidium Orchids, they are also known as Cymbidium spp.

Cymbidium orchids, also called boat orchids, are a popular choice due to their numerous flower spikes that showcase an impressive display. For those new to orchid growing, the lime green ‘Chica’, yellow and red ‘Showoff’, and bright pink ‘Frae’ are highly recommended and have received recognition from the American Orchid Society. These orchids are native to tropical and subtropical areas in Asia and Australia and can grow up to four feet tall. They thrive in bright, diffused indoor light. Another type of orchid, Dendrobium orchids (Dendrobium spp.), is also worth considering.

When it comes to Dendrobium orchids, their top-heavy blooms usually require staking due to their large size. This orchid genus is so vast with over 2,000 species, making it difficult to categorize them easily. The common types of Dendrobium orchids typically showcase white, yellow, or purple blooms and are native to Asia, Australia, and Pacific islands. Depending on the species, these orchids can grow from 6 inches to 4 feet in height. Bright diffused indoor light is recommended for optimal growth. To learn more about growing and caring for Dendrobium orchids, be sure to watch our tutorial. Moving on to Encyclia orchids (Encyclia spp.), continue reading below.

Encyclia orchids, commonly known as cockleshell orchids, flourish when grown on an orchid mount to mimic their natural epiphytic growth conditions. This orchid is nicknamed the octopus orchid due to its pendant petals and sepals that resemble the creature’s tentacles. While it is not known for its fragrance, it can bloom for several months in a row. Encyclia orchids are native to Florida, Mexico, and the Caribbean and can grow up to 2 feet tall depending on the species. They require medium to bright diffused indoor light to thrive. Another popular type of orchid is the Epidendrum Orchid, or Epidendrum spp., which also requires similar growing conditions.

The Epidendrum genus is an extensive one, consisting of over 1,000 pure species and numerous hybrids. These plants bloom petite flowers and require a high level of brightness to thrive. For indoor cultivation, supplemental grow lights are necessary. The native habitat of Epidendrum orchids is in tropical and subtropical regions of North and South America, with the height of the plant varying from 6 inches to 6 feet depending on the species. Laelia orchids are yet another fascinating addition to the orchid family.

If you’re searching for a reliable orchid species, look no further than the Laelia genus. It’s a hardworking group that can be easily crossed with other orchid types. These orchids typically blossom during autumn or winter, after their growing period. The most common species are L. rubescens and L. anceps, featuring inflorescence ranging between one and three feet, with flowers usually in white or pale lavender hues. They are native to North and South America and can grow to varying heights depending on the species. For optimal growth, they require bright indoor lighting. Another great orchid to consider is the Ludisia Orchid, also known as Ludisia discolor.

The Ludisia orchid, also known as the jewel orchid, is a visually appealing plant that looks good both in and out of bloom. Its lush, dark green leaves have a velvety texture, and it produces many stems of small white flowers once a year. While this orchid genus only has one species and can be difficult to find, it is relatively easy to cultivate once you obtain it. The plant is native to Southern and Southeast Asia, and typically grows to a height of 3 to 18 inches. It thrives in bright, diffused indoor light. Another type of orchid worth noting is the Miltonia orchid, which belongs to a large genus of orchids known for their fragrant, showy flowers.

The pansy orchid is aptly named due to its facial features resembling those of our beloved cool-weather annual. In contrast to pansies, however, the Miltonia orchid blooms from late spring to summer and comprises 12 epiphytic species and various natural hybrids. These orchids hail from Brazil, Colombia, and Costa Rica and grow to be around 12-20 inches tall. They thrive in bright, diffused indoor light. Another well-known orchid species is the Phalaenopsis orchid, which belongs to the Phalaenopsis genus.

The Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as moth orchids, are a great option for those new to orchid care. They can handle being repotted poorly, have a long blooming season, and are simple to propagate through their keiki offshoots. With about 75 types of species and numerous cultivars available, there is a wide range of colors to choose from. These orchids are native to regions like India, China, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and Australia and can reach heights of 1 to 3 feet depending on the species. They require indirect indoor light or a shady outdoor environment within their hardiness zone. Another type of orchid that’s worth mentioning are the Phaius orchids, which belong to the Phaius genus.

If you happen to have a Phaius orchid as part of your collection, you’ll soon realize that these tall plants aren’t meant for windowsills. With large, strap-like leaves and numerous flower spikes in shades of white, purple, or yellow, this winter-blooming plant is also known as the nun’s cap orchid. There are approximately 45 species within the Phaius genus, but the most commonly cultivated one is Phaius tancarvilleae, which is frequently referred to as the nun’s orchid. These plants are native to tropical regions in Africa, Asia, Australia, and Pacific islands and can grow anywhere from one to four feet, depending on the species. Bright indoor light is the ideal setting for these beauties. Another popular type of orchid is the Phragmipedium orchid, which we’ll cover next.

