Cattleya orchids, around 48 species and many more hybrids exist Named after William Cattleya, they are from the tropical Americas Laelia's , which can be additionally found in the West Indies and Mexico also require similar cultural conditions.

The plant has a long pseudobulb which terminates in one or sometimes two stiff elongated leaves, and the flower stem grows from the axil of this leaf. Usually there are between two and 8 or more flowers on a stem depending on the variety. with many different colour combinations.

They make excellent houseplants but require high light levels to do well.

Cymbidiums contain around 44 species, and come from the tropics of the old world, the large flowered types which come from the higher regions of the Himalayas and the orient require cool conditions to flower well.

The plant has 12 inch  to 30 inch long strap like leaves and "onion" like pseudobulbs, the flower spike grows from the bottom of the bulb and can have many flowers along its length.  Size and flower colour vary dependant on the parentage of the plant.

Flowering usually occurs in the Northern Hemisphere between November and April.

Phalaenopsis -  The Moth Orchid, found from Java and the South Seas, the Philippines and even Queensland Australia, are definitely warm growers who like to be shaded, the perfect houseplant, and very free flowering.  They can f lower for months at any time of the year.

Phalaenopsis plants have rounded flattish fleshy leaves, new leaves grow from the centre of the plant, and inflorescences grow from the body of the plant.

Flower spikes can branch and produce anywhere from 2 to dozens of flowers depending on the plants parentage.  The flowers can be white plainly coloured striped spotted mottled or a mixture of any.

Dendrobiums, with around 1000 species and innumerable hybrids, the hobbyist is faced with many varied growing conditions, and it is a good idea to establish from where in the world, and at what altitude any plant in question is native to, they are found from the Orient and tropical Asia down to Australasia.

Dendrobiums vary in size from quite small compact plants to quite enormous ones.

Phalaenopsis dendrobiums are popular as houseplants, they are not related to phalaenopsis.

Miltonia's are sometimes called the Pansy Orchid, named in honour of Earl Fitzwilliam The Viscount Milton.

Around 10 species can be found mostly in Brazil and therefore are warm growing, many beautiful hybrids of this often highly scented genus exist.

The plants produce long thin leaves.  Flower colour and size vary, and many are scented, they like to be repotted regularly and kept moist, but not waterlogged.

They will make good houseplants.

Odontoglossum's have around 175 species which can be found in the mountains of South America, although from the tropics they grow in the higher elevations up to 3500m in wet cloud forest, and therefore require cool growing conditions, many hybrids exist.

Not the best subject for houseplants, but do well in cool conditions in a suitable greenhouse.

The plants have fleshy pseudobulbs which produce one or two leaves from their apex. and flower spikes come from the bottom of the plant.

Flowering can occur anytime based on the parentage.

Oncidiums, most popular ones from the 600 or so species in existence come from the tropics of the Americas, but there are a few which grow in the higher elevations, and therefore require cooler conditions, hybrids are more tolerant than the species, as in most plants.

Oncidiums have elongated pseudobulbs, which produce one or two leaves at the apex, and the flower spikes may be branched depending on the species.

Flowers come in many different colours and sizes, and most will make good houseplants.

Paphiopedilum's, named after Paphinia the Greek Goddess, who the Romans renamed Venus, and pedilum (foot or slipper)

There are bout 60 species from the Asia India and New Guinea. mottled leaved ones require warm conditions, plain leaved single flowered intermediate/cool, and plain leaved multi flowered warm and brighter conditions.

The species from the oriental continents are quite different,  the plants are smaller and the usually single flower has an enlarged pouch, giving it an exotic appearance.

Paphiopedilums do not do well in centrally heated homes, as they prefer cooler conditions.

Phragmipedium, the New worlds answer to the Paphiopedilum about 21 species are found up to 2000 metres throughout Mexico, Brazil Bolivia Peru etc., they require intermediate conditions and must not dry out between watering.

Hybridising with newly discovered species has produced flowers which are much brighter and varied in colour from their old world cousins.

The plants have small pseudobulbs boating one or two leaves, and the flower spike grows from the centre of a mature leaf axil, producing one to several flowers.

Vanda's have about 50 species, from which the many hybrids are derived from the tropics Asia and the orient  as far down as Australia, they require warm growing conditions with plenty of bright light. They grow best suspended in wooden baskets.

Vandas and their relatives, do not do well as houseplants, unless you can spend a lot of time looking after them.

The plants produce strap like leaves which grow  from the top of the plant, and the flower spikes appear from the axil of the mature leaves, there can be one two or even three flower spikes with many flowers, colour and size dependant on the species.

ProFlowers tips on Growing Orchids in the Home  

Colourful, elegant and now available everywhere from supermarkets to high street chains, orchids have become big favourites on the home decorating front. But, while these delicate flowers boast an exotic beauty that sets them apart from your average houseplant, they can also seem challenging to maintain.  Fortunately, with a few handy hints you should be well on your way to nurturing a gorgeous orchid you can enjoy for months to come.  

Determining what type of orchid you own is, of course, the most basic step in understanding how to give your plant the best care. For beginner growers Phalaenopsis make a good choice. Also known as moth orchids, they are by far the most widely sold orchids, and if kept in the correct conditions, they can flower for up to eight weeks. Other popular breeds of orchids include Dendrobium, Cymbidium and Vanda orchids and each favour slightly different light, heat and humidity combinations.  

Still unsure what type of orchid you own? Rest assured, some orchid care tips hold true for all breeds. And, by simply considering an orchid’s native surroundings you’ll do a much better job at creating an environment in which your plant can thrive. Most wild orchids grow on trees and get their moisture from the air, so when watering, try to use room temperature water to prevent cold-water damage to your plant. Then, place your orchid in a well-ventilated room with bright light, but not in full sunlight during the warm weather to avoid cooking the plant or its leaves. Orchids enjoy the same type of temperature conditions we do, so with a room temperature not less than 15.00° C your orchid should stay happy and healthy, some plants such as cymbidiums enjoy a cooler period after flowering, and if you can find a shady cool spot outside during the summer months they will flower better, in northern climes, bring indoors just before the first frosts are due.  

When it comes to watering, water every four to ten days by holding your orchid over the sink and drenching it to replicate a rain shower. A quick and easy way to determine whether your orchid needs watering is to stick a pencil in your orchid’s soil. Leave the pencil for ten minutes and if when you remove the tip it looks moist, hold off watering for several days. Whatever you do, never let water gather or sit around the leaves as this can harm your plant, so always pat-dry residual water with a paper towel. What’s more, if you spot yellowing or damaged leaves, you may be over-watering your orchid, so refrain from watering for a couple of weeks. Live in a hard-water area? Try boiling and cooling your water before using.

  Lastly, during chillier winter months you may want to mimic a rainforest’s humidity to combat the dryness of your central heating and give your plant a dose of the moisture it craves. To do this, simply place your orchid on a gravel-lined tray sprinkled with water and allow the evaporating water to nourish your plant. Then, when flowers are in bloom, keep stems tied to a stick to protect them, fertilize with every other watering, and enjoy your plant’s gorgeous natural beauty.  

 To buy orchids for delivery to the USA visit ProFlowers.com  

To buy orchids for delivery in the UK, see traders on our introduction to orchids page