Ludisia discolor (Jewel Orchid) is a small-sized, terrestrial or lithophytic orchid species known more for its beautiful foliage than its flowers. Its creeping rhizome produces bronze to olive-black to deep red velvet-like leaves, up to 3 in. long (7 cm), with attractive red or gold venation. In spring, small white flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), adorned with yellow anthers are borne on 6-12 in. flower spikes (15-30 cm). They bloom for 2-3 weeks. The beautiful leaves and many several-flowered inflorescences can be a memorable sight. Native to China, Southeast Asia, and Indonesia, Ludisia discolor is a hot to warm growing orchid species found in damp places in shade forests at elevations of 1650-3300 ft. (500-1000 m). Easy to grow, it thrives on standard houseplant care, much like African violets. Ludisia discolor is the only species of the genus.

Cattleya Orchids are among the most popular and easy-to-grow orchids. Epiphytes (growing on trees) or lithophytes (growing on rocks), they grow from pseudobulbs which are food and water-storage organs. Native to Central and South America, they include about 50 species and numerous hybrids in a variety of colors. They are divided into two groups, the unifoliates, which have one leaf and large flowers, and the bifoliates, which have two leaves per stem and smaller flowers. Both types are very fragrant with showy flowers appearing on naked stems and lasting 4-8 weeks.

Among the oldest horticultural orchids in the world, Cymbidiums have been grown and revered in China for thousands of years. Prized for their incredibly decorative flower spikes, used especially as cut flowers or for corsages in the spring, they are among the most popular orchids in cultivation today.

Dendrobium is a diverse genus of more than 1000 orchid species distributed throughout tropical and subtropical Asia, the islands of the South Pacific, and Australia. These orchids are usually epiphytic (growing on trees), lithophytic (growing on rocks) and rarely terrestrial. Since the Dendrobium genus is so large and complex, the cultural requirements of these spectacular orchids will depend on their native habitat and the section of the genus to which they belong. Dendrobium orchids are not difficult to grow in the home.

Oncidium is an incredibly large and diverse genus of about 300 orchid species distributed throughout tropical and subtropical America. These orchids have been nicknamed the Dancing Lady Orchids because their flowers resemble a small dancer with a colorful skirt. Relatively trouble-free, these orchids are attractive plants for the home or greenhouse. They are sometimes described as difficult to grow. However, with proper care, it is possible to grow them relatively easily.

Originating in the jungles of the Far East including Indonesia, Paphiopedilum (Slipper Orchids) are semi-terrestrial orchids, growing in humus and other material on the forest floor, on cliffs in pockets of humus and occasionally in trees. Paphiopedilums are called Slipper Orchids because of their unique floral pouch. Resilient and easy to grow in the home, they are probably the easiest orchids to rebloom, or at least to keep alive.

In cultivation for hundreds of years, Phaius is a genus of about 50 species of large, warm-growing, terrestrial orchids found in a huge natural range including Africa, Madagascar, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. Phaius tancarvilleae (Nun’s Orchid) is the species most often found in commerce. Easy to grow in the home, as long as you follow an appropriate care routine, these orchids are spectacular plants and make gorgeous houseplants.

Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchids) is a genus of 60 species and several natural hybrids growing in tropical Asia to the Pacific Islands and Australia. These orchids are usually epiphytic (growing on trees), but occasionally lithophytic (growing on rocks) or terrestrial. They are among the most popular cultivated orchids and thousands of hybrids have been made throughout the years. The showy flattened flowers are generally long-lasting (4 months or more) and they come in a myriad of colors with spots and stripe combinations. Healthy plants can flower often, sometimes with a few flowers throughout the year, though the main season is late winter into spring. Moth Orchids are the easiest orchids to grow in the home.

Mostly native to Mexico, Central America, and South America, Phragmipedium (Slipper Orchids) is a genus of about 25 species of terrestrial or epiphytic orchids found growing along stream banks of shady mountain slopes at elevations between 7,200-13,000 ft. (2200-3900 m). Phragmipedium are called Slipper Orchids because of their little floral pouch flanked by long twisted petals that hang like ribbons. They are vigorous, trouble-free, and flower dependably in the right conditions.

Becoming very popular in cultivation, Zygopetalum is a genus of about 16 species of terrestrial or epiphytic orchids found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Peru. Easy to grow in the home, as long as you follow an appropriate care routine, these cool to moderate growing orchids make ravishing houseplants. Long-lasting, slender-petalled, wax-like flowers are borne on tall spikes that originate at the base of the new pseudobulbs. They are usually extremely fragrant and bloom in shades of green, purple, burgundy, and raspberry with several patterns.