30 Types of Orchids for Houseplant Beginners to Brighten Your Home

Orchids are beautiful and exotic flowers that can brighten up any home. With thousands of species and hybrids to choose from, you might feel overwhelmed when starting your orchid journey. But don’t worry! Many orchid types are perfect for beginners.

You can easily grow orchids at home with the right care and attention. These stunning plants come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Some are small and compact, while others have long, graceful stems. By picking the right orchid for your space and skill level, you’ll soon be enjoying these lovely blooms in your own home.

1. Phalaenopsis Orchid

Phalaenopsis orchids are perfect for beginners. They’re known for their long-lasting, beautiful blooms.

These orchids like warm temperatures between 65-80°F. Keep them in a bright spot, but away from direct sunlight.

Water your Phalaenopsis weekly. Make sure the potting mix dries out between waterings. Use room-temperature water and avoid getting it on the leaves.

These plants prefer humidity. You can increase moisture by placing a tray of water near your orchid or using a small humidifier.

Phalaenopsis orchids come in many colors, including white, pink, and purple. Some have spots or stripes, adding to their charm.

2. Cattleya Orchid

Cattleya orchids are great for beginners. They’re known as the “Queen of Orchids” for their big, beautiful flowers and sweet smell.

These orchids like bright, indirect light. Put them near an east or west-facing window for best results.

Water your Cattleya when the soil feels dry. Larger plants can go about a week between waterings. Smaller ones might need water twice a week.

Use a special orchid potting mix to keep your plant happy. These mixes drain well, which Cattleyas love.

Cattleyas come in many colors and sizes. You’ll find ones with pink, purple, white, or even two-toned blooms.

3. Dendrobium Orchid

Dendrobium orchids are a great choice for your home. They come in many colors and sizes, making them popular among plant lovers.

These orchids like bright, indirect light. Put them near an east-facing window for best results. Protect them from strong afternoon sun to avoid leaf burn.

Dendrobiums are easy to grow, even for beginners. They can bloom for 2-8 months, usually starting in spring.

Some dendrobiums have unique features like hairy petals. With over 1,500 species, you’re sure to find one you love.

Remember to give your dendrobium orchid the right care. With proper light and attention, it will reward you with beautiful flowers.

4. Oncidium Orchid

Oncidium orchids are perfect for beginners. You’ll love their showy flowers that look like dancing ladies. These orchids come in many colors, including yellow, white, and magenta.

To keep your Oncidium happy, give it bright, indirect light. Water it when the potting mix feels dry. These plants like humidity, so mist them often or use a pebble tray.

Oncidiums grow best in temperatures between 60°F and 80°F during the day. At night, they prefer slightly cooler temps. Keep an eye out for pests like aphids, especially on new growth.

With proper care, your Oncidium orchid will reward you with beautiful blooms that last for weeks.

5. Paphiopedilum Orchid

Paphiopedilum orchids, also known as slipper orchids, are great for beginners. They have unique, pouch-shaped flowers that look like little slippers.

You can grow these orchids easily in your home. They like low to moderate light, so a spot near an east or north window is perfect.

Keep your Paphiopedilum in temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. They enjoy humid air, so you might want to use a small humidifier nearby.

Water your orchid about once a week. Make sure the potting mix stays moist but not soggy. Use a special orchid fertilizer once a month to keep your plant healthy and blooming.

6. Miltonia Orchid

Miltonia orchids are popular houseplants known for their colorful, pansy-like blooms. These beautiful flowers come in shades of pink, red, yellow, and white.

To care for your Miltonia orchid, place it in bright, indirect light. Shield it from direct sunlight, especially during spring and summer. These plants prefer cooler temperatures, so keep them away from heaters.

Water your Miltonia every 7-10 days, or when the potting mix feels dry. In summer, you might need to water more often. Mist the leaves regularly to increase humidity.

Use a balanced orchid fertilizer diluted to half-strength for feeding. Repot your Miltonia every 1-2 years using a mix of small fir bark, sphagnum moss, and pebbles.

7. Brassavola Orchid

Brassavola orchids are a great choice for beginners. You’ll love their unique, star-shaped white flowers that bloom at night. These flowers give off a sweet fragrance that fills the air.

These orchids need bright light to thrive. Place them near a window that gets plenty of sunlight. They can handle warm temperatures, so your average home climate should work well.

Water your Brassavola orchid regularly, but let it dry out between waterings. They like high humidity, so you might want to use a humidity tray or mist them often.

Fertilize your orchid every two weeks during the growing season. Use a balanced orchid fertilizer at half strength. With proper care, your Brassavola orchid will reward you with beautiful blooms year after year.

