Orchids are among the most popular indoor plants. Despite their reputation for being difficult to grow, many are surprisingly easy to care for.
Once all of their basic needs—such as light, temperature, and humidity—are met, they require very little attention. Certain varieties may bloom once a year, while others may bloom numerous times with little to no effort on your part.
The orchid family has about 880 types with a total of 22,000 species. They are the most abundant and diverse of the flowering plant groups.
It can be tough to decide which ones to grow in your home. To succeed, choose one of the less demanding types. Then, select a species that is suited to the type of growth conditions you can provide.
1. Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchids)
Moth orchids are among the longest-blooming varieties and are widely available and affordable. A single flower spike can survive for up to four months.
Indoors, they are hardy and can produce spectacular flowers under ideal conditions. Their flowers come in white, pink, red, green, yellow, orange, and purple shades.
Give them moderate or strong light, and water every other week.
2. Brassavola (Lady of the Night)
Lady of the Night is known for its heart-shaped white flowers and strong, spicy night fragrance. This quick-growing plant can flower any time of the year.
This orchid can thrive in a variety of conditions. Provide adequate light, maintain a consistent temperature, and water on a regular basis.
Although this showpiece plant can produce a lot of flowers, even a single flower spike is rewarding. It blooms frequently, showing its largest flowers in the fall and winter.
3. Ludisia discolor (Jewel Orchid)
Jewel orchids are admired for their leaves rather than their flowers. Unlike other types, these orchids grow on the ground, not on trees and other plants.
When kept as a houseplant, they typically bloom between December and March. However, it is possible for them to grow a flower stalk during other seasons.
A mature Jewel Orchid that has been well cared for may produce multiple growths and spread out after about a decade.
4. Phaius tankervilleae (Nun’s Orchid)
The curving top sepal and white underside petals of the Phaius tankervilleae mimic a nun’s hat, which is how this species got its name. This is an excellent flowering houseplant for beginners because it grows in soil.
This exquisite plant thrives in bright light and warm temperatures, making it easier to care for indoors. Its blossoms come in a variety of colors, including white, maroon, reddish brown, and pinkish-yellow. In the spring, the flowers last especially long.
5. Prosthechea cochleata (Cockleshell Orchid)
The cockleshell orchid is appreciated not just for its distinctive appearance, but also for its continuous flowering. It flourishes in pots and makes a wonderful houseplant.
It blooms in a sequence of inflorescences that can last anywhere from 12 to 18 months. The plant is, however, extremely sensitive to its surroundings. The amount of sunlight and water it receives, and its surrounding temperature, have to be strictly controlled.
6. Cattleya (Corsage Orchids)
The blossoms of the corsage orchid are large, fragrant, and colorful, making this species a popular choice for flower arrangements. It’s an excellent choice for beginner and expert gardeners alike.
This slow-growing, long-lived orchid takes four to seven years to mature. It makes an excellent houseplant, but it may also be grown outside in tropical climates.
The key to growing this plant successfully is to provide enough sunlight, maintain proper temperature and humidity, and water and feed it regularly.
7. Cymbidium (Boat Orchids)
Many common orchids do not tolerate cold as well as Cymbidium types do. They can be grown in pots outside in the spring, summer, and fall, and then be brought inside as winter approaches.
Unlike other species, a boat orchids doesn’t need much. It flourishes in direct sunlight and prefers to be near an east-facing window or a somewhat shaded south window when grown indoors.
Its native blooming season is during the winter, which is perfect if you are using your plants as decoration for your home.
8. Miltoniopsis (Pansy Orchids)
The pansy orchid is one of the friendliest-looking plants you can grow. It is an excellent companion plant for the phalaenopsis and oncidium species.
Boat orchids require low lighting and cool temperatures to thrive. They grow well in bright, indirect light, but not full sun. The plants do not require much space, so they are well suited to be grown in pots.
