A Field Guide to Orchids
- Dale Lauterback
- Oct 25
- 2 min read
Orchids, one of the largest and most diverse plant families on Earth, have inspired an astonishing range of hybrids that number in the tens of thousands worldwide. While there are over 25,000 naturally occurring species, growers and breeders have spent centuries crossing them to create hybrids in an extraordinary spectrum of colors, shapes, patterns, and fragrances. These cultivated varieties range from delicate miniatures to bold, show-stopping blooms, with designs that include stripes, spots, veining, harlequin splashes, and even peloric forms that transform the flower’s symmetry. Many are bred not only for beauty but also for traits like longer bloom times, increased resilience, and adaptability to different climates. With such a vast palette of possibilities, orchids offer something for every collector, gardener, and enthusiast, ensuring their enduring place as one of the most admired and versatile flowers in the world.
We will introduce you to some of the most common Orchids with photos we have taken and the time of year you will most likely see them, so you can identify them while exploring with the Field Guide to Orchids. So grab your camera gear and get ready for a beautiful adventure!
Updated: 8/23/25
COUNT: 3 - Stay tuned, more Orchids are to come with each outing.
Cymbidium Orchid Common: Boat Orchid Native to: Asia, Australia Blooms: cooler seasons |  |
Cypripedioideae Orchid Common: Lady’s Slipper Native to: South, Central America Blooms: Early Summer |  |
Phalaenopsis Amabilis Orchid Common: White Moth Orchid Native to: Indonesia, Philippines Blooms: Fall. Winter, Spring
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Stay tuned, more flowers are to come with each outing.
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