Just Bloom Florist Guide to Orchid Varieties
Orchids are prized in the floral industry for their exotic beauty, diverse forms, and long-lasting blooms. With over 25,000 species and countless hybrids, orchids offer florists unparalleled versatility for bouquets, corsages, and high-end event decor. This comprehensive guide explores the key orchid varieties used in floral design, detailing their characteristics, uses, and care tips to help florists create stunning arrangements and meet client expectations.
1. Phalaenopsis Orchids (Moth Orchids)
Overview
Phalaenopsis, or moth orchids, are the most popular orchids for floral arrangements due to their elegant, long-lasting blooms and ease of care, making them a staple for weddings and upscale designs.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Large, flat, butterfly-like flowers, 2–5 inches wide, arranged on arching stems.
Stem Length: 12–24 inches, often with multiple blooms per stem.
Colors: White, pink, purple, yellow, green, and bi-colors with spots or stripes.
Fragrance: Mild to none.
Bloom Season: Year-round with proper care, peaking in spring and summer.
Popular Varieties
'Amabilis': Pure white, classic for bridal bouquets and elegant designs.
'Sogo Yukidian': White with pink or yellow centers, versatile for mixed arrangements.
'Brother Purple': Vibrant purple, ideal for bold, modern displays.
Uses
Bridal bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres due to their delicate appearance.
Focal flowers in centerpieces or cascading arrangements.
Potted orchids as long-lasting gifts or event decor.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 2–4 weeks.
Handling: Cut stems at a 45-degree angle under water. Handle blooms gently to avoid bruising.
Water: Use lukewarm water with floral preservative, changed every 3–4 days. Avoid wetting blooms.
Storage: Store at 50–55°F (10–13°C) in a humid cooler to prevent dehydration.
2. Cymbidium Orchids
Overview
Cymbidium orchids are known for their large, showy blooms and sturdy stems, making them ideal for dramatic arrangements and cooler climates.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Star-shaped flowers, 2–4 inches wide, in clusters on long spikes.
Stem Length: 18–36 inches, suitable for tall vases.
Colors: White, green, yellow, pink, red, and bi-colors, often with spotted lips.
Fragrance: Mild to strong, often sweet or spicy.
Bloom Season: Late fall to spring (November–April).
Popular Varieties
'Ice Cascade': White with a yellow lip, perfect for elegant winter designs.
'Ruby Eyes': Red with a contrasting lip, striking for bold arrangements.
'Apple Blossom': Soft pink, ideal for romantic bouquets.
Uses
Statement pieces in large centerpieces or cascading bouquets.
Mixed with roses or greenery for textured designs.
Corsages and hairpieces for a luxurious touch.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 3–5 weeks.
Handling: Trim stems under water; use floral wire to support heavy spikes if needed.
Water: Use deep containers with floral preservative to accommodate long stems.
Storage: Store at 45–50°F (7–10°C) to maintain bloom vibrancy.
3. Dendrobium Orchids
Overview
Dendrobium orchids are versatile, with delicate blooms and slender stems, offering a graceful, airy aesthetic for floral arrangements.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Small to medium flowers, 1–3 inches wide, in clusters along cane-like stems.
Stem Length: 12–24 inches.
Colors: White, purple, pink, green, and bi-colors, often with contrasting throats.
Fragrance: Mild to moderate, sometimes sweet.
Bloom Season: Year-round, with peaks in spring and fall.
Popular Varieties
'Nobile': White or purple, soft cane type, great for delicate bouquets.
'Sonia': Vibrant purple-pink, ideal for colorful arrangements.
'Burana Jade': Green with a yellow lip, perfect for modern designs.
Uses
Filler flowers in mixed bouquets for added texture.
Corsages, boutonnieres, or hairpieces due to their small size.
Cascading arrangements or garlands for events.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 2–3 weeks.
Handling: Cut stems under water; handle canes carefully to avoid snapping.
Water: Use floral preservative in lukewarm water, changed every 3 days.
Storage: Store at 50–55°F (10–13°C) in a humid environment.
4. Cattleya Orchids
Overview
Cattleya orchids, often called the “queen of orchids,” are prized for their large, vibrant blooms and strong fragrance, making them ideal for luxurious floral designs.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Large, ruffled flowers, 4–8 inches wide, often with a prominent lip.
Stem Length: 6–12 inches, shorter but sturdy.
Colors: White, pink, purple, yellow, and bi-colors with intricate patterns.
Fragrance: Strong, often sweet or floral, especially in hybrids.
