Orchids by Color

My husband loves orange orchids, regardless if they are Cymbidiums, Phalaenopsis or any other types of orchids. Typically when growers choose orchids, they pick different types of orchids to grow instead of by colors. However, it’s not uncommon that people are attracted to specific colors of orchids. Or if your interest is primarily in orchids as cut flowers (a bouquet, an arrangement or a corsage), then it makes perfect sense that you want to choose orchids based on their color.

Each type of orchid usually come in many different colors. If your color is yellow, you may find that in Vanda, Dendrobium, Cymbidium, Cattleya and many more types of orchids. However, the reverse is not always true – if you want a specific type of orchid, you may not find a wide variety of colors. What I mean is that, for example, you won’t find a purple Angraecum since all Angraecums are white.

In fact, many orchids only come in white. That is because in nature, they are pollinated by nocturnal insects or animals, and the white color is the most “eye-catching” color to these pollinators. Examples are Aerangis and Amesiella. A bonus is that sometimes these orchids are fragrant at night since their pollinators rely on scent instead of visual cue.

You are also out of luck if your favorite color is blue. Even though many vendors claim they have blue orchids, the reality is that nature or breeder has not been successful in creating true blues. What you end up getting is usually an intense purple.

Let me showcase some of the orchids by color for your enjoyment. Perhaps you will fall in love with one or more of them!

White Orchids
Pink Orchids