When a person usually thinks of an orchid, they think of a Cattleya. The "Queen of Orchids" has always been popular and is often the first orchid an individual experiences in the form of a corsage. This New World species originated in Central and South America with relatives extending into the Caribbean and even Florida. Today, the term Cattleya has come to include all hybrids made with closely related families such as Laelia and Encyclia as well as Cattleyas themselves. Cattleya hybrids can have large or small flowers on large or small plants and come in nearly every colour of the rainbow except for true blue.

Cattleyas can be among the most rewarding orchids to grow and they come in almost any size or colour to suit your fancy. Although many of the species only bloom once a year hybrids can bloom two or more times each year. Most Cattleyas also have the added appeal of a delectable fragrance. Succeed at growing and blooming Cattleyas and you will most certainly be hooked as an orchid grower.

The Moth Orchid has become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to their suitability as house plants. Recent hybrid trends have increased the colour and floriferous-ness making them even more desirable. At present Phalaenopsis, or Phals, as they are commonly called, can be found in white, yellow, green, many shades of pink, and near red. Phalaenopsis flowers may be large on long sprays (standard) or small on short, branched sprays (multi-flora). Flowers may be strongly striped or spotted adding further interest. Some may even be fragrant. Their sprays of long lasting flowers in the spring always command attention. The genus Phalaenopsis originates in tropical Asia, the Philippines and South Pacific and can also be bred with other Asian orchid families such as Doritis and Renanthera.

Phalaenopsis enjoy pretty much the same climate as we do however they do not like temperatures much below 50 F and they prefer high humidity, at least 50%. Placing pots on a water-filled tray of pebbles and misting them occasionally will help satisfy this requirement. Phalaenopsis do not need as much light as Cattleyas or Oncidiums which may make them more desirable as house plants. Keeping plants a foot or so back from an east or west window should provide ample light. If you air condition your home during the summer your Phals may be happier spending their time outdoors under a shady tree. Make sure that there is no danger of frost before moving any orchids outdoors. Phals lack the water storage devices of Cattleyas or Oncidiums meaning that they require more water. The potting medium should be kept damp but never soggy. Keeping Phals too wet will only result in root loss. It is important to remember to water Phals early in the day and avoid letting water remain on the top of the leaves or in the crown overnight. Water left standing in the crown overnight can lead to crown-rot and the loss of the orchid. Fertilize every two weeks or two during growing season and half as much during the winter using a urea-free orchid fertilizer, Re-pot at least every 12 to 24 months. We re-pot each year for optimum growth.

Phalaenopsis are among the most popular and rewarding orchids. They are easy to grow as house plants and put on a spectacular display when in bloom. Everybody should have a few Phals as house plants.

Dendrobium is one of the largest families of orchids with somewhere around 1000 species being known. Being such a large family creates much diversity. There are some Dendrobiums that are very large as well as some miniatures, some come from warm sea-level conditions of the equatorial Pacific islands while others originate in the near alpine climate of the Himalayan foothills. Dendrobiums are found only in the Eastern Hemisphere and range from Australia, throughout the South Pacific and Philippines, Southeast Asia, and India, and a small representation in Japan. Although the colour range is varied most hybrids offered for sale are usually lavender, white, golden-yellow, or combinations of these colours. Some of the more unusual species and hybrids can be bluish, ivory coloured, brilliant orange or scarlet, or have exotic markings. Most of the evergreen Dendrobiums are not fragrant however the deciduous species can have fresh citrus scent or smell of raspberries.
Most Dendrobiums that you will commonly find for sale require intermediate temperatures and bright filtered light during the growing season. Humidity should be between 50 and 75%. The easy-growing evergreen Dendrobiums and the Phalaenopsis type can receive this same culture throughout the year. These Dendrobiums produce sprays of long lasting round Phalaenopsis like flowers that can last for several weeks. They can often bloom several times a year and the flower sprays make excellent cut flowers for arrangements. Certain species of Dendrobiums (superbum, pierardii,parishii, etc.) are deciduous, that is, they lose their leaves and require cool dry conditions throughout most of the winter. They should be watered only enough to prevent the canes from excessive shrivelling and fertilizer should be withheld completely. During spring and summer these orchids should be provided with ample water and a urea-free fertilizer designed specifically for orchids. The fertilizer includes essential minor elements - and non urea nitrogen - making all elements readily available to your orchids.

Dendrobiums are sturdy orchids that can add a focal point to any room without being too difficult to grow. The autumn blooming season of many of the Phalaenopsis types fills a void left by other groups of orchids. For best results re-pot Dendrobiums each year and avoid using pots that are  too large. They may also be successfully grown in wooden slatted baskets using Orchid Moss.

