Alphabetical Plant Listing

12 Most Popular Orchids

Cattleya, Cymbidium, Cypripedium, Dendrobium, Masdevallia, Miltoniopsis, Oncidium, Paphiopedilum, Phalaenopsis, Phragmipedium, Vanda, Zygopetalum


Orchids belong to one of the two largest plant families (Orchidaceae) that includes about 900 genera and 25,000 species. They can be found on every continent except Antartica. They are, however, predominantly found in the tropics.

Orchids are incredibly beautiful. Aside from their beauty, some orchids exude a wonderful fragrance. Their scent can leave an impression greater than the orchid itself.

Unlike other houseplants, orchids do not grow in soil. Potting an orchid in soil is the best way to kill it. Most orchids in the wild are epiphytic - they grow on trees, attaching themselves by thick roots to the sides of the trees or on their branches. They absorb water and nutrients from the air and rain and whatever drips down the tree. They have to survive for weeks, if not months, without rainfall, hoarding water in thick leaves, stems and roots.

Here are 12 of the most popular orchids commonly available today. Fairly easy to grow, they are good choices for novice and experienced growers.


Arunee Rodloy/Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

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