Yellow orchids are optimistic, happy, and cheerful blooms. Plus, these flowers are thought to symbolize joy, friendship, and new beginnings.
9 Pretty Orchid Flower Colors You’ll Often See in Bloom
Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry’s most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40+ years of experience and 20+ years of writing experience. Mary is also a member of The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board.
Updated on 06/28/23
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Barbara Gillette is a Master Gardener, herbalist, beekeeper, and journalist. She has 30 years of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals.
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Orchids have become an extremely popular houseplant due to their exotic beauty and availability in the marketplace. Once you’ve mastered the skills needed to successfully grow orchids, they can almost become an obsession because of the many varieties and colorful blooms.
With more than 28,000 accepted orchid species , you can find an orchid colorway you love from red to blue to black. We’ll take a look at the range of orchid colors and help identify some of the species that bloom in your favorite colors. Most of the orchids are easy-to-find and easy-to-grow species:
- Cattleya: Often used in corsages, these orchids generally produce large blooms once per year. They require lots of light to flower.
- Phalaenopsis: Commonly known as moth orchids, they have long arching sprays of colorful flowers that remain fresh for several months. They require less light than cattleyas and adapt well to conditions found in most homes.
- Dendrobium: These orchids produce long, graceful sprays of flowers that remain open for three to four weeks.
Red Orchids
Red orchids are splashed in a stunning colorway that is sure to bring some lively color to your home. These orchid varieties are often ruby red.
- ‘Why Not’ (Cattleya aurantiaca x Broughtonia sanguinea):From the cattleya genus, this orchid produces bright clusters of red blooms with varying amounts of gold in the center on upright stems.
- Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi var. chattalade ‘#1’ : A compact species with ever-blooming flower stems produces glossy dark red blooms.
- Jewel Box ‘Dark Waters’ (Cattleya aurantiaca x Slc. Amzac): Compact and easy to grow, this hybrid orchid with parentage from three species—sophronitis, laelia, and cattleya—produces true red blooms that measure nearly 3 inches across.
Pink Orchids
Pink orchids are a tried-and-true option, with lots of common varieties bearing pink hues.
- Jiaho’s Pink Girl ‘Little Miss’ (schilleriana x Zuma Pixie): This phalaenopsis orchid produces miniature pink blooms about 1.5 inches wide that are lightly fragrant.
- Pink Twilight ‘Horizon’ (Bc. Marcella Koss x Blc. Nacouchee): This brassolaeliocattleya orchid plant is extremely large and produces pink blooms that are around 6-inches in width and very fragrant.
- Cattleya ‘Benin’(Cattleya Summer Spot x Cattleya Lulu): A vibrant pink, spotted cattleya hybrid, the throat can be solid hot pink or have a touch of white.
A Little Orchid History
Color aside, orchids have been thought to have certain powers by various cultures, including the Aztecs, the Greeks and the Chinese.
While Aztecs used orchids to make powerful elixirs, ancient Greeks believed orchids had the power to determine a baby’s gender. Fathers would eat a large tuber if they desired a male child, whereas mothers would eat a smaller tuber in hopes of a daughter.
According to Smithsonian Magazine , “orchidelirium,” or orchid mania, developed in Victorian times in response to a growing fascination with these rare flowers. During this time, orchids were displayed as a status symbol.
The Emotional, Cultural and Mythical Meanings of Orchid Colors
Color meanings vary across cultures, so we’ve used a broad brush to paint a well-rounded picture of what various orchid colors can mean to different people.
White Orchids: Innocence and Elegance
White orchids are often associated with purity, innocence and elegance. Their pristine petals evoke a sense of simple elegance.
In some cultures, white orchids symbolize spirituality and new beginnings, which is why they are frequently used in wedding bouquets and decorations.
In some cultures, white is also associated with funerals, so be sure to research the specific cultural implications before giving this gift to someone outside of your culture or religion.
Yellow Orchids: Friendship and Joy
Yellow orchids radiate warmth and positivity, symbolizing friendship and joy. These cheerful blooms are the perfect way to show appreciation for friends or for adding a cheerful vibe to indoor decor.
In ancient Chinese culture, yellow orchids were believed to bring good fortune and happiness to households, making it a great companion to the money tree plant.
Pink Orchids: Grace and Femininity
Pink orchids embody grace, femininity, and affection, making them perfect gifts at baby showers and great decorations for events supporting causes such as breast cancer awareness.
Pink orchids are often associated with romantic gestures and expressions of love, so they are a popular choice for gifts to convey appreciation and admiration.
Purple Orchids: Royalty and Higher Consciousness
Purple orchids exude an air of luxury, opulence, and regality. Their rich tones are reminiscent of nobility and luxury. In Victorian times, purple orchids were considered rare and were highly sought after.
Purple or violet is also associated with higher consciousness in some traditions. Want to vibrate higher? A purple watercolor orchid may be the perfect plant for you!
Red Orchids: Passion and Creativity
Like red roses, red orchids (or any plant) can symbolize passion and romantic love. While we don’t sell red orchids, we do offer long-lasting anthuriums . These plants have red, heart-shaped leaves, making them popular on Valentine’s Day as well as the winter holidays.
Red is also a popular color for those celebrating the Chinese New Year. During this time, people wear red and give each other red envelopes containing cash or lottery tickets for good luck and fortune in the upcoming year.
Blue Orchids: Enchantment and Intrigue
Blue represents tranquility and calmness and is associated with water and emotions. Like purple, blue is a royal color, (especially royal blue!) Instead of a diamond, royal members often wore sapphire engagement rings.
While blue orchids do not occur naturally, we do offer blue watercolor orchids . These plants are perfect for Hanukkah, as winter decor or simply as a gift for anyone who loves the color blue.
Orange Orchids: Energy and Enthusiasm
Orange orchids exude energy, enthusiasm and creativity. Their vibrant shades mirror the warmth of the sun as it sets in the evening sky or the glow of a fireplace in winter.
Orange orchids are great gifts for those needing some encouragement and warmth. They look great in rooms with blue or green decor and can add a touch of autumn to Thanksgiving dinner tables .
Green Orchids: Renewal and Nature
Green orchids, with their connection to nature, symbolize renewal, growth and good health. They evoke feelings of harmony and balance, reflecting the rejuvenating power of the natural world.
Green watercolor orchids are great for the winter holidays, but they are particularly popular as St. Patrick’s Day decorations.
Orchids for Everyone
While orchids and their colors have traditional symbolism associated with them, always keep the individual in mind when purchasing a gift. A pink orchid may be perfect for a male or female wanting to embrace femininity. (Or perhaps they’re just fans of the Barbie movie or love pink).
And luckily, orchids are no longer for the wealthy elite. Just Add Ice specializes in Phalaenopsis orchids, which are easy to care for and can be purchased for as little as $30, depending on the size of the orchid.
