These 25 Types of Orchids Make Great Houseplants - Here's What to Look For (2024)

Gardening

Houseplants

Types of Houseplants

These are the best orchid types to grow at home

Mary Marlowe Leverette

Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40+ years of experience and 20+ years of writing experience. Mary is also a member of The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board.

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Updated on 01/17/24

Reviewed by

Debra LaGattuta

Reviewed byDebra LaGattuta

Debra LaGattuta is a Master Gardener with 30+ years of experience in perennial and flowering plants, container gardening, and raised bed vegetable gardening. She is a lead gardener in a Plant-A-Row, which is a program that offers thousands of pounds of organically-grown vegetables to local food banks. Debra is a member of The Spruce Garden Review Board.

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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 provides them with the amount of 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 choice for growing medium.
Feed with anorchid-specific fertilizerat half-strength when the plant is actively growing.

These 25types of orchids that can be grown as houseplants are listed in alphabetical order. If you are an orchid novice, start your collection with these types of orchids: Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, Dendrobium, and Cymbidium.

01 of 25
Aerangis Orchids

As is true of most tropical orchids, successfully growingAerangisorchids depends on maintaining a proper balance of required elements. They need a well-aerated environment, lots of sunlight, and lots of moisture (humidity) in the air. They should be fed regularly for good bloom results.
- Native Area: Tropical Africa, Madagascar
- Height: 6–24 inches, varies by species
- Light: Part sun, bright filtered light
- Water:Water with room temperature water and allow the plant to dry out slightly after flowering
- Temperature: 70 to 75°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night
02 of 25
Ascocenda Orchids

Ascocendaorchids are a hybrid of Vanda and Ascocentrum orchids. This compact plant with its jewel-like flowers has a single upward-growing main stem and can easily be grown indoors.
- Native Area: Asian tropics
- Height: Varies by species
- Light: Strong bright light
- Water: Once every 5-7 days, as the soil begins to dry
- Temperature: 70 to 80°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night
03 of 25
Brassavola Orchids (Brassavola spp.)

Brassavola orchids have white or greenish flowers with narrow petals and are exceptionally fragrant, especially in the evening when their perfume is released. The white color is indicative of many flowers that depend on moths for pollination.
There are at least 20 species within the Brassavola genus, of which B. nodosa commonly called 'Lady of the Night' is one of the easiest to grow, especially for beginners.
- Native Area: Central and South America, West Indies
- Height: Depends on the species
- Light: Bright light
- Water: Keep well watered, but allow plenty of drainage. Brassavola does best in high humidity (40 to 7o%) environments
- Temperature: 70 to 75°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night
04 of 25
Brassia Orchids

Commonly called the spider orchid due to the long, bizarre shapes of its sepals, which spread out like a spider’s legs, these orchids prefer conditions with extreme humidity and lots of warmth to help them flourish. Brassiablooms can be spotted, bright orange, red, or many other vivid shades.
- Native Area: Mexico, South America
- Height: Depends on the species
- Light: Bright indoor lighting
- Water: weekly, when the soil feels very dry
- Temperature: Can tolerate cool temps but keep above 50°F
See Also
How to Care for an Orchid So It Thrives for Years to Come How to Care for Orchids for Beautiful Blooms Growing Orchids in the Home Beginner's Guide to Orchid Care: Basics You Need to Know
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05 of 25
Catasetum Orchid (Catasetum spp.)

The species within the Catasetum genus are known for their unusual waxy flowers. The plant produces male or female flowers, which bear little resemblance to each other. The male flowers have an anatomical trigger that forcefully ejects pollen onto visiting bees. This deciduous orchid loses its leaves naturally during winter dormancy.
- Native Area: Central America and Northern South America
- Height: Depends on the species
- Light: Bright diffused indoor light
- Water: 2 to 3 times per week while bulbs are forming. Reduce watering after plants flower, then stop altogether when leaves fall off and the plant goes dormant.
- Temperature: 70 to 80°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night
06 of 25
Cattleya Orchid (Cattleya spp.)

