Purple orchids are known for their stunning and regal appearance, adding elegance and beauty to any space. Here’s a comprehensive guide to growing 20 amazing purple orchids, complete with zones, ease of growing, pros, and cons.
1. Phalaenopsis (Purple Moth Orchid)
How to Grow:
- Zones: 10-12
- Planting Time: Year-round
- Sunlight: Indirect light
- Soil: Orchid bark mix
Ease of Growing:
- Easy
Pros:
- Long-lasting blooms
- Available in various shades of purple
Cons:
- Needs specific humidity levels
2. Cattleya (Purple Corsage Orchid)
How to Grow:
- Zones: 9-12
- Planting Time: Year-round
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
- Soil: Well-draining orchid mix
Ease of Growing:
- Moderate
Pros:
- Large, fragrant flowers
- Vibrant purple colors
Cons:
- Requires good air circulation
3. Dendrobium (Purple Variety)
How to Grow:
- Zones: 9-12
- Planting Time: Year-round
- Sunlight: Bright light
- Soil: Well-draining orchid mix
Ease of Growing:
- Moderate
Pros:
- Numerous blooms per stem
- Long blooming period
Cons:
- Needs specific temperature ranges
4. Vanda (Purple Variety)
How to Grow:
- Zones: 10-12
- Planting Time: Year-round
- Sunlight: Bright light
- Soil: Orchid bark or mounted
Ease of Growing:
- Difficult
Pros:
- Large, colorful flowers
- Spectacular blooms
Cons:
- Requires high humidity
5. Oncidium (Purple Dancing Lady Orchid)
How to Grow:
- Zones: 9-12
- Planting Time: Year-round
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
- Soil: Well-draining orchid mix
Ease of Growing:
- Easy
Pros:
- Abundant flowers
- Delicate, intricate blooms
Cons:
- Needs frequent watering
6. Paphiopedilum (Purple Lady’s Slipper Orchid)
How to Grow:
- Zones: 10-12
- Planting Time: Year-round
- Sunlight: Indirect light
- Soil: Well-draining orchid mix
Ease of Growing:
- Moderate
Pros:
- Unique, slipper-shaped blooms
- Long-lasting flowers
Cons:
- Sensitive to overwatering
7. Miltoniopsis (Purple Pansy Orchid)
How to Grow:
- Zones: 9-12
- Planting Time: Year-round
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
- Soil: Well-draining orchid mix
Ease of Growing:
- Moderate
Pros:
- Fragrant
- Beautiful, pansy-like flowers
Cons:
- Needs consistent humidity
8. Cymbidium (Purple Variety)
How to Grow:
- Zones: 7-10
- Planting Time: Year-round
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
- Soil: Well-draining orchid mix
Ease of Growing:
- Easy
Pros:
- Long-lasting flowers
- Multiple blooms per stem
Cons:
- Requires cool temperatures for blooming
9. Brassia (Purple Spider Orchid)
How to Grow:
- Zones: 9-12
- Planting Time: Year-round
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
- Soil: Well-draining orchid mix
Ease of Growing:
- Moderate
Pros:
- Unique, spider-like blooms
- Fragrant
Cons:
- Needs good air circulation
10. Encyclia (Purple Variety)
How to Grow:
- Zones: 9-12
- Planting Time: Year-round
- Sunlight: Bright light
- Soil: Well-draining orchid mix
Ease of Growing:
- Moderate
Pros:
- Numerous small flowers
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons:
- Requires high humidity
11. Masdevallia (Purple Variety)
How to Grow:
- Zones: 9-11
- Planting Time: Year-round
- Sunlight: Low to medium light
- Soil: Well-draining orchid mix
Ease of Growing:
- Difficult
Pros:
- Unique flower shapes
- Cool-growing orchid
Cons:
- Needs very specific conditions
12. Lycaste (Purple Variety)
How to Grow:
- Zones: 9-12
- Planting Time: Year-round
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
- Soil: Well-draining orchid mix
Ease of Growing:
- Moderate
Pros:
- Large, showy flowers
- Fragrant
Cons:
- Sensitive to overwatering
13. Zygopetalum (Purple Variety)
How to Grow:
- Zones: 9-12
- Planting Time: Year-round
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
- Soil: Well-draining orchid mix
Ease of Growing:
- Moderate
Pros:
- Fragrant
- Intricate blooms
Cons:
- Requires high humidity
14. Epidendrum (Purple Reed-stem Orchid)
How to Grow:
- Zones: 9-12
- Planting Time: Year-round
- Sunlight: Bright light
- Soil: Well-draining orchid mix
Ease of Growing:
- Easy
Pros:
- Numerous blooms
- Hardy and resilient
Cons:
- Can become leggy
15. Coelogyne (Purple Variety)
How to Grow:
- Zones: 9-12
- Planting Time: Year-round
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
- Soil: Well-draining orchid mix
Ease of Growing:
- Moderate
Pros:
- Fragrant
- Elegant flowers
Cons:
- Needs cool temperatures for blooming
16. Ludisia (Purple Jewel Orchid)
How to Grow:
- Zones: 10-12
- Planting Time: Year-round
- Sunlight: Low to medium light
- Soil: Well-draining orchid mix
Ease of Growing:
- Easy
Pros:
- Attractive foliage
- Easy to care for
Cons:
- Small flowers
17. Angraecum (Purple Comet Orchid)
How to Grow:
- Zones: 10-12
- Planting Time: Year-round
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
- Soil: Well-draining orchid mix
Ease of Growing:
- Difficult
Pros:
- Stunning, star-shaped flowers
- Fragrant
Cons:
- Requires specific conditions
18. Bulbophyllum (Purple Variety)
How to Grow:
- Zones: 9-12
- Planting Time: Year-round
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
- Soil: Well-draining orchid mix
Ease of Growing:
- Difficult
Pros:
- Unique flower shapes
- Wide variety
Cons:
- Needs very specific conditions
19. Pleione (Purple Variety)
How to Grow:
- Zones: 9-11
- Planting Time: Spring/Fall
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
- Soil: Well-draining orchid mix
Ease of Growing:
- Moderate
Pros:
- Large, colorful flowers
- Compact size
Cons:
- Requires cool temperatures
20. Maxillaria (Purple Variety)
How to Grow:
- Zones: 9-12
- Planting Time: Year-round
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
- Soil: Well-draining orchid mix
Ease of Growing:
- Moderate
Pros:
- Fragrant
- Long-lasting flowers
Cons:
- Needs consistent humidity
Conclusion
Purple orchids bring a touch of elegance and mystery to any garden or indoor space. With various growing conditions and ease of care, there’s a purple orchid for every gardener. Enjoy cultivating these enchanting plants and adding exotic beauty to your collection!
