14 Rare Orchids: Leaving You in Awe Due To Their Beauty

Rare orchids are beautiful plants that come in various forms, shapes, and sizes; many are exotic plants with weird appearances. The fact that they’re scarce makes them expensive to purchase.

However, this doesn’t deter many orchid collectors or enthusiasts from getting them. In this article, we’ll explore some of the strangest orchids you’ll ever see, ranging from eye-popping pricey ones to those that have an uncanny resemblance to animals and others that can grow below ground.

A List of Rare Orchids and Their Distinct Features

1. Rothschild’s Slipper Orchid

Growing Season	April to May
Distinguish Characteristics	Single stalk with six relatively large blooms Petals have dark pinstripes in a lovely pattern Dark green leaves
Specific Needs	Moderate watering frequency Full morning sun exposure to partial shade during the day Highly humid environment
Common Pests	Aphids Mealybugs Mites

The Rothschild’s slipper orchid, also called the gold of kinabalu, is among the most coveted and rarest orchids worldwide. This orchid plant takes time to reach maturity and produces gorgeous blooms, as this would be about 15 years. As a result, It is the most expensive orchid around the world, and getting it can be challenging.

It’s typically known for its beautiful flowers with long horizontal side petals. However, to see it grow properly, you must be sure that you are providing the right requirements: a few hours of sunlight in the mornings but shaded light throughout the rest of the day. In addition, you must also get rid of the pests that would attack it, such as aphids or spidermites.

2. Fly Orchid

Growing Season	Early June
Distinguish Characteristics	Thick green petals Reddish-brown flower lips Silvery patch in the center of the flowers
Specific Needs	Direct sunlight in the mornings and slight shade from the sun later in the day 40 to 60 percent humidity is ideal Moist alkaline soils
Common Pests	Scale Aphids Mites

This orchid species, also known as Ophrys insectifera, produces flowers with an uncanny resemblance to flies. These flowers are attractive to male insects who think they are their female mates, and when they mate with them, the plants become pollinated; a very nifty trick. You must be sure that you do not raise the humidity range more than necessary because the plant would go through stress, and this may also increase the risk of having fungi growing in the soil.

The Ophrys insectifera plants, with their bizarre-looking hairy, reddish-brown flowers, are endangered species of orchids that can be found growing on limestone and chalky soils in woodlands. Their rareness is mainly a result of the clearing of woodlands and fens drainage.

3. Flying Duck Orchid

Growing Season	September to January
Distinguish Characteristics	Green, red, and purple blooms that resemble tiny ducks mid-flight Lighter-colored, curved flower lip that resembles a beak Two thin vertical petals that resemble wings mid-flight
Specific Needs	Arid regions High or direct sunlight exposure Fast-draining, sandy or gritty soils
Common Pests	Thrips Beetles Mites

Caleana major orchids or flying duck plants are interesting plants because their flowers resemble flying ducks. These orchids are native to Australia’s woodlands and coast-lands, where their growth is dependent on a specific fungal component in eucalyptus woodlands; they are challenging to grow in gardens as a result.

In any case, this specie of plant are ones that will require an arid area when they are growing, and as they require proper amounts of direct sunlight, in the months of September through January, they will open up. Make sure that it doesn’t get infested with any pests, because they would hinder the growth of these beautiful orchids.

4. Monkey Orchid

Growing Season	Between April and June
Distinguish Characteristics	Ripe-orange fragrance when in bloom Four long curly sepals that droop like long monkey limbs Petal lips that are shaped like a head
Specific Needs	Alkaline to neutral, moist, but well-draining soils Full morning sun or partial afternoon shade Loan, sand, and chalk soils are ideal
Common Pests	Slugs Snails

When they’re in bloom, these orchids have a distinct orange fragrance; it’s one of their allures. You’ll find them in some parts of South-eastern Ecuador and Peru.

They’re called monkey plants because their flowers resemble monkeys, with sepals that droops like long monkey limbs and petal lips that are hooded and shaped like a head. Monkey plants are stunning to behold, but they’re limited.

This is why when you have one, you must take care of it properly, and most importantly, don’t water it too much, and make sure that the soil is not filled with water, because this may invite slugs or snails to grow and shelted around it.