8. Vanilla Orchid

Vanilla orchids are unique climbing vines that can add a tropical touch to your home. You might recognize them as the source of vanilla flavoring!

These orchids need plenty of warmth and humidity to thrive. They prefer bright, indirect light and regular watering to keep their soil moist but not soggy.

You’ll need patience with vanilla orchids. They can take years to flower and even longer to produce vanilla beans. But their long, glossy green leaves make them attractive even without blooms.

To grow vanilla orchids, give them a sturdy support to climb on. A moss pole or trellis works well. Be ready for a fun challenge as you learn to care for these special plants!

9. Cymbidium Orchid

Cymbidium orchids are great for beginners who want to try growing orchids outdoors. These plants like cooler temperatures and can handle night temps as low as 40°F.

You’ll need to give your cymbidium bright light, but not direct sun. A spot with morning sun and afternoon shade works well.

Water your cymbidium when the top inch of soil feels dry. These orchids enjoy humidity, so mist them often or use a pebble tray.

Cymbidiums bloom in fall or winter. They produce long-lasting flowers in various colors like pink, yellow, and green.

Feed your plant with a balanced orchid fertilizer during the growing season. This will help it produce more flowers.

10. Ludisia Orchid

Ludisia orchids, also called jewel orchids, are perfect for beginners. These unique plants stand out with their beautiful leaves rather than their flowers.

You’ll love the dark green leaves with striking red or gold veins. They’re a great way to add color to your home year-round.

Jewel orchids are easy to care for. They grow in soil, unlike many other orchids. This makes watering simpler.

These plants like warm, humid spots in your house. A bathroom can be ideal. They don’t need much light, so they’re great for darker corners.

You can easily grow your collection. Just cut a piece of stem and plant it in soil. Soon, you’ll have a new jewel orchid to enjoy or share with friends.

11. Brassia Orchid

Brassia orchids, also known as spider orchids, are a fun choice for your home. These unique flowers have long, thin petals that look like spider legs.

You’ll love the sweet scent these orchids give off. They come in shades of green, yellow, and brown, often with spots or stripes.

To keep your Brassia happy, give it bright but indirect light. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry. These orchids like humid air, so misting them or using a pebble tray can help.

Brassia orchids bloom in spring or summer. With proper care, you can enjoy their spider-like flowers year after year.

12. Zygopetalum Orchid

Zygopetalum orchids are a great choice for beginners. They have eye-catching flowers with vibrant colors and patterns.

These orchids like bright light but not direct sun. A south-facing window with some shade works well. You can also use grow lights if needed.

Keep your Zygopetalum in a warm room. Aim for daytime temperatures of 70-75°F and nighttime temperatures of 65-70°F. They enjoy humidity above 50%.

Water your orchid when the top of the soil feels dry. Make sure the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot.

With proper care, your Zygopetalum will reward you with beautiful, long-lasting blooms that smell amazing.

13. Laelia Orchid

Laelia orchids are a beautiful choice for your home. These plants have 24 species and come from Brazil and Mexico. You’ll love their colorful flowers that bloom in many shapes.

Laelia orchids are related to Cattleya orchids. They have big, showy blooms that can be pink, purple, red, yellow, or white. Some even smell nice!

To care for your Laelia orchid, water it well when it’s growing. Let the top of the soil dry out between waterings. In colder months, water less but don’t let the soil get too dry.

These plants are great for beginners and experts alike. With proper care, you can enjoy their stunning flowers on tall stems that reach 2 to 4 feet.

14. Vanda Orchid

Vanda orchids are stunning plants that can add a touch of elegance to your home. These orchids are known for their large, colorful blooms that come in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white.

Vanda orchids love bright light, so place them near a window that gets plenty of sunshine. They prefer warm temperatures and high humidity, making them perfect for bathrooms or kitchens.

You’ll need to water your Vanda orchid frequently, as they don’t store water in their leaves or stems. Mist the aerial roots daily to keep them happy.

These orchids are a bit more challenging to care for than some other types, but their beautiful flowers make the extra effort worthwhile. With proper care, your Vanda orchid can bloom multiple times a year.

15. Pleurothallis Orchid

Pleurothallis orchids are a great choice for plant lovers who enjoy tiny, delicate blooms. These orchids come in over 1,200 species, making them one of the largest groups in the orchid family.

Many Pleurothallis orchids are miniature, with some flowers barely a millimeter wide. You’ll need a magnifying glass to fully appreciate their intricate beauty.

