Floral luxury for the windowsill - favorite orchids of German hobby gardeners
The following orchid species and varieties have taken the hearts of hobby gardeners by storm. If you stroll through the streets with open eyes, you will encounter these flower beauties in the flower windows:
- Pansy orchid (Miltonia), an orchid for cooler conditions and multiple blooms
- Tree orchids (Epidendrum), their varieties prefer to linger on the balcony from May to September
- Venus shoe (Paphiopedilum) challenges the gardener with special demands of their varieties
- Kahnorchidee (Cymbidium) inspires with tireless flowering pleasure, as long as it is cared for at a cold temperature
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If you are on the lookout for an orchid that is causing a sensation with its extra-large flowers, you will find it among Cattleya species. It is primarily the two-leaf varieties, such as the pure white 'Gisela Schmidt' or the motley 'Chian Tzy Lass', that bloom tirelessly without a long break.
Weightless tropical magic - orchids to hang up
Although every epiphytic orchid tolerates substrate-free cultivation, only a few species can be hung in the window. First and foremost, the genera of the wonderful Vanda and Ascocentrum orchids have made a name for themselves in this regard. The following varieties inspire with seemingly weightless exoticism:
- Vanda 'Blue Magic', one of the very rare blue orchids with flowers up to 12 cm in size
- Vanda 'Fire Brick' with up to 10 cm large, purple, cream-white spotted flowers
- Vanda deninsoniana x Johanna Ljunggren, a bright yellow flowering hybrid with a dark red lip
- Ascocentrum curvifolium x Rhycoelestis, an abundant flowering variety in rich orange and purple
Since a Vanda comes with challenging requirements in terms of care, orchid fans who do not have a lot of time decide on a clever compromise. You tie the uncomplicated Phalaenopsis orchid on a branch and hang the blooming work of art in the window.
The best orchids for beginners
We cannot come up with the ultimate beginner orchid here. With these orchid species, the bar for successful care is at a beginner level:
- Butterfly orchid (Phalaenopsis), with innumerable pretty hybrids that forgive some care mistakes
- Antelope orchid (Dendrobium), the main focus here is on the varieties of Dendrobium phalaenopsis and Dendrobium nobile
- Tooth tongue (odontoglossum) meet all expectations as long as they are allowed to stay at a cool 12-18 degrees Celsius
As an orchid novice, don't be afraid to start with a phalaenopsis from the supermarket. The hybrids do not cost much to purchase and pave the way for you to the higher spheres of the orchid hobby with frugal demands. Avoid reaching for pure game species from specialist shops. Compared to cultivars treated by breeding, pure species are much more difficult to care for.
Hearty and easy to care for - terrestrial orchids exude an exotic blossom flair
The following orchid species would rather have solid ground under their roots than go to lofty heights like their epiphytic counterparts. Some of these terrestrial orchid varieties also like to showcase themselves in the flower bed:
- Japanese orchid (Bletilla), the hardy orchid species, has a long flowering period from May to July
- Lady's slipper (Cymbidium), the robust terrestrial orchid inspires with its multifaceted varieties and summer bloom
- Tibetan orchids (Pleione), their most beautiful hybrids, bloom in autumn and accompany us colorfully into winter
- Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia), the climbing terrestrial orchid that gives us the aromatic spice pods
Calanthe orchids should not be missing in this category. The diverse genus trumps with beautiful terrestrial orchids and picturesque epiphytic orchids. It is mostly the deciduous varieties that prefer to thrive in a nutrient-rich substrate and bloom from November to February. In comparison, the evergreen Calanthe hybrids score with their opulent abundance of flowers, which appear several times a year.
These orchids speak German - an overview of local varieties
You don't have to look far to enjoy the colorful orchid blossoms. The following varieties are native to us and accordingly winter hardy:
- White forest bird (Cephalanthera damasonium), ivory-colored flowers on stems up to 22 cm long
- Flesh-colored orchid (Dactylorhiza incarnata), purple flower candles for the pond edge and the bog bed
- Forest hyacinth (Platanthera bifolia), white, spreading star-shaped blossoms with a distinctive spur
- Yellow lady's slipper (Cypripedium calceolus), the only one of its kind that is native to Germany
Almost all orchids in Germany are threatened with extinction. By settling and propagating the orchid in your own garden, you make a valuable contribution to the preservation of the unique orchid species.
Tips
With so much luxury, the question arises as to the most valuable orchid in the world. Experts agree that this honor goes to the Paphiopedilum rothschildianum 'Kinabalu Gold'. The monetary value is estimated at a staggering 3,700 euros. The floral magical creature thrives only on the highest mountain in Malaysia and is under nature protection. The orchid takes a full 15 years to flower for the first time.