5. Western Underground Orchid

Growing Season	Between May and July
Distinguish Characteristics	A strong, distinct fragrance that attracts pollinating insects No greenery on the plants Red and cream flowers with bluish-pink petals
Specific Needs	Special fungi from the roots of the broom bush Specific ants for pollination
Common Pests	Aphids Ants Snails

These orchids are an endangered specie in Western Australia, as they’re rare, and their numbers are currently lower than 50. These orchids are very rare, and they are small too, they grow in pink and white hues, and look very different from almost all orchids.

They grow and spend their entire cycle underground, hence, their name, and produce striking blooms that have an odd appearance. Also known as Rhizanthella gardneri, they depend parasitically on special fungi from broom bush roots for feeding because they lack photosynthetic leaves.

6. Western Prairie Fringed Orchid

Growing Season	May
Distinguish Characteristics	Tall stalks carrying almost 40 clean white flowers Petals are in fringy pairs White curved hood on flowers
Specific Needs	Moist soils without prolonged drought Full sunlight exposure Calcareous loamy soils are excellent for them
Common Pests	Aphids Mites Mealybugs

The prairie orchid is a severely endangered specie of orchid mainly found in the American Midwest wetlands. The endangered species act protects these orchids, and keeps them from going extinct, and their petals look like little white doves that are flying liberally, which is why they are rare.

They grow tall, about four feet, and populate wetland areas of Minnesota, Dakota, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Iowa, and they would produce multiple blooms. Prairie orchids stun with their showy white flowers that have fringed petals, and with the right type of humidity, which should be high you will see them grow, you can increase the humidity in different ways, such as investing in a humidifier, or even placing a pebble tray with some water.

7. White Egret Orchid

Growing Season	Spring to Summer
Distinguish Characteristics	Feather-like petal lips Nocturnal fragrance
Specific Needs	Moderate watering Well-draining soils Partial to full sunlight exposure
Common Pests	Mealybugs Mites Aphids

An aerial view of this orchid plant shows flowers that look like silver heron birds, also known as egrets. It’s amazing how many plants have a bizarre resemblance to some animals; this orchid isn’t left out.

Its flowers are delicate, with white, feather-like petals that are very fragrant at night. Native to Japan, this plant grows tall, grass-like stalks with about eight flowers on them per time. To grow them in a healthy manner, make sure that you would spray some insecticides when you see bugs like mites or even aphids on them.

8. Shenzhen Nongke Orchid

Growing Season	Takes about two years for new plants to grow from seeds
Distinguish Characteristics	Flowers that bloom every four to five years Green, oval leaves Yellow petals with wine-ish labellum
Specific Needs	Bright, indirect light The watering frequency should be once a week Warm temperatures
Common Pests	Mites Mealybugs Aphids

This is one plant every orchid collector or enthusiast would like to get their hands on. However, most will settle for other orchid flowers because of how expensive it is. The Shenzhen orchid is rare and costly because it is man-made and took several years and effort to produce, when you grow them, you must be very keen and detailed on how you grow them with the correct requirements.

These plants have delicate, stunning flowers that take time to bloom, about four to five years, which is a long time but well worth the wait. With the proper care conditions, these orchids will have a lifespan of over 100 years; for this reason, it’s worth the price.

9. Hawaii Bog Orchid

Growing Season	Fall or early spring
Distinguish Characteristics	Yellowish-green petals Egg-shaped or oval leaves Tall open tubular stalks
Specific Needs	Full to partial sunlight exposure Frequent watering during active growing seasons Soil that drains properly
Common Pests	Spider Mites Scale Whiteflies

Peristylus holochila orchids are one of the three rare species of orchids that grow in the bogs in Hawaii. These plants are so rare; there are less than 50 of them available in the wild.

As a result, they’re duly protected by the Federal Endangered Species Act. If you get your hands on these plants, growing them outdoors is best for optimum results, which would be seen in fall or even early spring, when you have them growing, you will see how beautiful they are and how much vibrancy they add.

