Mary Marlowe Leverette is a well-known expert in the housekeeping and fabric care industry, offering valuable insights on how to efficiently manage household chores, laundry, and textile preservation. She has over four decades of experience as a Master Gardener and more than two decades of writing experience. Additionally, Mary serves on The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board.
Due to their exotic charm and widespread availability, orchids have become a very popular indoor plant. Once you’ve mastered the art of growing orchids, it can almost become an addiction due to their diverse range and colorful blossoms. With over 28,000 accepted species, there’s an orchid color to suit everyone’s taste, ranging from red to blue to black. In this article, we’ll examine the various shades of orchids and help you identify some of the species that bloom in your preferred color. Most of the orchids we’ll discuss are easy to find and cultivate. Cattleya orchids produce large blooms once a year and need plenty of light to flower. Phalaenopsis, or moth orchids, have lengthy, contoured sprays of vibrant flowers that stay fresh for months and require less light than cattleyas, making them suitable for most household settings. Dendrobium orchids have long, elegant sprays of flowers that remain open for up to four weeks.
Brighten up your home with stunning red orchids that come in varying shades of ruby. There are three unique varieties to choose from. The ‘Why Not’ is a cattleya orchid that produces clusters of red blooms with gold accents on the stems. Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi var. chattalade ‘#1’ is a compact species with ever-blooming flower stems and glossy dark red blooms. Lastly, the Jewel Box ‘Dark Waters’ is a hybrid orchid that produces true red blooms measuring almost 3 inches across and is a crossbreed between sophronitis, laelia, and cattleya species. Add some color to your home with these bright red orchids!
If you’re looking for a reliable and beautiful option for your orchid collection, pink orchids are a classic choice. There are many variations of pink orchids available, from delicate shades to bold, bright colors. One popular option is Jiaho’s Pink Girl ‘Little Miss’ orchid, which produces small, lightly fragrant pink blooms. Another option is the Pink Twilight ‘Horizon’ brassolaeliocattleya, which grows very large and produces large, fragrant blooms in a rich shade of pink. If you’re looking for something with a bit of flair, the Cattleya ‘Benin’ hybrid features vibrant pink spots on a solid pink or white throat. Of course, if you prefer a more classic look, white orchids are always a timeless option.
With their elegant and delicate appearance, white orchids are a popular choice for adding to bouquets and vases. Among the many varieties available, Dendrobium anosmum ‘White’ is a fragrant species that blooms in the spring and is native to Southeast Asia. The flowers grow on spikes and last for around a month. Another beautiful option is the ‘Cattleya Dolosa’ (Cattleya loddigesii × Cattleya walkeriana) var. alba – a fragrant cattleya with stunning white blooms that are often used in wedding bouquets or corsages. For those looking for a touch of color, the Phalaenopsis ‘Taisuco Kochdian’ (Phal. Kochs Schneestern x Phal. Meridian) boasts spikes of large white flowers with a hint of pink in the throat. And for those who want something truly unique, blue orchids are a stunning choice.
Encountering blue orchids in their natural state is a rare sight, but thanks to the efforts of horticulturists around the world, blue orchids can now be grown anywhere. The Vanda coerulea, also known as the Blue Vanda, is a genuine blue orchid discovered by William Griffith in 1837. The Thelymitra crinita or Blue Lady Orchid has stunning blue petals that blend perfectly with the black and yellow columns at the center and can only be found in southwest Australia. For those seeking blue orchids that are not naturally occurring, growers dye white phalaenopsis blooms using a special formula injected through a small hole in the stem. The dyeing process is completed within 24 hours, and the hole is sealed with wax to prevent further color change. Purple orchids are another beautiful variety to consider.
Purple orchids are a stunning addition to any houseplant collection. Not only are they beautiful, but they also emit a lovely fragrance that will fill your space with a pleasant aroma. The Den. Hamana Lake ‘Kumi’ (Den. Super Star × Den. Warabe) is a petite denrobium orchid that produces lightly scented, pinkish-purple flowers with a white center. If you’re looking for a showstopper, the Cattleya lueddemanniana will not disappoint. This variety, native to Venezuela, boasts fragrant and flamboyant purple blooms. Meanwhile, the Cattleya harrisoniae ‘Homestead’ hails from southeastern Brazil and features tall stems with large purple flowers adorned with white lips on the edge of the throat. On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for something different, green orchids can be an interesting and unique choice.
The development of green orchids resulted in the production of hybrid varieties that have waxy and long-lasting flowers. One such hybrid is Rlc. ‘Prada Green Deluxe’ which belongs to the rhyncholaeliocattleya family and has a pair of fragrant light green showy flowers every year. Another unique orchid is Den. ‘Peng Seng’ which has long-lasting waxy flowers with lime green petals and a deep red throat. Meanwhile, Dendrobium ‘Little Green Apples’, a hard-caned Latouria type dendrobium, produces waxy and long-lasting green flowers that can last for up to six weeks. On the other hand, orange orchids are also available for those who prefer a different color.
Looking for a unique and bold option for your orchid collection? Consider the rare and stunning orange orchids! With bright clusters of orange flowers, the Rth. Love Passion ‘Orange Bird’ and Rlc. Asia Pacific varieties are sure to make a statement. For a more traditional cattleya hybrid, check out the fragrant and showy blooms of the Rlc. Asia Pacific or the medium-sized spray of the Ctt. Caribbean Treat. Don’t be afraid to add a pop of color with these orange beauties!
Evgeniya Vlasova from The Spruce highlights the optimistic and cheerful nature of yellow orchids, which symbolize joy, friendship, and new beginnings. Among the yellow orchid varieties, the article mentions Rlc. Husky Boy ‘Michael’, a rhyncholaeliocattleya hybrid with small golden yellow flowers and a red picotee on the lip. Another variety is Den. Golden Blossom ‘Kogane’, whose flowers start as light yellow and darken to golden yellow with age. Finally, the article mentions Dendrobium aggregatum, which blooms in showy sprays of yellow buttercup flowers and is native to Thailand and Southeast Asia. While the focus is on yellow orchids, the article also teases the existence of brown and black orchids.
Although brown is not a typical color we associate with healthy plants, it’s a welcome and modern hue for brown and black orchid flowers. The Cymbidium ‘Magic Chocolate’ boasts brown petals with a white and brown speckled throat that is simply stunning. Another unique option is the Dendrobium spectabile, which features light green petals with dark brown veins and a throat. For those seeking a true black orchid, the Monnierara Millennium Magic ‘Witchcraft’ is a rare find. Its arching stems can sustain up to twelve fragrant black flowers with a red flushed central column that adds an extra touch of allure.