14 Orchid Genera for Your Indoor or Outdoor Flower Garden

Orchid genera are ones that contain many varieties of stunning plants. These plants’ gorgeous blooms and leaves in various shapes and sizes add lovely aesthetics to small and large indoor and outdoor spaces. If you’re looking for the perfect orchid to add to your garden or flower collection, you’re in the right place.

This article will explore several beautiful orchid genera and identify their distinguishable features, care needs, and Common pests.

A List of the Most Common Orchid Genera

1. Jewel Orchid

Growing Season	From February to April
Distinguish Characteristics	Dark green leaves with pinkish-white veins that run from end to end Several stems with inconspicuous white blooms
Specific Needs	Filtered sunlight Well-draining soil mix Moderate temperature and humidity levels
Common Pests	Aphids Scales

Most people consider growing Jewel orchids for their gorgeously patterned leaves, and when they reach full maturity, they don’t disappoint. While this is true, you can also count on the aesthetics of the jewel orchid in or out of its blooming season, as it also produces delicate white flowers during winter and fall.

These plants generally grow small, which would be about 10 to 12 inches tall, and this makes them excellent indoor plants. As gardeners and enthusiasts love taking care of them, because also note that they bloom in early spring and show their beauty.

The Jewel orchid genus contains only two species of plants. These plants are popular all over southern and southeastern Asia. They are mostly terrestrial but can also be lithophytes. This means they need soil to grow and are the perfect-potted plants.

2. Tiger’s Mouth Orchid

Growing Season	From November to January
Distinguish Characteristics	Large, boldly colored flowers with brown spots Teeth-like structure at the center of the flower lips Thin, long green leaves that arch
Specific Needs	Well-draining media Request watering Bright, indirect light
Common Pests	Mealy bugs Scales Aphids

Tiger’s mouth orchids, known as Rissioglossum grande, are high-elevation plants popularly cultivated in high-altitude areas of tropical America like Mexico and Guatemala. These plants can grow as tall as 10 inches and produce spectacular blooms, which they’re famous for and how they are loved.

After they have bloomed, the flowers, which are usually glossy, large, and brightly colored with reddish brown stripes or spots that become thick towards the center, will stand out in any space. These orchid plants are epiphytes, meaning they grow on the surface or barks of other plants.

However, you should be careful because of the various pests that may infest the plant such as scales or aphids. You may tackle them in different ways, one of which is through neem oil, and even by applying chemical-basde insecticides.

3. Moth Orchid

Growing Season	Between winter and spring
Distinguish Characteristics	Lovely scented pink, lavender, green, or white flowers in various patterns Thick and succulent green leaves
Specific Needs	Moderate humidity and water supply Warm temperatures Partial shade
Common Pests	Spider Mites Thrips Mealybugs

Moth orchids, or moon orchids, are easy-care plants typically grown as house plants. They are perfect for indoor spaces and add color and texture to indoor designs. These plants predominantly exist naturally in places like Australia, China, India, Indonesia, and Southeast Asia, growing up to three feet tall, depending on the variety.

Moth orchids are very forgiving and can handle some mistakes. As a result, they’re an excellent option for beginner growers or gardeners. When taking proper care of this plant, you will see it growing with in winter and in spring, as it would begin to bloom its beautiful flowers.

4. Cattleya Orchid

Growing Season	Late summer or spring
Distinguish Characteristics	Showy flowers of various sizes Highly fragrant Grow on other plants
Specific Needs	Acidic, well-draining potting media High humidity and watering frequency Medium to bright sunlight exposure
Common Pests	Scales Thrips Spider mites

These orchids are known as the “Queen of the orchids” and this because of its vibrancy and beauty. They are elegant and produce showy flowers of different colors, including green, yellow, white, orange, purple, and red.

Many varieties of these orchids grow spotted, streaked, or bicolored flowers, which adds to their allure. Cattleya plants are typically fragrant, which makes them suitable for growing indoors and freshening up your space, and when you grow them in the bright yet indirect sun, they will produce the most beautiful flowers.

5. Vanda Orchid

Growing Season	Between spring and fall
Distinguish Characteristics	Highly fragrant Brightly colored, long-lasting blooms with flat petals Rambling roots
Specific Needs	Soilless growing media made up of adequately draining materials Moderate, indirect sunlight exposure High watering frequency in the summer
Common Pests	Mealybugs Scale Aphids

Vanda is a fast-growing plant genus with the orchid family name. There are about 80 orchid species within the Vanda genus, which makes for a good diverse selection.