Commonly known as "dancing ladies", the broad flat lip of Oncidiums does indeed give the illusion of a ruffled lady's skirt. There are several different sections to the Oncidium family as well as numerous closely-related families which can be used to create Oncidiums. Intergenitics such as Colmanara, Miltassia, Burregeara and Aliceara . This means that the Oncidium Alliance has something for everyone regardless of your taste or growing conditions. These are orchids from the tropical Americas, Caribbean, Bahamas, Hispaniola and even South Florida. They grow at both sea level and in mountainous regions and everywhere in between. Plants can be large or small and produce large or small flowers with most falling somewhere in between. Most members of the Oncidium Alliance are spray-type orchids so even species with small flowers can put on a spectacular display. Although most species bloom only once each year many hybrids bloom three or more times. The group of small fan-leaved Oncidiums know as equitants generally make side branches and continue flowering off the main flower spike providing many weeks of continuous bloom. Colour range can be varied but is most commonly yellow or pink. What makes these orchids unique is the exotic markings and patterns that decorate many of the flowers. Some are sweetly fragrant and at least one recent hybrid has achieved some fame from its fragrance alone.
Members of the Oncidium Alliance are adaptable plants that can be easily grown in an east or west window in temperate areas or on a screened patio in the warm south. Like all orchids they require a certain amount of humidity and abundant air movement. Most members of this family also require enough light to thrive and flower reliably. Low light areas can be supplemented with grow lights if necessary. Most of these orchids prefer the same intermediate temperatures as people but being such a large diverse family there are species that prefer a cooler climate as well as some that need warmer temperatures. Most that are commonly offered for sale however, are of the intermediate type. Remember that they like to dry out between waterings. There are some, such as the fan-leaved equitants, that do not tolerate being soggy at all. This does not mean that you should not water these orchids, it just means that they need to dry out between waterings. Choice of potting material can help if you like to water your plants often. This tendency of wanting to dry out makes these carefree orchids a perfect choice for people with busy schedules.

Oncidiums are easy growing orchids that belong in any collection. Along with the hybrid genera Aliceara, Colmanara, Miltassia, etc., there are flowers to suit every taste. Their long-lasting flowers add a cheery note to any room of the house. If you have a bright situation in which to grow orchids than you should certainly try orchids from the Oncidium Alliance.

The name Vandas will be used here to cover all vandaceous orchids including Vanda, Ascocentum, Aerides, Renanthera, Rhynchostylis, etc. and hybrids between them. Although there are some vandaceous orchids that originate in mountainous areas most are low-level plants that love warm temperatures. This group of orchids is found throughout the Eastern Hemisphere with the center of distribution being Southeast Asia. One important species, Vanda (Euanthe) sanderiana, figures prominently in many hybrids and is native to the Philippines. Vandas may be small plants with many small brightly-colored flowers or large plants with large flowers. Many Vandas can have a powerful fragrance. Rhynchostylis and Aerides are noted for their delightful citrus or musky scent. One of the most desirable qualities of Vandas is the wide range of pure, brilliant colours. Yellow, orange, scarlet, deep purple and bright fuchsia are all part of the vandaceous color palette. Some flowers sport exotic markings or can be covered with spots or stripes. Another desirable feature of many Vanda hybrids, such as Ascocenda, is their tendency to bloom several times throughout the year when they are given the proper conditions. Coupled with the long-lasting flowers it can indeed seem as if they are in continuous bloom. It is not unusual for growers in Florida and Hawaii to have Ascocendas bloom five times per year.
These may seem like the ideal orchid but you must meet their requirements to be able to fully appreciate them. Unlike Cattleyas or Dendrobiums, Vandas have "no water storage device". Consequently they must be watered more frequently. Growers in warm tropical areas may water their Vandas every day during spring and summer. Vandas have many aerial roots that sprout along the stem making traditional pot culture less appropriate than with other orchids. Usually Vandas are grown in wooden slatted baskets so that these roots can ramble freely. The light requirement of Vandas is also more than for other groups of orchids although many growers in northern climates grow and flower them successfully using gro-lights or fluorescent tubes. In Southeast Asia Vandas are often grown outdoors in beds of coconut husk under a light layer of shade-cloth or even full sun. The Hawaiian lei orchid, Vanda Miss Joaquim, is often grown as an ornamental "hedge" in South Florida.

Although these are definitely tropical orchids they can be among the most rewarding to grow if you can meet their requirements. The broad range of brilliant colors and their free-blooming habit will provide satisfaction throughout the months when there are scarcely any other orchids in bloom.