With 25,000-30,000 different types of orchids known throughout the world, the variety of flowers that bloom on these plants run the gamut. The flowers on orchids can be as large as a human hand (or larger) or as small as a pin head. The colors come in every variety from the darkest shades of every color imaginable to nearly transparent. The flowers of orchids are always spectacular with their detailed and complex layout of pedals. Orchids have been one of the most loved flowering plants for centuries and are especially prized for their spectacular blooms. Many botanist and amateur flower lovers alike have referred to them as living jewels. While the blooms of the orchid are far too plentiful to examine here in detail, here is some information and a look at some of the most common orchid species flowers
With all the types of orchids that are grown throughout the world, florists and domestic growers find they have a huge range of flowers to work with. These common kinds of orchids work well in both flower arrangements and work well for the home grower too. Their blooms are beautiful and come in a huge array of colors and are often used since they hold up well in floral arrangements. Some of the most common kinds of orchids used for their blooms are: Cattleya, Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Oncidium and Vanda.
Cattleya
This orchid is also known as the Corsage Orchid. It comes in multiple colors such as white, lavender, red, yellow, orange, or green. Florists find that it is the most popular for choices like dance corsages or Mother’s Day arrangements. Varieties that are most used are Saffron Satin, Fiesta, Lemon Chiffon, Serendipity and Hawaii Peach.
Phalaenopsis
This type of orchid is also known as the Moth Orchids. These are sprays of flowers that come in colors like white, yellow, pink, red, green and are, not surprisingly, moth shaped. The most used varieties are Ruben (red in color), Roman Holiday (light yellow with heavy red spots and pink center), Plantation (white with heavy red spots), Crownfox Superloaf (white) and Leopold (orange with pink center). Since the flowers come in sprays, florists often use them for arrangements (wedding and funeral) rather than wearable arrangements or vase arrangements.
Paphiopedilums
These are also known as Lady Slippers. This orchid is very unique in appearance and extremely popular. There is a pouch hanging from the petals (looking like a lady’s slipper) and often, they have stripes or spots on them. They also come in a variety of colors with pink and white being the most sought after. Varieties that are most commonly used are: Nike, Krull’s Leopard, Florida Snow and Amy Book. This type of orchid is often used in wedding arrangements.
Cymbidium
This is another commonly used orchid due to the beauty of the flower it produces. Most of these types of orchids are white, green, yellow, pink, and red. They have an exotic appearance even though they are commonly found; that makes them an affordable and easy choice for florists. The most commonly used varieties are: 1902 (yellow), Amaranth (dark pink), Apple Tea (light pink), Ballerina (pink) and Cafeteria (red).
Dendrobium
This type of orchid also has sprays of flowers and the shapes are a variety. The shapes of Dendrobium can range from small and round to large and oblong. The most commonly used varieties with their colors are: Lake View (purple), Hawaii (white and purple), Alba (light and pink) and Mutation (yellow).
Oncidiums
Oncidiums are also known as the Dancing Slippers orchids. This is also fairly self-explanatory as the blooms look like dancing slippers. Some of the most commonly used (and sought after) varieties are: Golden Girl (bright yellow with maroon spots), Red Fantasy (deep red with maroon lip), White Fairy (white with light brown spots) and Sweet Fragrance (deep red with vanilla scent).
Vanda
The Vanda orchid is another commonly used orchid. The flowers of this orchid are especially unique since the entire flower is usually flat, and their petals are of the same size. Some of the most commonly used varieties are: Pacific Paradise, it is a blue colored Vanda; Pink is a dark pink Vanda, and Lavender Thrills is the bright magenta Vanda. Vanda is often used in vase arrangements due to their unique shape and durability.