They are famous for being among a few orchids that can grow blue flowers. Moreover, these plants also grow brightly colored flowers of different shades besides blue, with luscious green leaves. Although they’re usually fussy about their growing conditions, so they need a lot of love and attention, but they will thrive in the long run.

6. Brassavola Orchid

Growing Season	All through the year
Distinguish Characteristics	Sweet scent Green or cream-colored petals and sepals Heart-shaped petal lips
Specific Needs	Bright, indirect light Fast-draining soilless potting mix High temperature and humidity levels
Common Pests	Spider Mites Scales Fungus gnats

Brassavola orchids are also known as the lady of the night. They get this popular name from their sweet-smelling fragrance, which becomes more prominent at night. These orchids grow white heart-shaped flowers in clusters, and while these flowers are tiny, they make up for their size in numbers, and this is one of the aspects that makes them so popular.

Brassavola orchids grow very fast; as a result, you will have little difficulty obtaining them at any time of the year. Be careful of the fungus gnats on this plant, because they may be the result of prolonged damp soil.

7. Cymbidium Orchid

Growing Season	From fall to spring
Distinguish Characteristics	Long, slender foliage Relatively small pink, white, yellow, or green flowers Multiple flower spikes
Specific Needs	Cool temperatures Acidic, fast-draining soil Partial or indirect sunlight exposure
Common Pests	Aphids Scales Spider mites

These plants are commonly called boat orchids; because of the shape and appearance of their flowers. Their boat-like flowers are stunning and are produced in several shades of pink, yellow, green, and white. There are about 100 orchid species in the Cymbidium genus. However, less than 20 of them are popularly cultivated.

Many species of the Cymbidium orchids are cool-temperature terrestrial plants, meaning that they can grow well in the soil as long as it’s acidic, well-draining, and contains organic material. You’ll enjoy the blooms of the plants in this genus, especially during winter when they boom profusely on flower stalks.

8. Encyclia Orchid

Growing Season	Spring
Distinguish Characteristics	Long, thick leaves Flowers are shaped like clams with multiple prominent markings Freely dangling petals and sepals
Specific Needs	Moist but well-draining potting media High humidity levels Warm places
Common Pests	Whiteflies Aphids Mites

Encyclia orchids, called clamshell or cockleshell orchids, are popular epiphytic orchids. This genus of orchids has about 160 species of plants, several of which are hybrids. They grow naturally in Mexico, Argentina, Florida, Central America, and South America.

All the varieties are of different sizes, from two inches and above, which makes for a vast selection of orchids for indoor growing. Moreover, they will begin to grow in spring and show their beautiful blooms as they would add grace and elevate the aesthetics of the place you are growing them.

Clamshell orchids that seem to be in bloom at all times. This is because their non-fragrant flowers are long-lasting, which is why many people love these plants. Growing them in ideal conditions, you can be assured of profuse blooming almost all year round.

9. Vanilla Orchid

Growing Season	From March to May
Distinguish Characteristics	Yellow or greenish flowers that last no more than a day Long, succulent leaves that grow on climbing vines
Specific Needs	Partial sunlight exposure Moderately frequent watering Medium or warm temperatures
Common Pests	Spider Mites Mealybugs Aphids

Vanilla orchids, typically called “vanilla,” are particularly interesting to many commercial gardeners because of their bean pods, which are used to make exotic flavoring for several beverages and desserts. However, they are also suitable to grow as houseplants.

These delicate plants require advanced care and are better suited to advanced and experienced orchid growers or gardeners. Getting the plant to grow flowers and produce the seeds necessary for vanilla-making takes a lot of work. These plants are ones that have such a sweet fragrance when they start to open up, which is from March to May.

10. Lycatse Orchid

Growing Season	Between late spring and summer
Distinguish Characteristics	Yellow long-lasting flowers that smell like cinnamon spice Leaves turn brown and drop during dormancy
Specific Needs	Bright, filtered sunlight High humidity Moderate temperatures
Common Pests	Scales Mealybugs Thrips

Lycatse orchids are commonly called cinnamon orchids because of the spicy fragrance of their long-lasting, medium-sized flowers. The species of plants in this genus are deciduous, meaning their leaves drop at certain times during their life cycle; typically during winter, when they go dormant.