Cattleya orchids have been widely hybridized leading to a large variety of colors and forms. Many Cattleya orchids have appealing freckles, streaks, or other bicolor features. Some varieties are quite fragrant, and they are the most popular corsage orchid.
- Native Area: Central and South America
- Height: 3 inches to 2 feet, depending on the species
- Light: Bright indoor light
- Water: About once a week, when the soil feels very dry
- Temperature: 70 to 80°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night
07 of 25
Cymbidium Orchid (Cymbidium spp.)

Cymbidium orchids, commonly known as boat orchids, have multiple flower spikes to ensure a satisfying display. Good choices for beginners include the lime green 'Chica', the yellow and red 'Showoff', or the bright pink 'Frae', all recipients of the American Orchid Society’s Highly Commended Certificate.
- Native Area: Tropical and subtropical Asia and Australia
- Height: 1 to 4 feet
- Light: Bright diffused indoor light
- Water: Keep moist at all times. In the spring, water frequently and heavily
- Temperature: Cymbidium does best outdoors, where fall temperatures drop below 60°F. Plants are not frost tolerant and will need to come indoors if temperatures reach 35°F or colder.
08 of 25
Dendrobium Orchids (Dendrobium spp.)

The top-heavy blooms of Dendrobium orchids often require staking. With more than 2,000 species included in this large orchid genus, the Dendrobium orchids defy easy categorization. The most common varieties feature white, yellow, or purple blooms.
- Native Area: Asia, Australia, Pacific islands
- Height: 6 inches to 4 feet, depending on the species
- Light: Bright diffused indoor light
- Water: Every few days from spring to fall, and during flowering, then once a week after that.
- Temperature: 70 to 80°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night
Watch Now: How to Grow and Care for Dendrobium Orchids
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09 of 25
Encyclia Orchids (Encyclia spp.)

Encyclia orchids, also called co*ckleshell orchids, thrive when planted on an orchid mount to simulate the epiphytic growing conditions of the wild. Some horticulturists say this orchid looks like an octopus because of its dangling petals and sepals. Although not fragrant, it can bloom for several consecutive months.
- Native Area: Florida, Mexico, Caribbean
- Height: 3 inches to 2 feet, depending on the species
- Light: Medium to bright diffused indoor light
- Water: Allow roots to dry out between watering, 1 to 2 times per week
- Temperature: Depending on species, cool to warm. Keep above 60°F for most plants.
10 of 25
Epidendrum Orchids (Epidendrum spp.)

The Epidendrum genus is large, containing more than 1,000 pure species and many more hybrids. The flowers are petite, and the plants need very bright light to bloom and thrive. Epidendrum orchids usually need supplemental grow lights when grown indoors.
- Native Area: Tropical and subtropical North and South America
- Height: 6 inches to 6 feet, depending on the species
- Light: Bright diffused indoor light; supplemental artificial light is often required
- Water: Allow roots to dry completely between watering. Water more often during hot weather.
- Temperature: Can tolerate most temperatures above 50°F
11 of 25
Laelia Orchids

The Laeliagenus is one of the workhorses of the orchid world and is often crossed with other species. A Laeliaorchid typically blooms in the autumn or winter after their growing period stops. The two most common species,L. rubescensandL. ancepsfeature inflorescence ranging between one and three feet, and theflowers are usually white or pale lavender.
- Native Area: North and South America
- Height: Depends on the species
- Light: Bright indoor lighting
- Water: Water weekly, allow to dry out slightly after blooms are gone
- Temperature: Cool to intermediate to warm, depending on species.
12 of 25
Ludisia Orchids (Ludisia discolor)

Growing the Ludisia orchid, commonly known as the jewel orchid, is rewarding in that the plants look attractive in or out of bloom. The plants bear many stems of tiny white flowers once a year and its velvety dark green leaves are equally attractive. This is a rare orchid genus that contains only one species and is often difficult to find, but when you do, it is quite easy to grow.
- Native Area: Southern and Southeast Asia
- Height: 3 to 18 inches
- Light: Bright diffused indoor light
- Water: Keep soil moist and keep the plant in a high-humidity environment
- Temperature: 65 to 75°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night. Don't let it get below 50°F
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13 of 25
Miltonia Orchids (Miltonia spp.)

