The 20 Best Types of Orchids to Buy and Grow

Also called moth orchids, these are the most commonly grown orchid in the U.S., says Hancock. 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.

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.

These have similar care requirements to dendrobiums. Generally, oncidiums require lower humidity levels than other types.

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 Hancock. Keep them moist—never soggy, but never dry.

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.

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 Hancock.

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.

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.

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.

This is definitely one of the more rare and difficult orchids. Psychopsis papilio have long stems with unusual red and yellow flowers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Hancock.

The encyclia, or cockleshell 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.

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.

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.

Grown as a landscape plant in warm climates, epidendrum orchids like lots of bright light and well-draining soil.

These eye-catching orchids have fun, crazy-looking sepals that make them irresistible. Brassia are sometimes called spider orchids.