There are many different types of orchids, each with its own unique characteristics, blooming periods, and care requirements. How long an orchid remains in bloom depends on the species, with some blooming for up to three months! Depending on the climate and care, certain orchids can even rebloom multiple times a year. In this article, we’ll explore the blooming period of the 11 most popular orchids, so you’ll know exactly when to expect their beautiful flowers.
The blooming period of the 11 most popular orchids
Phalaenopsis
The Phalaenopsis is the best-known orchid species and is also known as the ‘moth orchid’. This orchid originates from Southeast Asia, the Philippines and Australia. Phalaenopsis is an epiphyte, which means that in the wild the plant mainly grows on trees. Alongside trees, in the wild the Phalaenopsis orchid also grows on extremely airy soil, such as humus, and on rocks and in rock crevices, usually near rivers and streams. This orchid species is available all year round.
The average flowering time for a Phalaenopsis is 8-10 weeks.
Dendrobium Nobilé
The Dendrobium Nobilé is also known as the bamboo orchid. It’s a unique and exotic orchid species that originated in Asia, particularly in Thailand and Taiwan. This orchid is characterised by the opulent flower clusters that form under the axils of each leaf. This orchid species is available all year round.
The average blooming period for a Dendrobium Nobilé is 6-8 weeks.
Dendrobium
Dendrobium gets its name from its growth habit in the wild. ‘Dendron’ is the Greek word for tree and ‘bios’ for life. This orchid grows on trees and rocks in the wild. Dendrobium is native to large parts of Asia and Australia, including India, Thailand and New Zealand.
The average flowering time for a Dendrobium is 6-8 weeks.
Paphiopedilum
Paphiopedilums are also called slipper orchids. This is due to the shape of the flower, which has a kind of shoe-shaped lip. They use this to catch insects. In the wild, they grow mainly in the humus layer of the forest and sometimes on rocks. Unlike other orchids, they are rarely found in trees. Paphiopedilums are available from October to March, particularly at better florists and garden centres.
The average blooming period for a Paphiopedilum is 6-8 weeks.
Cambria hybrids
Cambria hybrids is a collective name for a group of hybrid orchids whose ‘parent’ plants come from all over the world. The Cambria hybrids offer many colour combinations, flower sizes and diversity of flower shapes. What is special about this orchid species is that they are hybrids between different genera of plants and therefore do not occur in nature. This orchid species is available all year round.
The average flowering time for a Cambria hybrids is 4-8 weeks.
Cattleya
The Cattleya originates from Central and South America. They are epiphytes; they grow on trees in the wild. This orchid is often scented, especially when placed in daylight. The Cattleya is available all year round, but especially in spring and autumn at better florists and garden centres.
The average blooming period for a Cattleya is 2-3 weeks.
Cymbidium
The Cymbidium is a terrestrial orchid. That means that it roots in the soil and draws its nutrients from there – unlike most orchids with their aerial roots. It is a very strong plant that is happy to grow in colder conditions. Cymbidiums are available from July/August through March at better florists and garden centres.
The average flowering time for a Cymbidium is 8-10 weeks.
Miltonia
The Miltonia is somewhat similar in appearance to a pansy, hence its nickname ‘pansy orchid’. The Miltonia’s region of origin extends from the Andes in Colombia to Peru and Ecuador. Miltonia is an epiphyte and grows at the edges and in clearings of mountain forests, on moss-covered branches. It is available all year round, with a peak in spring.
The average blooming period for a Miltonia is 2-4 weeks.
Oncidium
The Oncidium is known as the tiger orchid. In the forests of Central and South America, the Oncidium grows in the wild on trees and in rock crevices. Oncidiums are mainly yellow and russet, but are also available in other colours, from white to shades of brown. It is an exclusive orchid species that is available all year round at the better garden centres and florists.
The average flowering time for a Oncidium is 5-8 weeks.
Vanda
The Vanda orchid is very striking because it’s an ‘air plant’. This species is widespread in the wild, from India and Sri Lanka to northern Australia. There, the Vanda grows high in the trees, with aerial roots that fasten onto the trees. The plant lives off morning dew and raindrops. It is a rare orchid species found mainly at better florists and garden centres. They are available all year round.
The average blooming period for a Vanda is 4-6 weeks.
Zygopetalum
Zygopetalum originated from South America and in the wild it grows on tree stumps, rocks and the ground between leaves. It is an exclusive orchid species and therefore mainly available from better florists and garden centres. It is available all year round in various flower sizes, in shades of blue, red, purple and white. During the flowering period some Zygopetalum varieties can give off a beautiful scent.
The average flowering time for a Zygopetalum is 4-6 weeks.
