What Is the Latin Name for Orchid?

Naming Convention

• All orchids are of the family "Orchidaceae." Species orchids grow naturally in the wild and breed with others of the same species. Horticulturists produce hybrid orchids by pollinating one orchid species from another species. Species orchids have a two-word name, the species name followed by the variety. The names of hybrid orchids are the two parent species' names separated by an "x."

Dendrobium

• There are more than 1,200 species in the Dendrobium group of orchids. Plants in this group have flowers that grow in arching sprays of yellow, white, pink and red blossoms. Some of the flowers are fragrant and most bloom in spring. Two of the easiest orchids to grow are D. loddigessi, which has scented peach-colored flowers, and Wonder Nissi with sugar-scented flowers that are yellow with deep red markings.

Oncidium

• Most Oncidium orchids develop clusters of flowers on branched, arching stems. Many of the Oncidium orchids are complex hybrids, bred from several different species. These are fast-growing orchids and bloom more than once a year, sometimes producing more than 100 flowers at the same time.

Paphiopedilum

• Paphiopedilum orchids have a distinctive slipper-shaped pouch as the lower part of the flower. The flowers may be single or may form in clusters. Most of the 60 species of this group naturally grow in the forest, and so they require less light than other orchid species. The blooms last for up to eight weeks, and are offset by wing-shaped leaves that are strongly mottled.

Phalaenopsis

• Known as moth orchids, some Phalaenopsis orchids have small sprays of flowers that resemble butterflies. Their broad green leaves spread outwards and the plants prefer moderate light and temperate conditions. Many varieties in this group are bi-colored, with stripes or mottled patterns in contrasting colors. The roots of these orchids are sturdy and may grow over the side of the container.

Cattleya

• Cattleya orchids are frequently used in corsages. They have large, frilly blossoms that grow in clusters, in colors including chocolate-red, white, pink and purple, with throats of a contrasting color. The orchids in this species vary greatly in flower shape, size and fragrance.