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Most Popular Orchid Flower Colors to Brighten Your Home

Orchid flower colors encompass a stunning spectrum, from vibrant blue orchids and rich brown or black orchids to delicate whites and soft pinks, highlighting the remarkable diversity of these elegant plants.

Orchid Flower, Orchids Flowers, Orchid Color, Orchid Colors, White Orchid, Purple Orchid, Pink Orchid, Red Orchid, Blue Orchid

Orchids are a diverse and captivating group of plants that have fascinated botanists and hobbyists alike for centuries. Their ability to thrive as houseplants while offering an array of colors makes them a popular choice for indoor gardening. With thousands of species and countless hybrids, orchids provide an extensive palette of colors and patterns, each bringing its own charm to home decor.

Most Popular Orchids Used As Houseplants

Phalaenopsis: Often called the “moth orchid,” Phalaenopsis is one of the most common and accessible orchids for beginners. Its broad, flat flowers come in various colors, including white, pink, and purple. Known for its long-lasting blooms and ease of care, it’s a versatile choice for any indoor space.

Cattleya: Renowned for its large, showy blooms with ruffled petals, the Cattleya orchid is a favorite for those seeking a dramatic and elegant plant. It comes in several colors, including white, red, and orange, and its vibrant flowers can last for several weeks.

Dendrobium: With its delicate, clustered flowers, the Dendrobium orchid adds a lush, full appearance to any room. It offers a range of colors, including pink and purple, and is appreciated for its profuse blooming and ability to adapt to various indoor conditions.

Vanda: Known for its bold, vibrant colors and unique flower shape, the Vanda orchid is often seen in shades of purple and blue. It is typically grown in hanging baskets to showcase its cascading blooms, making it a striking addition to any home.

Oncidium: Often referred to as the “dancing lady orchid” due to its whimsical flower shapes, Oncidium orchids come in a variety of colors, including yellow, red, and orange. Their numerous small flowers create a dense, cascading effect that adds a playful touch to indoor gardens.

Paphiopedilum: Also known as the “slipper orchid,” Paphiopedilum features unique, often greenish flowers with intricate patterns. Its distinctive appearance makes it a conversation piece and a standout in any collection.

Cymbidium: Recognizable by its structured, large flowers, the Cymbidium orchid is available in colors such as yellow, green, and red. Its elegant blooms and ability to tolerate cooler temperatures make it a popular choice for indoor environments.

White Orchids

White orchids are perhaps the most classic and widely recognized variety. Their simplicity and elegance make them a staple in many homes.

Phalaenopsis amabilis: Also known as the “White Moon Orchid,” this variety boasts 20-30 fragrant, long-lasting white flowers up to 4 inches (10 cm) across. Blooming often takes place over several months during the spring and early summer, and each flower lasts up to 3 weeks. It’s a popular choice for its long-lasting blooms and ease of care, making it an ideal addition to any indoor space.

Phalaenopsis stuartiania: This orchid, sometimes called the “Stuart’s Phalaenopsis,” showcases up to 100 long-lasting, subtly scented flowers, each measuring 2-5 inches (5-10 cm) across. Blooming in winter and spring, its elegant flowers feature broad creamy-white upper petals, sulfur-yellow lateral sepals, and lips adorned with distinctive brown spots, creating a striking and colorful display.

Cymbidium ‘Ice Cascade’: Known for its striking, icy white blooms, Cymbidium ‘Ice Cascade’ produces elegant, cascading flower spikes. The large, long-lasting flowers are perfect for adding a touch of sophistication and freshness to indoor environments.

Guide Information

Plant Type Houseplants, Orchids
Plant Family Orchidaceae
Genus Cattleya, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Masdevallia, Miltoniopsis, Oncidium, Paphiopedilum, Phalaenopsis, Vanda, Zygopetalum
Phalaenopsis stuartiana (Moth Orchid)
Phalaenopsis amabilis (Moth Orchid)
Cymbidium Sarah Jean gx ‘Ice Cascade’ (Boat Orchid)

Pink Orchids

Pink orchids evoke a sense of softness and tranquility, making them a popular choice for adding a gentle touch to any room.

Phalaenopsis schilleriana displays up to 250 fragrant flowers in shades of pink, mauve, or white, each up to 4 inches (10 cm) across. Blooming in the spring, its showy and delicate flowers are arranged in long sprays on arching to pendant stems that can reach up to 36 inches (90 cm) long. Most blooms emit a subtle rose fragrance, enhancing their visual appeal.

Paphiopedilum delenatii (Venus Slipper Orchid) features charming white flowers with a vibrant pink pouch and a central yellow staminode. Blooming from late fall to early spring, the flowers, which have a subtle rose fragrance, are borne singly or occasionally in pairs on upright reddish stems above the attractive, mottled dark green foliage.

Paphiopedilum micranthum (Tiny Flowered Paphiopedilum) features charming blooms, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) across, with a distinctive pink to whitish pouch. Blooming in spring and summer, these long-lasting flowers remain vibrant for about 2-3 weeks, adding a delicate touch to any indoor garden.

