White and Pink Orchids

Bletilla

• The Bletilla genus of orchids is a small group, with only nine species within the genus. Named after the eighteenth century Spanish botanist Don Luis Blet, Bletilla orchids are hardy and typically easy to grow, both indoors and out. The most common species is the Bletilla striata, which bears up to 12 rose-colored flowers during the summer. There is also a rare white variety of Bletilla striata that has yellow on the lips and throat of the blooms.

Cattleya

• Cattleya orchids have long been prized by florists and orchid enthusiasts alike because of their large, dramatic flowers. Certain species of Cattleya have drawn top dollar because of their award-winning blooms. Cattleya intermedia bears three to seven flowers that can reach 13 inches in diameter. The large flowers are bright white, and some varieties have pink or red inner lobes. The blooms of the Cattleya mossiae have ruffled edges with light pink petals and deeper pink inner lips. Cattleya schilleriana blossoms are smaller in size than most Cattleya varieties. The deep pink blooms are offset by the bright white of the inner lobes.

Phalaenopsis

• Phalaenopsis orchids are also known as moth orchids because their large, flat flowers resemble the flying insect. Phalaenopsis orchids typically bloom once a year, and the flowers can last up to six months if the plant is properly cared for. Because of the numerous hybridized versions of the Phalaenopsis, varieties of the orchid come in a wide range of sizes, colors and patterns. Most nurseries and home garden centers carry Phalaenopsis orchids in various shades of pink and white.

Vanda

• Vanda orchids are known for their large, fragrant flowers that typically come in blue or purple shades. White and pink varieties of the Vanda are available, such as Vanda coerulescens, a miniature version of the orchid that bears white blooms with blue inner lips. Vanda luzonica has white blooms lined with a rose-colored border, and Vanda tricolor sports white blossoms with deep red spots and bright fuchsia inner lobes.