It is easy to see how the pansy orchid got its nickname. The blossoms have the same face-like features that give our favorite cool-weather annual so much personality. However, unlike pansies, the Miltonia orchids continue blooming from late spring into summer. There are 12twelveepiphyticspecies within this genus as well as several naturally occurring hybrids.
- Native Area: Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica
- Height: 12 to 20 inches
- Light: Bright diffused indoor light
- Water: Let soil almost dry out between waterings
- Temperature: 75 to 85°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night
14 of 25
Oncidium Orchids (Oncidium spp.)

See Also
Growing Orchids in a Greenhouse
If your orchid resembles a dancing lady, chances are you are growing an Oncidium orchid. Oncidium'Sharry Baby' is sometimes called the chocolate orchid for its sprays of brownish flowers with a rich cocoa scent. There are more than 300 species in this genus, most of which are epiphytic, growing on the surface of other plants and absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air.
- Native Area: Mexico, Central and South America, West Indies
- Height: 6 inches to 10 feet, depending on the species
- Light: Bright indirect light
- Water: Keep moist, watering up to 2 to 3 times per week in dry, warm weather
- Temperature: 70 to 85°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night
15 of 25
Phalaenopsis Orchids (Phalaenopsis spp.)

Commonly known as moth orchids, the species in the Phalaenopsis genus are ideal orchids for beginners. They tolerate clumsy repotting efforts, bloom on and off throughout the year, and are easy to propagate via keikis, the child plantlets that develop from a mature plant. There are about 75 recognized species within the genus and many dozens of readily available cultivars in nearly every color of the rainbow.
- Native Area: India, China, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and Australia
- Height: 1 to 3 feet, depending on the species
- Light: Indirect indoor light or a shady outdoor location in its hardiness zone
- Water: When soil becomes slightly damp, up to 2 times per week during dry periods
- Temperature: 70 to 80°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night
16 of 25
Phaius Orchids (Phaius spp.)

If you have a Phaius orchid in your collection, you will quickly find out that these four-foot-tall specimens do not belong on a windowsill. The leaves are large and strappy, and the many flower spikes produce purple, white, or yellow flowers. This winter bloomer also goes by the common name nun’s cap orchid. There are about 45 species within this genus; the one most commonly grown is Phaius tancarvilleae commonly known as the nun’s orchid.
- Native Area: Tropical Africa, Asia, Australia, and Pacific islands
- Height: 1 to 4 feet, depending on the species
- Light: Bright indoor light
- Water: Keep moist, watering up to 2 times per week in dry, warmer months
- Temperature: Above 60°F
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17 of 25
Phragmipedium Orchids (Phragmipedium spp.)

If you cannot stop yourself from watering your orchids to death, Phragmipedium is the type of orchid for you. It is different from other orchids in that it thrives in wet conditions, even preferring wet feet. You can recognize these flowers by the little pouch flanked by Fu Manchu mustache petals. There are about 20 recognized species within this genus.
- Native Area: Southwest Mexico, tropical Central, and South America
- Height: Up to 3 feet, depending on the species
- Light: Bright indoor light
- Water: Keep moist, watering up to 2 to 3 times per week, use clean water
- Temperature: 70 to 80°F during the day, 55 to 65°F at night
18 of 25
Psychopsis Orchids (Psychopsis spp.)

