Cattleyas

Cattleyas , the only orchids that are universally recognized as orchids, are considered the Queen of Orchids. Cattleyas are no longer just corsage orchids that bloom only for Mother's Day. The current Cattleya breeding is producing vivid colors in orange, reds, and yellows on more compact plants that bloom multiple times per year. Using the traditional and fragrant white and lavender Cattleyas and Laelias and introducing the red Sophronitis, the green Brassavolas, and the multi-flowered Broughtonias and Epidendrums is producing a whole new generation of orchids that anyone can grow and enjoy. Many of these new Cattleya hybrids are referred to as Windowsill Orchids and are easily adapted to growing under lights and in smaller spaces. Grow beautiful blooming Cattleyas and you will find yourself obsessed with the art of growing orchids!

Oncidium

Oncidiums have the vivid nicknames of Dancing Ladies and Butterfly Orchids. The Oncidiums called Dancing Ladies are the tiny, fan-shaped equitants or Tolumnias. These small-growing Oncidiums produce some of the most incredible numbers of brightly colored and vividly patterned blooms of any of the orchids. The Butterfly type of Oncidiums are referred to as Psychopsis. These Oncidiums have tall spikes with flowers that resemble Monarch Butterflies. They are truly amazing in the world of orchids!

Dendrobium

Dendrobiums form the largest genera of orchids, comprising over 1,000 species. Dendrobiums range from extremely tiny plants to plants that are over 6 feet tall. Whether you grow deciduous Dendrobiums or evergreen Dendrobiums, you will love their graceful sprays bearing numerous flowers. The colors of Dendrobiums range from snow whites to greens and yellows, even deep, dark maroons. Many Dendrobiums are multi-colored and some are even fragrant! Dendrobiums are used frequently in interiors because of their masses of flowers. Dendrobiums are easy to grow and bloom.

Vanda

Vandas are typically grown in warmer, sunnier regions, many requiring a generous amount of space because of their massive root systems. However, man is working with Mother Nature to produce some very compact, easy-to-grow, and even fragrant hybrids by combining Vandas with Ascocentrums, Rhyncostylis, Neofinetias, and other Vandaceous species. The colors of Vandas and their hybrids range from whites and greens to yellows with spots, dark raspberries, and reds to oranges, many with darker tesselations that give a spider web effect. Flowers range from small to huge with long and frequent bloom seasons.

Phalaenopsis

Phalaenopsis, commonly referred to as Phals or Moth Orchids, are among the most popular orchids because of their long-lasting blooms and ease of culture. Phalaenopsis typically bloom during the spring with the flowers lasting for several months. The colors of Phalaenopsis range from white and pinks to reds and yellows and the patterns vary from solid colors to spots, stripes, and blotches of color. Phals are ideal for indoor gardening and decorating with their graceful inflorescences and multitude of flowers.