Several species of these orchids are highly adaptable and grow as epiphytes, lithophytes, or terrestrial. On another note, this orchid would thrive when the sun is bright yet filtered at the same time, and the humidity level is high. To ensure the latter, you can always place a pebble tray around it, and it will thrive.

11. Masdevallia Orchid

Growing Season	Spring Fall
Distinguish Characteristics	Narrow, bell-like tube at the bottom of flowers Triangular flowers that are either compact or thin and feathery Flowers are showy, with varying sizes
Specific Needs	Frequently watering Temperature range of 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit Bright, filtered light
Common Pests	Mealybugs Whiteflies Scales

Known for their odd-shaped flowers, Masdevallia orchids contain about 300 species of plants, some of which are cultivated as houseplants. Their flowers, which are the main attraction, are usually in various sizes and colors, including purple, red, and white.

The plants in this genus grow as epiphytes and can be found naturally in areas with high elevations and cooler temperatures. Generally, these plants can be fussy and very particular about their growing conditions, but the results would be worthy at the end.

As a result, they are best left for the most experienced gardeners or orchid enthusiasts to grow. However, if you can care for them meticulously, you can attempt to grow them. After all, practice makes perfect, and you will have such a beautiful vibrancy around your place.

12. Oncidium Orchid

Growing Season	During spring
Distinguish Characteristics	Many clusters of brightly colored,  ruffled, or “dancing” flowers with dark brown marks Most grow as epiphytes Leaves can be as long as two feet
Specific Needs	Consistent and frequent watering during warm seasons; and lesser in cooler seasons Warm temperatures during the day Bright, indirect light, or shaded light
Common Pests	Two-spotted spider mites  Thrips Aphids

Oncidium orchids are popular houseplants known for their large clusters of brightly colored flowers that look like dancing ladies, hence the nickname “dancing lady.” There are over 300 species of orchid flowers in this genus, and most of them grow as epiphytes, depending on the bark of other trees and the surrounding air for nutrients and moisture.

Lastly, you should also remember that these orchids are low-care and maintenance plants. As a result, even the most inexperienced gardener can grow them, given the ideal care conditions.

13. Bamboo Orchid

Growing Season	Between December and January
Distinguish Characteristics	Tall reed-like stems and leaves like those of bamboo Bright purple flowers that are fragrant, with a yellow spot at the center of the column Flower lips are shaped like a trumpet
Specific Needs	Moist but well-draining soil Warm temperatures Exposure to bright, indirect sunlight
Common Pests	Thrips Aphids Mealybugs

Bamboo orchids get their name for their resemblance to regular bamboo, with their tall reed-like stems and leaves. They grow prominently in places like Hawaii, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Guadeloupe, depending on these areas’ naturally rocky areas and meadows.

Bamboo orchids are generally terrestrial and require soil with organic matter to grow. They are great for aesthetic purposes because of their showy flowers with broad and brightly colored petals. However, be very keen on the issues it may also face, because it would foresee aphids or even mealybugs, as they may harm the plant in the long run if you don’t take care of it.

14. Dendrobium Orchids

Growing Season	Spring Summer
Distinguish Characteristics	Yellow, white, or lavender flowers They grow on other plants Some produce bi-colored flowers
Specific Needs	Partial sunlight exposure Moist, well-draining, acidic orchid mixes Warm temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit
Common Pests	Mealybugs Aphids Spider mites

Dendrobium orchids are striking flowering plants that bloom profusely near the top of their stalks. These flowers come in several shades of pastel colors; some can be bi-colored. Their stunning plants are their main attraction; however, many species of plants in this variety of orchids would vary in size and appearance, as some may be quite bigger than others.

Dendrobium orchids are relatively diverse and can grow in various climates, including high-altitude areas and hot lowlands. These orchids survive on the bark of other plants in the wild. As a result, they are classified as epiphytes and will need a growing media that mimics their natural environment.

Conclusion

Generally, the orchid genus and species typically grown by home gardeners as houseplants are mostly found naturally in the tropics, so now, let’s look at some highlights from this article:

• The orchid genera are diverse, with many species of plants classified under them.
• The same kinds of pests attack numerous species of orchids.
• The orchids that produce less showy flowers make up for it with their leaves.
• Orchids can be epiphytic, terrestrial, or lithophytic as many of these orchids are stunning, with beautiful flowers and leaves, which make them suitable for ornamental use.

Overall, some orchids require little care, while others are fussier and require more intense care only an experienced gardener can provide. So, if you’re looking for where to start, select any of the orchids listed in the article above.