10. Ghost Orchid

Growing Season	Between July and September
Distinguish Characteristics	Has no leaves Photosynthetic roots for photosynthesis Delicate small, white flowers that appear to dangle freely in the air
Specific Needs	High humidity levels Moderate temperatures Partial sunlight exposure
Common Pests	Fungus gnats Snails Slugs

These leafless orchids are critically endangered in Florida due to too much harvesting and habitat destruction. Due to this, laws have been put in place to protect them. The orchids grow stunning white flowers, which is their main attraction.

They are best left and observed in the wild, where they have access to the proper conditions that will allow them to bloom profusely. However, be sure that you do not have to water it excessively, because this would promote the growth of different diseases and even pests.

If you’re looking for rare orchids for sale, especially these because they are not endangered ones, you can check garden centers that hold these beautiful orchids, and you will grow them in the right requirements. Make sure that you would adjust the right humidity range so that they would thrive as they would in the wild.

11. Sky-blue Sun Orchid

Growing Season	October December
Distinguish Characteristics	Star-shaped flowers Dark-green single stem Vivid sky blue petals with yellow centers, which are rare orchid colors
Specific Needs	Warm temperatures Well-draining sandy or peat soils Moderate moisture
Common Pests	Snails Aphids Scales

These blue rare orchids produce flowers that are blue, as their name implies, which is the rarest orchid color. Scientifically known as Thelymitra jonesii, these orchids are endangered species found growing only in Tasmania.

Their lovely vivid blue flowers enjoy the sun and only open wide in response to warmth from the sun. The flowers are a unique star shape, with five to six petals and darker blue spots. In addition to this, it will thrive from October till December, which is a great choice to see beautiful blooms.

12. Donkey Orchid

Growing Season	Early to late Fall
Distinguish Characteristics	Stunning double lateral petals that look like the ears of a donkey Yellow flowers that appear to have reddish-brown markings Grass-like leaves that can grow along the plants’ bottom
Specific Needs	Frequent watering during warmer months and less regular watering in cooler months Warm temperatures during the day and slightly cooler temperatures at night Bright, indirect light, or shaded environments
Common Pests	Slugs Snails Fungus gnats

These orchids are known as Diuris, and this orchid is one that will bloom in the fall season and add uniqueness to the location it is placed in. They are terrestrial plants, meaning they thrive in the soil if it drains properly and has sufficient nutrients.

Nevertheless, Diuris orchids grow a showy display of yellow flowers with petals that resemble donkey ears. They are native to specific places in Western Australia. These plants grow in tall spikes, about two to three feet tall.

13. Goat Orchid

Growing Season	Summer Spring
Distinguish Characteristics	Relatively tall, leggy stalks Horned petals with purplish flowers About ten blooms per stalk
Specific Needs	Partial shade Slightly acidic soil conditions Moderate moisture
Common Pests	Aphids Fungus gnats Mealybugs

These orchids are scientifically known as Diuris laevis. They are rare plants that are native to Western Australia. Their bizarre-looking flowers look like goat’s head, with two horn-like structures poking out of the flower heads.

Many flower enthusiasts say they look more like horned bees. Lastly, these plants grow relatively tall stalks, and they will look stunning in spring and summer when they start to flower.

14. Monkey Face Orchid

Growing Season	Anytime during the year
Distinguish Characteristics	Flowers with distinct long tails Reddish-brown sepals Flowers that hang below the leaves
Specific Needs	Special orchid potting mix 5.5 to 7.0 pH range Shady and humid environments
Common Pests	Aphids Mealybugs Mites

Dracula simia orchids are fun-looking plants because of their unique flowers that look like smiling faces or monkeys. These orchids require a lot of care, but the resulting mature plants are worth the effort. They grow naturally in high-altitude cloud forests in South America, but you can grow them as houseplants as long as you’re ready to put in the work.

Conclusion

Many of these rare plants come in different forms and sizes, and they are either endangered or funny looking, so here are some important highlights from this article:

• One of the few plants with blue flowers happens to be an endangered specie, and to grow them would be a very keen matter to care for.
• Aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, fungus gnats, snails, and slugs are the most common pests that attack these orchids.
• Most of these orchids take a long time to grow and reach full maturity.

Ultimately, each orchid listed in the article above will be a stunning addition to orchid collections, but sadly, many of them are in danger of extinction owing to the rising demand and indiscriminate deforestation.