Psychopsis, butterfly orchids, should be more popular than they are. They are easy to grow and have fascinating flowers with burgundy and green speckled foliage. Grow these in moderate light for months of blooms. They have a good tolerance for a wide temperature range. This is a relatively small genus, with only five recognized species.
- Native Area: Central and South America, Trinidad
- Height: 12-16 inches
- Light: Bright indirect light
- Water: Fully moisten when watering and allow to almost dry out between watering. Humidity should be as much as 85%
- Temperature: Up to 90°F during the day, to 60°F at night
19 of 25
Rhynchostylis Orchid

Not an orchid for beginners, Rhynchostylis orchids require care and attention to thrive because they can be damaged by many different factors. Too much sunlight can cause leaf-tip burn or discolorations, while poor drainage in their containers can damage the roots. Their visual appeal when hanging in an orchid basket is worth the effort.
- Native Area: Southeast Asia
- Height: Depends on the species
- Light: Bright filtered light
- Water: Daily watering if in baskets or mounted
- Temperature: 70 to 80°F during the day, 55 to 65°F at night
20 of 25
Schomburgkia Orchid

Schomburgkiaorchidsare large plants that thrive in hot, tropical conditions. As they mature they become quite impressive in size—some of these plants grow up to five feet tall, bearing up to 15 flowers.
- Native Area: Mexico, South America
- Height: 5 to 60 inches, varies by species
- Light: Bright light
- Water: Water evenly, do not allow it to dry out
- Temperature: 70 to 80°F during the day, 55 to 65°F at night
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21 of 25
Spathoglottis Orchid

Spathoglottisis a genus of about 40orchidscolloquially known as garden orchids. Spathoglottis is an easy introduction to the world of orchid cultivation for beginners.
- Native Area: Southeast Asia, India
- Height: Depends on the species
- Light: Bright light (but some species can grow in full sun)
- Water: Maintain even moisture and high humidity. Constant air movement is also important.
- Temperature: 70 to 80°F during the day, 55 to 65°F at night
22 of 25
Trichocentrum Orchid

Considered byorchidaficionados to be among the most beautiful of all orchid species,Trichocentrums orchids, also known as mule ear orchids, are epiphytes with quite large leaves—up to 24 inches long. T. undulatum, common to South Florida, grows yellow flowers, andT. tigrinumis perhaps the most beautiful species in the genus; its flowers are quite large and mixed purple and white. This is also one of the easier species in the genus to cultivate.
- Native Area: Southern North America, South America
- Height: Depends on the species
- Light: Bright indoor light
- Water: Weekly watering during the warmer part of the year, sharply reduced watering during the cooler part of the year. Humidity intermediate to high.
- Temperature: 70 to 80°F during the day, 55 to 65°F at night
23 of 25
Vanda Orchid

The Vanda genus includes about 80 recognized species known for their showy, fragrant, long-lasting flowers. You will often see them growing in orchid baskets; otherwise, you must use a very chunky growing medium for these plants. These orchids are picky about their environmentand demand high light and humidity.
- Native Area: East and Southeast Asia
- Height: 1 to 3 feet, depending on the species
- Light: Bright indoor light
- Water: Once every 5-7 days, as the soil begins to dry
- Temperature: 70 to 80°F during the day, 60 to 65°F at night
24 of 25
Vanilla Orchid

The vanilla orchid (V. planifolia) produces seed pods that are the source of natural vanilla flavoring used widely in desserts and beverages. Growing this vining orchid requires carefully controlled conditions and must be pollinated by hand to produce seeds. This plant likes high humidity and moisture, does not like to dry out, and requires regular fertilizing. It is ahigh-maintenance plantthat is not an easy option for beginners to grow but is beautiful when you succeed.
- Native Area: North America, Caribbean, Central America
- Height: 8-10 ft. long
- Light: Bright indoor light
- Water: Keep soil moist and keep the plant in a high-humidity environment
- Temperature: 80 to 95°F during the day, 60 to 70°F at night
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25 of 25
Zygopetalum Orchid

