With thousands of different orchid species out there, keeping track of their names can feel like a full-time job! Since those botanical Latin names are usually a mouthful, most of our favorite flowers have picked up much friendlier common names over the years. I’ve put together a quick guide to the most popular orchids and what we usually call them here in the States.
Botanical Names vs. Common Names
While scientists stick to the Latin, most of us hobbyists prefer the descriptive nicknames. Here’s a handy “cheat sheet” to help you translate the botanical names into the common ones you’ll see at the garden center:
- Phalaenopsis is famously known as the Moth Orchid.
- Miltonia is often called the Pansy Orchid because of its flat, open face.
- Vuylstekeara is most commonly sold under the trade name Cambria.
- Dendrobium is frequently referred to as the Cane Orchid or sometimes the Grape Orchid.
- Pleione goes by the name Tibet Orchid or Windowsill Orchid.
- Paphiopedilum is the classic Slipper Orchid (specifically the Tropical Slipper).
- Cypripedium is known as the Lady’s Slipper.
- Odontoglossum is sometimes called the Toothed Tongue orchid.
- Anguloa is the beautiful Tulip Orchid.
- Brassia is easily recognized as the Spider Orchid.
- Cymbidium is often called the Boat Orchid.
- Ludisia is a stunning Jewel Orchid.
- Bletilla is commonly known as the Chinese Ground Orchid or Japanese Orchid.
Names of Native Orchids
Even the orchids native to our regions go by a variety of colorful local names. Depending on who you ask, you might hear several different terms for the same wild plant. Here are a few examples:
- Orchis species are often called Spotted Orchids or Marsh Orchids.
- Dactylorhiza is also known as the Finger Orchid or Marsh Orchid.
- Anacamptis is frequently referred to as the Pyramidal Orchid.
- Platanthera is better known as the Butterfly Orchid or Bog Orchid.
- Spiranthes spiralis is the charming Autumn Lady’s-tresses.
- Ophrys species are the “mimics” of the orchid world, known as Bee, Fly, or Spider Orchids.
- Epipactis is commonly called the Helleborine.
- Cephalanthera goes by the lovely name Helleborine or Ghost Orchid in some varieties.
The most famous wild Lady’s Slipper that handles cooler climates is the Cypripedium calceolus, often called the Yellow Lady’s Slipper. You might also hear it referred to as the European Lady’s Slipper or even “Moccasin Flower” in some circles.
A Few More Pro Terms
Beyond just the names of the plants themselves, you’ll run into a few other Latin-based terms when you’re diving into orchid care. These usually describe the orchid’s growth habits—basically, where they like to hang out in the wild.
You’ll hear about epiphytic orchids (the “air plants” that grow on trees in the rainforest), terrestrial orchids (the ones that grow right in the ground), and lithophytic orchids (the hardy ones that grow on rocks and stones). Knowing which one you have is the first step to keeping your orchid happy!