These tropical treasures thrive in humid environments. Your bathroom or laundry room might be the perfect spot for them. Aim for 40-70% humidity to keep your Pleurothallis happy.

Keep the soil moist but not soggy. With proper care, these unique orchids can add a touch of exotic charm to your indoor garden.

16. Stanhopea Orchid

Stanhopea orchids are a unique and fascinating choice for your home. These plants have large, showy flowers that grow downward, making them perfect for hanging baskets.

You’ll love the sweet fragrance their blooms produce. Stanhopea flowers come in various colors and patterns, adding a touch of exotic beauty to your space.

To care for your Stanhopea, use a special orchid potting mix. Water it regularly, but let the soil dry slightly between waterings. Feed your plant every two weeks during its growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Place your Stanhopea in bright, indirect light. It enjoys warm temperatures and high humidity. With proper care, you’ll be rewarded with stunning blooms that last for several days.

17. Bulbophyllum Orchid

Bulbophyllum orchids are a fascinating choice for your indoor garden. With over 2,000 species, you’ll find plenty of variety in colors and sizes.

These orchids like warm temperatures between 70-80°F during the day. At night, they prefer it a bit cooler, around 60-65°F.

Water is key for Bulbophyllum orchids. You’ll need to keep them moist. Water potted plants every 3-4 days and mounted ones daily.

These plants love high humidity. You can mist them often or use a humidity tray to keep them happy.

Fertilize your Bulbophyllum once a week with a diluted, balanced orchid food. This will help it grow strong and healthy.

18. Angraecum Orchid

Angraecum orchids, also known as comet orchids, are a great choice for beginners. These unique plants have star-shaped flowers that can fill your home with a lovely fragrance.

You’ll find Angraecum orchids easy to care for. They do well in normal room temperatures, between 55°F and 85°F. Just place them in a spot with bright, indirect light.

Water your Angraecum when the top inch of soil feels dry. Be careful not to overwater, as these orchids don’t like wet feet. A well-draining potting mix will help keep your plant happy.

With proper care, your Angraecum orchid will reward you with beautiful, long-lasting blooms. These stunning flowers often appear in shades of white, making them a elegant addition to any room.

19. Coelogyne Orchid

Coelogyne orchids are great for beginners. These plants have elegant flowers that hang in clusters. The blooms come in white, green, yellow, and brown.

You’ll love how easy these orchids are to care for. They like temperatures between 55°F and 85°F. Water them when the soil is almost dry, but don’t let water sit on the leaves.

Put your Coelogyne in a spot with bright, indirect light. Use a mix of bark or sphagnum moss for potting. When repotting, make sure each new plant has at least two pseudobulbs.

These orchids do well in hanging baskets. This lets their beautiful flowers droop naturally. With proper care, your Coelogyne will bloom and thrive in your home.

20. Tolumnia Orchid

Tolumnia orchids are small, charming plants perfect for beginners. They’re also called Dancing-lady orchids because of their delicate flowers.

These orchids don’t need much space. You can grow them in small pots or even mount them on cork or tree fern.

Tolumnias like bright light but not direct sun. They prefer warm temperatures between 55°F and 90°F.

Water your Tolumnia when the growing medium is almost dry. Be careful not to overwater, as they don’t like wet roots.

These orchids enjoy humid air. You can mist them daily or use a humidity tray to keep them happy.

With proper care, Tolumnias will reward you with colorful blooms throughout the year.

21. Encyclia Orchid

Encyclia orchids, also known as butterfly orchids, are great for beginners. These pretty plants have shell-shaped flowers in various colors like green, brown, and purple.

You’ll love their fragrant blooms that appear on long stems. Encyclia orchids are easy to care for and don’t need much fuss.

To keep your Encyclia happy, give it bright, indirect light. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry. Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent root rot.

These orchids like warm temperatures between 60-80°F. They also enjoy some humidity, so misting them occasionally can help.

With proper care, your Encyclia orchid will reward you with beautiful, long-lasting flowers.

22. Masdevallia Orchid

Masdevallia orchids are small, colorful plants that can add a unique touch to your indoor garden. These cool-growing orchids thrive in temperatures between 65°F and 77°F during the day.

You’ll want to keep your Masdevallia in a spot with high humidity, around 60% to 80%. They prefer cooler nights, with temperatures between 55°F and 60°F.

These orchids are known for their triangular flowers that look like little kites. They come in many bright colors and can bloom multiple times a year.

Masdevallias are compact growers, so they won’t take up much space in your home. They’re perfect if you’re looking for a small, eye-catching orchid to start your collection.