Healthy Zygopetalum (Zygopetalum spp.) orchids produce fragrant blooms ranging from chocolaty to spicy and peppery to floral almost constantly from fall to spring. With proper care, these sturdy orchids will bloom up to four times a year for a period lasting three to four weeks.
Flowers are two to four inches in size in shades of purple, burgundy, green, and white with spotted and patterned petals and lips. Some hybrids will produce flowers with shades of blue, a color considered rare for orchids.
- Native Area: South America (mainly Brazil)
- Height: Up to 2 feet
- Light: Bright diffused indoor light
- Water: Keep fairly moist, watering up to 2 to 3 times per week during warm, dry weather
- Temperature: 70 to 75°F during the day, around 60°F at night

FAQ

Which type of orchid is the best for houseplant beginners?

A beginning orchid grower should start with a Phalaenopsis orchid also known as a moth orchid. It prefers low light, temperature between 70°F and 80°F, and humidity above 50%. The flowers can be white, purple, pink, salmon, or yellow. Water mature plants weekly and feed after watering at quarter to half strength of the recommended rate.
How do I know what type of orchid I have?

If your plant doesn't have a tag, look at the shape, color, patterns, and size of the bloom. Because most orchid blooms come in a wide range of colors, you cannot identify an orchid solely by the color or size of the flower. If the orchid is not in bloom, it is much more difficult to identify it. If you need assistance to determine what type of orchid you have, see the orchid plant descriptions published by the American Orchid Society.
What are the most common types of orchids?

If you purchase your first orchid at a home and garden center, the selection is usually limited to Phalaenopsis (moth orchid), Cattleya, Paphiopedilum, Dendrobium, and Cymbidium. All are easy to grow as houseplants.
What are the most high-maintenance orchids to grow indoors?

Wait until you have some experience before you attempt to grow the Vanilla orchid (Vanilla planifolia), Schomburgkiaorchids, and Rhynchostylis orchids as houseplants.
What type of orchid is best for beginners?

Choose an easy-to-grow variety from a reputable nursery. Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, Dendrobium, and Cymbidium orchids are available in a wide-range of colors and affordable prices.

8 Reasons Why Your Orchids Won't Bloom and How to Fix Them

Originally written by

Jamie McIntosh

Jamie McIntosh has written about gardening and special occasion flowers for the Spruce since 2011. She has more than 20 years of experience caring for flowers and plants. She was a feature writer for Organic Gardening at Suite101, where she won awards for her writing.

Learn more about The Spruce'sEditorial Process

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

10 Reasons Orchids Are Amazing. Old Dominion University.
Phaius. American Orchid Society
Phragmipedium. American Orchid Society
Top 10 Orchids for the Home. Missouri Botanical Garden

These 25 Types of Orchids Make Great Houseplants - Here's What to Look For (2024)

Orchid Growing Tips

Aerangis Orchids

Ascocenda Orchids

Brassavola Orchids (Brassavola spp.)

Brassia Orchids

Catasetum Orchid (Catasetum spp.)

Cattleya Orchid (Cattleya spp.)

Cymbidium Orchid (Cymbidium spp.)

Dendrobium Orchids (Dendrobium spp.)

Watch Now: How to Grow and Care for Dendrobium Orchids

Encyclia Orchids (Encyclia spp.)

Epidendrum Orchids (Epidendrum spp.)

Laelia Orchids

Ludisia Orchids (Ludisia discolor)

Miltonia Orchids (Miltonia spp.)

Oncidium Orchids (Oncidium spp.)

Phalaenopsis Orchids (Phalaenopsis spp.)

Phaius Orchids (Phaius spp.)

Phragmipedium Orchids (Phragmipedium spp.)

Psychopsis Orchids (Psychopsis spp.)

Rhynchostylis Orchid

Schomburgkia Orchid

Spathoglottis Orchid

Trichocentrum Orchid

Vanda Orchid

Vanilla Orchid

Zygopetalum Orchid