Phalaenopsis schilleriana (Moth Orchid)
Paphiopedilum delenatii (Venus Slipper Orchid)
Paphiopedilum micranthum (Tiny Flowered Paphiopedilum)

Purple Orchids

Purple orchids are often associated with luxury and royalty. Their rich, deep hues can add a dramatic flair to any interior.

Dendrobium bigibbum (Cooktown Orchid) typically blooms from spring to mid-summer, producing long-lasting flowers up to 3 inches (7 cm) across. These elegant blossoms are displayed in arching racemes of 2-20 flowers, ranging from pinkish-mauve and lavender to purple and occasionally almost white. Each flower remains vibrant for about four weeks.

Phalaenopsis violacea (Moth Orchid) displays highly fragrant, waxy, star-shaped flowers up to 1.5 inches (3 cm) across. Each blossom features deep pink to violet sepals and petals, with white to pale green tips. Blooming from spring to summer, the flowers are borne on arching stems and open sequentially. Notably, this orchid does not require a rest period to continue flowering.

Phalaenopsis bellina (Moth Orchid) showcases highly fragrant, waxy, star-shaped flowers up to 2 inches (5 cm) across. Each citrus-scented blossom features buttery-green petals with a deep fuchsia or violet base. Blooming from spring through summer, each inflorescence typically bears 2 to 3 flowers at a time. Notably, this orchid continues to flower without needing a rest period.

Dendrobium bigibbum (Cooktown Orchid)
Phalaenopsis violacea (Moth Orchid)
Phalaenopsis bellina (Moth Orchid)

Yellow Orchids

Yellow orchids exude warmth and cheerfulness, brightening up any space with their sunny disposition.

Oncidium cheirophorum (Hand Carrying Oncidium) is a miniature epiphytic orchid that produces erect to arching inflorescences up to 12 inches (30 cm) long. In fall and winter, these inflorescences are densely packed with lemon-scented, bright yellow, waxy flowers, creating a vibrant display.

Dendrobium Gatton Sunray is a striking hybrid renowned for its long, arching to pendulous racemes densely packed with soft yellow, fragrant flowers, each up to 2 inches (6 cm) across. The blooms feature a rich burgundy wine-colored lip and appear in the spring.

Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi (Moth Orchid) features fragrant, waxy, star-shaped yellow flowers, 1-2 inches (2-5 cm) across, adorned with cinnamon-red blotches and bars, and a contrasting white lip. Blooming year-round, the flowers open sequentially over a few months, with 3-5 blooms open simultaneously at any given time. Each flower lasts about 4 weeks.

Oncidium cheirophorum (Hand Carrying Oncidium)
Dendrobium Gatton Sunray gx (Orchid)
Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi (Moth Orchid)

Red Orchids

Red orchids are bold and dramatic, adding a splash of color and passion to any room.

Maxillaria tenuifolia (Coconut Orchid) features single-flowered inflorescences that produce flowers with a distinctive coconut scent. Blooming in spring, the deep red blossoms, measuring up to 2 inches (5 cm) across, last for a week to ten days or even longer if kept in a cool environment.

Cymbidium bicolor (Two-Colored Cymbidium) is an elegant orchid known for its striking, two-toned flowers. Each bloom showcases a vivid blend of greenish-yellow and deep red, creating a dramatic contrast. The long-lasting, fragrant flowers are arranged on tall, arching spikes, each bearing up to 26 blooms during spring and summer.

Oncidium Sharry Baby (Dancing Lady Orchid) features branching spikes up to 30 inches (75 cm) long, adorned with over 100 deep-red flowers with white tips. Renowned for its delightful fragrance, often compared to chocolate or vanilla, this orchid can bloom multiple times a year when grown under optimal conditions.

Maxillaria tenuifolia (Coconut Orchid)
Cymbidium bicolor (Two-Colored Cymbidium)
Oncidium Sharry Baby gx (Dancing Lady Orchid)

Orange Orchids

Orange orchids bring a sense of warmth and energy, making them an excellent choice for adding a vibrant touch to your home.

Vanda denisoniana (Lady Denison Londesborough’s Vanda) is renowned for its vibrant, vanilla-scented flowers, which are especially fragrant in the evening. Blooming from late winter through spring, each flower measures approximately 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter and features a waxy texture with a bright orange hue, often accentuated by darker spots or lines.  The blooms are star-shaped, with wide, rounded petals that create a dramatic display.

Guarianthe aurantiaca produces vibrant orange flowers, about 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) across, sometimes highlighted with delicate yellow or red accents. The blossoms are held on slender, upright spikes that can carry multiple flowers, resulting in a stunning floral display. This orchid typically blooms from late winter to early spring, with flowers lasting several weeks.

Masdevallia orchids feature unique, often tubular or star-shaped flowers that come in vibrant colors such as red, orange, purple, and yellow. Typically small and delicate, the flowers are borne on slender stems and have a long-lasting bloom period. 

