25 Types of Orchids to Use as Houseplants

There are more than 28,000 species of orchids in the family Orchidaceae found around the world but only about two dozen types of orchids easily grow as houseplants and come in colors from white to orange and purple.

Once you’ve mastered growing and caring for these orchids in your home, you might become so hooked on orchids that a greenhouse is in your future. If you are an orchid novice, start your collection with these types of orchids: Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, Dendrobium, and Cymbidium. Read on to learn more about the types of orchids that grow as houseplants, listed alphabetically.

Credit:

The Spruce / Nusha Ashjaee 


Orchid Growing Tips

  • Orchids grown as houseplants typically need quite a lot of light—either through supplemental lighting or by placing them in a location that provides enough diffused natural light. Placing your orchids near an east or south-facing window gives them the bright light they need. A north-facing window doesn’t provide enough light, and a west-facing location is too hot in the afternoon.
  • Use a light, fast-draining growing medium and an unglazed terracotta pot that allows good airflow. Orchid bark is a good growing medium.
  • Feed with an orchid-specific fertilizer at half-strength when the plant is actively growing.

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