23. Catasetum Orchid

Catasetum orchids are unique and eye-catching plants that can be a fun challenge for adventurous beginners. These orchids have a growth cycle that includes a dormant period, so don’t worry if they lose their leaves in winter.

During their active growth in spring and summer, Catasetums like bright light and warm temperatures. You’ll want to keep them between 80°F and 100°F during the day and 65°F to 75°F at night.

Water and fertilize your Catasetum regularly when it’s growing. Use a well-draining, rich soil mix to keep the roots happy. As fall approaches, gradually reduce watering to prepare for the plant’s rest period.

Catasetums produce showy flowers that can be quite fragrant. With proper care, you’ll be rewarded with stunning blooms that make these orchids stand out in your collection.

24. Gongora Orchid

Gongora orchids are unique and fun to grow. They have long, hanging flower spikes that dangle from the plant. This makes them perfect for hanging baskets or high shelves.

You’ll love the interesting shapes of Gongora flowers. They often look like little figures or insects. The blooms come in many colors, including yellow, red, and purple.

These orchids like bright, indirect light. Water them when the potting mix starts to dry out. Use a mix of bark and perlite to keep their roots happy.

Gongoras are great for beginners who want something a bit different. They’re not too hard to care for and will reward you with their unusual flowers.

25. Lycaste Orchid

Lycaste orchids are stunning tropical flowers that can add a touch of exotic beauty to your home. These plants come in various colors, including pink, purple, yellow, and white.

You’ll find Lycaste orchids relatively easy to care for. They prefer moderate temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. Keep the humidity around 50-80% to help them thrive.

These orchids need bright, indirect light. Water them regularly during their growing season, but reduce watering when they’re dormant. Use a well-draining orchid potting mix to prevent root rot.

With proper care, your Lycaste orchid can reward you with lovely, fragrant blooms that last for weeks.

26. Maxillaria Orchid

Maxillaria orchids are a great choice for beginners. These beautiful plants come from Central and South America. They’re known for their eye-catching flowers with bold colors and patterns.

You’ll love the Maxillaria tenuifolia, also called the coconut orchid. It has red flowers with leopard-like spots and gives off a sweet coconut scent. This easy-to-grow variety is perfect for new orchid fans.

To care for your Maxillaria, give it bright, indirect light. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry. These orchids like humid environments, so mist them often or use a humidity tray.

27. Oerstedella Orchid

Oerstedella orchids are small, charming plants that can add a unique touch to your indoor garden. These orchids are native to Central and South America. They’re known for their delicate flowers that bloom in shades of pink, purple, and white.

You’ll find Oerstedella orchids easy to care for. They prefer bright, indirect light and moderate humidity. Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry. These orchids do well in small pots with well-draining orchid mix.

Oerstedella orchids are great for beginners because they’re forgiving and don’t need much attention. Their compact size makes them perfect for small spaces or as part of a larger orchid collection.

28. Coryanthes Orchid

Coryanthes orchids are unique and fascinating plants for your home. They’re often called “bucket orchids” because of their unusual flower shape.

These orchids have a special way of attracting pollinators. Their flowers produce a sweet-smelling liquid that collects in a bucket-like part of the bloom.

Coryanthes flowers come in white, pink, and other pretty colors. They have a nice scent that you’ll enjoy in your space.

Growing these orchids can be tricky, but it’s a fun challenge if you like unusual plants. They need lots of humidity and the right mix of light and water.

Keep in mind that Coryanthes orchids can get quite big. Make sure you have enough room for them to grow and show off their amazing flowers.

29. Phragmipedium Orchid

Phragmipedium orchids are beautiful and unique houseplants. You’ll love their eye-catching slipper-shaped flowers. These orchids come from Central and South America.

Phragmipediums like bright, indirect light. Keep them away from direct sun to avoid leaf burn. They prefer cooler temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C).

These orchids need high humidity. You can use a humidity tray or mist them regularly. Water them often, as they don’t like to dry out completely.

Feed your Phragmipedium with a balanced orchid fertilizer every other week during growing season. Use a mix of fine bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss for potting.

30. Sophronitis Orchid

Sophronitis orchids are tiny gems that pack a big punch. These miniature beauties are perfect for small spaces and add a pop of color to your home.

Native to Brazil, Sophronitis orchids have bright red or orange flowers. They bloom in fall and winter, bringing cheer during darker months.

You’ll find Sophronitis easy to care for. They like bright, indirect light and moderate humidity. Water them when the potting mix feels dry to the touch.

These orchids do well mounted on bark or in small pots. Their compact size makes them great for terrariums or dish gardens too.