Vanda denisoniana (Lady Denison Londesborough’s Vanda)
Guarianthe aurantiaca (Orange Cattleya)
Masdevallia (Flag Orchids)

Green Orchids

Green orchids are unique and can offer a striking contrast to more traditional flower colors.

Cymbidium lowianum (Low’s Boat Orchid) features long, arching stems with inflorescences of 12 to 40 flowers, each surrounded by protective sheaths and triangular floral bracts. Blooming from autumn through late winter or spring, the flowers measure 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) across and display apple-green sepals and petals veined with bronze, with a white to yellow lip marked by a prominent dark-red V-shaped pattern.

Paphiopedilum malipoense (Jade Slipper Orchid) showcases striking green flowers, 3-5 inches (8-12 cm) across, featuring a pale green pouch, apple-green sepals, and petals with garnet-purple stripes and spots. The central staminode is a vibrant mix of pure white and rich burgundy. These blooms, which emit a delightful raspberry fragrance, appear singly on upright green stems adorned with purple spots, typically blooming in spring.

Paphiopedilum Pinocchio (Venus Slipper Orchid) is an evergreen, tender orchid known for its whimsical, pastel-spotted flowers. Each blossom features a pink pouch, a spring green dorsal sepal, and off-white side petals adorned with burgundy spots. This orchid produces sequential bloom stems, one after another, allowing it to remain in continuous bloom for a year or more.

Cymbidium lowianum (Low’s Boat Orchid)
Paphiopedilum malipoense (Jade Slipper Orchid)
Paphiopedilum Pinocchio gx (Venus Slipper Orchid)

Blue Orchids

Blue orchids are rare and exotic, often considered a symbol of rarity and uniqueness. While truly blue orchids are not naturally occurring, some hybrids, such as the Phalaenopsis, have been bred to exhibit blue or blue-tinted flowers. These orchids can create a mystical, ethereal quality, making them a standout feature in any room.

Vanda coerulea (Blue Vanda) is renowned for its striking, long-lasting blooms. It features erect or suberect axillary inflorescences that produce large flowers measuring up to 4 inches (10 cm) across. Blooming in the fall, the flowers exhibit a delicate pale violet-blue to purple-blue hue, intricately tessellated with darker purple markings.

Vanda coerulescens (Sky Blue Vanda) features erect or drooping inflorescences that produce 15 or more pleasantly scented flowers. Blooming in late winter and spring, the long-lasting blossoms, each 1 inch (2.5 cm) across, display white to pale violet-blue sepals and petals with a purple-blue lip often highlighted by white stripes.

Vanda coerulea (Blue Vanda)
Vanda coerulescens (Sky Blue Vanda)

Brown or Black Orchids

These orchids offer unique elegance as houseplants. Brown orchids provide earthy, warm tones, while rare black orchids add dramatic flair with their deep, velvety hues. Both bring distinct beauty and sophistication to indoor gardens.

Cymbidium ‘Magic Chocolate’ is a captivating orchid with rich, chocolate-brown flowers accented by subtle hints of red and gold. Each blossom, up to 4 inches (10 cm) across, appears on tall, arching spikes, creating a striking display. Blooming in winter and early spring, it offers a long-lasting, elegant show.

Cymbidium floribundum (Golden Margin Orchid) features erect inflorescences, 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) long, adorned with 10-40 closely spaced flowers that typically lack scent. Blooming in spring, the flowers, each 1-1.5 inches (2-4 cm) across, display reddish-brown or occasionally greenish-yellow sepals and petals, complemented by a white lip with distinctive red spots.

Oncidium Jungle Monarch (Dancing Lady Orchid) is cherished for its sweet fragrance and impressive display. It features upright spikes adorned with numerous pale greenish-yellow flowers, each 2 inches (5 cm) across, marked with mahogany patterns and accented by a white and red lip. The blossoms last for one to two months, and a well-established plant can produce up to 20 flowers at a time.

Cymbidium ‘Magic Chocolate’ (Boat Orchid)
Cymbidium floribundum (Golden Margin Orchid)
Oncidium Jungle Monarch gx (Dancing Lady Orchid)

Care Tips for Orchid Houseplants

Regardless of the color, orchids require specific care to thrive indoors:

Light: Most orchids prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, while too little light can hinder blooming.

Watering: Orchids generally like to be kept on the drier side, with a thorough watering followed by allowing the soil to dry out. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s crucial to balance moisture levels.

Humidity: Orchids thrive in higher humidity levels. Placing a humidifier nearby or using a humidity tray can help maintain the right environment.

Temperature: Most orchids prefer a temperature range of 60-75°F (15-24°C). They generally like a slight drop in temperature at night.

Feeding: Regular feeding with a balanced orchid fertilizer can promote healthy growth and blooming. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for frequency and dosage.

Repotting: Orchids should be repotted every 1-2 years to refresh their growing medium and promote healthy root growth.

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.

Guide Information

Plant Type Houseplants, Orchids
Plant Family Orchidaceae
Genus Cattleya, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Masdevallia, Miltoniopsis, Oncidium, Paphiopedilum, Phalaenopsis, Vanda, Zygopetalum

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