You don't have to be an expert gardener to successfully grow orchids. Here are the genera that are easiest for the novice to grow and bloom.

Orchid Nomenclature

All identified organisms have been designated a scientific name. This is a two-part Latinized name that helps everyone speak the same language when identifying living things. Orchids are no different. When you look at the labels on orchids the first name, the genus (plural genera), will be capitalized, and followed by second name in lower case.

Orchid Hybrids

If the plant is a hybrid you might see two names with an “X” between the name of each parent plant. To make things more complex, there may also be third name for the variety of orchid. Orchids are so often cross-bred to create new types, a multitude of different varieties exist within each species.

Orchid Genus

As a novice to the world of orchids, you only need to concern yourself with the name of the genus. Most plants within the same genus will require similar growing conditions, so if you want to keep things simple, don’t worry about the species or variety at this point.

Orchid Genera For the Novice

Novice orchid growers should start with members of the following genera, since these are relatively easy to grow orchids: Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum, Dendrobium, and Oncidium.

Phalaenopsis Orchids

Phalaenopsis, or Moth Orchids, are one of the easiest orchids for beginners to grow, as well as one that is commonly found in stores. Members of this genus have multiple large, showy flowers on each spike; flowers that may remain open for six weeks or longer. Often when a spike is cut after its blooms are gone, a secondary spike will develop on the old stalk below the original flower head, thus extending the blooming season.

Paphiopedilum Orchids

Paphiopedilum, the so-called Venus Slipper orchid, is easily recognizable. Most have a single flower per stalk, but there are varieties with multiple flowers. They are relatively easy to coax into bloom if you provide the plant with the right temperature range: mottled leaves need warmer conditions than do solid green leaves.

Dendrobium Orchids

Dendrobium inflorescences are loaded with blossoms and are also long lasting. These plants can often be split when mature, since small additional offset plantlets are frequently produced. When an offset has produced several aerial roots, it can be cut from the parent plant and will frequently flower after one year of growth.

Oncidium Orchids

Oncidiums, commonly referred to as the "dancing girls" orchid, are also easy to grow. Since this is a large genus with different species originating in a wide variety of climates, it is helpful to know the growing requirements of the particular species you select. Still, these hardy plants generally flower well even under adverse growing conditions.

Orchid Care

If you are an orchid novice, start things off right bypurchasing a healthy orchidand a variety of orchid that is easy to grow. Orchids have specific needs for humidity, temperature, air movement, growing medium and water. But don’t get overwhelmed, see the Suite101 Orchid Article Series for all the basics.

Orchids are generally very forgiving and it’s not difficult to keep them alive long enough to stumble upon the perfect combination that will reward you with a breathtaking floral display. However, don't lose heart of you aren't successful in maintaining your first orchid, the long-lasting blooms make every flowering orchid an economical, even if temporary, orchid bouquet. You can't lose.

Additional Gardening Information

You can also supplement your knowledge with one of the many excellent articles, books and web sites devoted to these amazing plants, including: American Orchid Society (AOS), Ortho Books: All About Growing Orchids and the Beginners Guide to Orchids by Geoffrey Hands. To learn more about container gardening in general, see the Suite101 article Container or Backyard Gardening.