They are the top-class flowers in Mother Nature's kingdom. Exotic orchids present themselves with lavish blossoms on the windowsill. Particularly ambitious varieties have adapted to our climate and decorate the summer flower bed. Browse here through a selection of recommended orchid species for home and garden.
Which types of orchids are suitable for the home and garden?
Popular types of orchids for home and garden include pansy orchid (Miltonia), tree orchid (Epidendrum), Venus slipper (Paphiopedilum), boat orchid (Cymbidium), butterfly orchid (Phalaenopsis) and lady's slipper (Cymbidium). Beginners should start with easy-care species such as Phalaenopsis.
Floral luxury for the windowsill – favorite orchids of German hobby gardeners
The following orchid species and varieties have taken the hearts of hobby gardeners by storm. Anyone who walks through the streets with their eyes open will come across these floral beauties in the flower windows:
- Pansy orchid (Miltonia), an orchid for cooler conditions and multiple blooms
- Tree orchid (Epidendrum), its varieties prefer to stay on the balcony from May to September
- Venus slipper (Paphiopedilum) challenges the gardener with the special requirements of its varieties
- Kahn orchid (Cymbidium) impresses with its tireless flowering, as long as it is cared for in cold weather
If you are looking for an orchid that causes a sensation with its extra large flowers, you will find it in Cattleya species. It is primarily the two-leaf varieties, such as the pure white 'Gisela Schmidt' or the colorful 'Chian Tzy Lass', which bloom tirelessly without a long break.
Weightless tropical magic – orchids for hanging
Although every epiphytic orchid tolerates substrate-free cultivation, only a few species can be hung in the window. The genera of the wonderful Vanda and Ascocentrum orchids have made a name for themselves in this regard. The following varieties delight with their seemingly weightless exoticism:
- Vanda 'Blue Magic', one of the very rare blue orchids with flowers up to 12 cm in size
- Vanda 'Fire Brick' with up to 10 cm large, purple, cream-white spotted flowers
- Vanda deninsoniana x Johanna Ljunggren, a bright yellow flowering hybrid with dark red lip
- Ascocentrum curvifolium x Rhycoelestis, an abundantly flowering variety in rich orange and purple
Since a Vanda comes with challenging care requirements, orchid lovers with limited time decide on a clever compromise. You tie the uncomplicated Phalaenopsis orchid to a branch and hang the blooming work of art in the window.
The best orchids for beginners
We can't come up with the ultimate beginner orchid here. With these types of orchids, the bar for successful care is at beginner level:
- Butterfly orchid (Phalaenopsis), with countless pretty hybrids that forgive many care mistakes
- Antelope orchid (Dendrobium), the focus here is primarily on the varieties of Dendrobium phalaenopsis and Dendrobium nobile
- Toothed tongue (Odontoglossum) meet all expectations as long as they are allowed to stay at a cool 12-18 degrees Celsius
As an orchid novice, don't be afraid to start with a phalaenopsis from the supermarket. The hybrids don't cost much to purchase and, with frugal requirements, pave the way for you into the higher spheres of orchid loving. Avoid buying pure game species from specialist retailers. Compared to varieties that have been treated through breeding, pure species are much more delicate in terms of care.
Hearty and easy to care for – terrestrial orchids spread exotic floral flair
The following orchid species prefer to have solid ground under their roots rather than climb to lofty heights like their epiphytic counterparts. Some of these terrestrial orchid varieties also like to show off in the flowerbed:
- Japanese orchid (Bletilla), the hardy orchid species delights with a long flowering period from May to July
- Lady's slipper (Cymbidium), the robust terrestrial orchid impresses with its multifaceted varieties and summer flowering period
- Tibet orchid (Pleione), its most beautiful hybrids bloom in autumn and accompany us colorfully into winter
- Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia), the climbing terrestrial orchid that gifts us with aromatic spice pods
Calanthe orchids cannot be missing in this category. The diverse genus boasts beautiful terrestrial orchids and picturesque epiphytes orchids. The majority are deciduous varieties that thrive best in a nutrient-rich substrate and bloom from November to February. In comparison, the evergreen Calanthe hybrids score points for their opulent abundance of flowers, which appear several times a year.
These orchids speak German – an overview of local varieties
To enjoy colorful orchid flowers, you don't have to look far away. The following varieties are native to us and are therefore hardy:
- White forest bird (Cephalanthera damasonium), ivory-colored flowers on stems up to 22 cm long
- Flesh-colored orchid (Dactylorhiza incarnata), purple flower candles for the edge of the pond and the bog bed
- Forest hyacinth (Platanthera bifolia), white, spreading starry flowers with a distinctive spur
- Yellow lady's slipper (Cypripedium calceolus), the only one of its kind native to Germany
Almost all orchids in Germany are threatened with extinction. By planting and propagating the orchids in your own garden, you are making a valuable contribution to the preservation of the unique orchid species.
Tip
With so much luxury, the question arises as to the most valuable orchid in the world. Experts agree that this honor belongs to Paphiopedilum rothschildianum 'Kinabalu Gold'. The monetary value increases to a dizzying 3. Estimated at 700 euros. The magical floral creature only thrives on the highest mountain in Malaysia and is protected. The orchid takes a whopping 15 years to bloom for the first time.