If you have a tendency to overwater your orchids, then the Phragmipedium genus might be just what you need. Unlike other orchids, these plants thrive in wetness and can even handle having “wet feet.” You can easily identify them by their unique flower shape with a small pouch and Fu Manchu mustache petals. There are approximately 20 known species of Phragmipedium, which are native to tropical Central and South America as well as Southwest Mexico. Depending on the species, these orchids can grow up to three feet tall and require bright indoor light. Moving on, another interesting type of orchid is the Psychopsis, which goes by the scientific name Psychopsis spp.

The butterfly orchids, also known as Psychopsis, are highly underrated and deserve more attention. These orchids are not only easy to cultivate, but they also sport stunning flowers with unique burgundy and green speckled foliage. If you provide moderate light, they can bloom for months and they can handle a wide range of temperatures. The Psychopsis genus is relatively small with only five recognized species, and they are native to Central and South America, as well as Trinidad. Oncidium orchids, or Oncidium spp., are another great option.

If you notice that your orchid has a resemblance to a graceful dancer, then it is likely to be an Oncidium orchid. Among the many species of this genus, the Oncidium ‘Sharry Baby’ is also known as the chocolate orchid due to its delightful sprays of brownish flowers that emit a rich aroma of cocoa. These orchids are mostly epiphytic and can grow on other plants, absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air. There are over 300 species of Oncidium orchids in the world, and they are native to Mexico, Central and South America, and the West Indies. They can grow up to 10 feet tall, depending on the species and require bright indirect light for optimal growth.

In addition, the Rhynchostylis Orchid is another type of orchid with beautiful flowers.

Rhynchostylis orchids are not the easiest plant to care for, making them unsuitable for novice gardeners. They need proper attention and regular maintenance to thrive as they are vulnerable to various damages. You need to keep a check on factors like sunlight exposure that can cause leaf-tip burn or discolorations. Also, poor drainage can damage the roots, so make sure to keep the containers free from water clogging. Despite the challenges, these orchids are worth the effort due to their stunning visual appeal when hanging in an orchid basket. Rhynchostylis orchids are native to Southeast Asia and can grow to varying heights depending on their species. They require bright filtered light to grow. Another orchid worth mentioning is the Schomburgkia Orchid.

The Schomburgkia orchids are massive plants that flourish in hot, tropical environments. These plants reach an impressive size as they mature, with some of them growing up to five feet tall and producing up to 15 stunning flowers. They are native to Mexico and South America and come in different species with heights ranging from 5 to 60 inches. For optimal growth, ensure that they receive bright light. Moving on to the Spathoglottis Orchid…

The Spathoglottis orchid, also known as garden orchids, is a type of orchid genus that comprises around 40 species. It’s an excellent starting point for individuals who are new to orchid cultivation, and it’s quite straightforward to grow. These orchids are native to Southeast Asia and India, with varying heights depending on the species. While some species require bright light, others can thrive in the sun. The Trichocentrum Orchid is rated 22 out of 25.

According to orchid lovers, Trichocentrums, which are also known as mule ear orchids, are considered to be one of the most attractive orchid species due to their large leaves that can grow up to 24 inches long. They are epiphytes and T. undulatum, which is common in South Florida, produces yellow flowers, while T. tigrinum is probably the most beautiful species with its large mixed purple and white flowers. It is also known to be one of the easier species to cultivate. These orchids are native to Southern North America and South America and their height varies depending on the species. They thrive well in bright indoor light. Lastly, the Vanda Orchid completes the list of 25 beautiful orchids.

The Vanda orchid family is well-known for its beautiful, sweet-smelling flowers that last for extended periods. These lovely plants are frequently found growing in baskets designed specifically for orchids, or they can be grown using a coarse planting medium. If you want to take care of these plants, it’s essential to keep them in an environment with high humidity and bright light, as they are quite particular about their living conditions. The Vanda genus comprises approximately 80 species, primarily from East and Southeast Asia, and can grow up to three feet tall. Finally, the Vanilla Orchid is one of the 80 species and requires similar living conditions to thrive.

The vanilla orchid is a popular source of natural vanilla flavoring that is widely used in desserts and beverages. The plant produces seed pods that require careful cultivation and hand-pollination to grow successfully. To thrive, this vining orchid needs high humidity and moisture and should not be allowed to dry out. It also requires regular fertilization, making it a high-maintenance option that may not be suitable for novice growers. While challenging to cultivate, the beautiful vanilla orchid is worth the effort for those who can succeed. This orchid is native to North America, the Caribbean, and Central America, and can grow up to 8-10 ft. long. It thrives in bright indoor light. Lastly, the Zygopetalum orchid is another variety of orchid that can be explored by enthusiasts.

The Zygopetalum orchids are a healthy option for those who love plants. These orchids produce fragrant blooms that have a range of scents from chocolaty to spicy and even floral. Their blooming period is between fall and spring, and with proper care, they can bloom four times a year for around three to four weeks. The Zygopetalum orchid’s flowers are two to four inches in size and come in shades of purple, burgundy, green, and white. They also have spotted and patterned petals and lips. Some hybrids of these orchids even produce blue flowers, which is rare among orchids. These orchids are mainly found in South America, particularly in Brazil, and can grow up to two feet. They thrive best in bright diffused indoor light.