Bloom Season: Year-round, with peaks in spring and fall.
Popular Varieties
'Bow Bells': White with a yellow throat, classic for wedding corsages.
'Hawaiian Wedding Song': White with a pink lip, elegant for bridal work.
'Blue Boy': Lavender-blue, striking for bold arrangements.
Uses
Corsages and boutonnieres due to their large, showy blooms.
Focal flowers in high-end bouquets or centerpieces.
Solo stems in minimalist vases for dramatic effect.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 1–2 weeks.
Handling: Handle gently to avoid damaging ruffled petals. Cut stems under water.
Water: Use shallow water with floral preservative to avoid stem rot.
Storage: Store at 50–55°F (10–13°C) to preserve fragrance and bloom quality.
5. Oncidium Orchids (Dancing Lady Orchids)
Overview
Oncidium orchids, known as dancing lady orchids, feature small, vibrant blooms that resemble fluttering skirts, adding a playful, delicate touch to arrangements.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Small flowers, 1–2 inches wide, in sprays on arching stems.
Stem Length: 12–36 inches, often with multiple blooms.
Colors: Yellow, brown, white, pink, and bi-colors with spotted patterns.
Fragrance: Mild to none.
Bloom Season: Year-round, with peaks in spring and summer.
Popular Varieties
'Sharry Baby': Chocolate-scented, yellow and brown, ideal for unique designs.
'Twinkle': Yellow or white, delicate for airy bouquets.
'Gower Ramsey': Bright yellow, vibrant for cheerful arrangements.
Uses
Filler flowers in mixed bouquets for a cascading effect.
Garland or arch decor for events.
Potted plants as long-lasting gifts.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 2–3 weeks.
Handling: Trim stems carefully to preserve delicate sprays. Use floral wire for support.
Water: Use lukewarm water with floral preservative, avoiding bloom contact.
Storage: Store at 50–55°F (10–13°C) in a humid cooler.
6. Vanda Orchids
Overview
Vanda orchids are known for their striking, large blooms and vibrant colors, offering a bold, exotic look for high-end floral designs.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Flat, star-shaped flowers, 2–5 inches wide, in clusters.
Stem Length: 12–24 inches, often with bare roots for potted displays.
Colors: Blue, purple, pink, yellow, and bi-colors with tessellated patterns.
Fragrance: Mild to strong, often sweet.
Bloom Season: Year-round, with peaks in warm seasons.
Popular Varieties
'Vanda coerulea': Bright blue, rare and stunning for luxury arrangements.
'Pachara Delight': Purple-blue, vibrant for bold designs.
'Miss Joaquim': Pink and yellow, ideal for tropical-themed bouquets.
Uses
Focal flowers in upscale bouquets or centerpieces.
Suspended or potted displays for events.
Solo stems in glass vases for minimalist decor.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 2–4 weeks.
Handling: Soak roots or stems in water before arranging; handle blooms carefully.
Water: Use floral preservative; mist roots for potted displays.
Storage: Store at 55–60°F (13–15°C) to avoid chilling damage.
General Orchid Care for Florists
Sourcing: Select high-quality orchids from reputable suppliers. Choose blooms with firm petals and no wilting or browning.
Conditioning: Cut stems under lukewarm water and place in floral preservative for 4–6 hours. For potted orchids, ensure roots are hydrated.
Temperature: Store at 50–60°F (10–15°C) in a humid cooler, depending on the variety, to prevent chilling or dehydration.
Design Tips: Pair orchids with tropical foliage, roses, or anthuriums for exotic arrangements. Use floral foam, wire, or water tubes for structural support.
Customer Advice: Advise clients to keep orchids away from direct sunlight and drafts, change water every 3–4 days, and mist blooms lightly to maintain freshness.
Trends in Orchid Use (2025)
Sustainable Sourcing: Eco-conscious clients prefer locally grown or sustainably sourced orchids, emphasizing environmentally friendly practices.
Bold Colors: Vibrant purple, blue, and bi-color orchids are trending for modern, eye-catching designs.
Minimalist Displays: Single orchid stems in sleek vases or suspended designs are popular for contemporary events.
Potted Orchids: Long-lasting potted orchids are in demand as gifts or event decor, especially Phalaenopsis and Cymbidium varieties.
HK Florist recommendations
Orchids are a cornerstone of floral design, offering elegance, diversity, and longevity for a wide range of arrangements. By understanding the characteristics, uses, and care requirements of each orchid variety, florists can create breathtaking designs that elevate events, captivate clients, and showcase the exotic beauty of these remarkable flowers.
