There are many varieties of orchids with almost 30,000 species. Only some species are suitable for gardening. You can find many orchids with faces but only a few of them are suitable for gardening and have animal faces or shapes.
Here are 9 types of orchids suitable for home.
9-Prosthechea cochleata
Commonly known as clamshell orchid, cockleshell orchid, or Green squid orchid. The flowers of this orchid are the main attraction. It is primarily known for its unique intriguing and distinctive flower shape, which looks like a squid or octopus. This unique shape is the main attraction of collectors.
The flower has a striking and unusual appearance that resembles a greenish-brown squid or octopus. The flowers have a long, slender tubular shape with a hood-like lip at the top which gives them a squidy appearance.
This orchid naturally blooms in the late spring to early summer, the exact timing varies depending on growing conditions. Flowering can be triggered by manipulating light and temperature.
8- Ophrys apifera
Ophrys Apifera commonly known as the Bee orchid, is a uniquely shaped orchid remarkable for floral mimicry, resembling the shape of a bumblebee, both in terms of shape and color. The orchid’s flower has a central lip that looks like a female bumblebee with furry, black markings and yellow coloration, which attracts pollinators like male bees, which is the strategy of its productivity.
Bee orchids typically bloom in late spring and early summer, varying on the specific condition. It is native to Europe and the Mediterranean region, typically found in grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands. These orchids are magnificent evolution examples of plants.
7- Ophrys insectifera
This orchid is known as the Fly orchid. This is a bit similar to bee orchid but the flowers are smaller and narrower. Known for their ability to copy the scent and appearance of certain flies. The primary purpose of mimicry is to attract male flies to help in pollination.
Their blooming time is late spring to early summer, depending on the climate condition it can vary. Fly orchids are native to Europe and can be found in grassland meadows and woodland. They’re very well to grow with mycorrhizal fungi which helps to provide nutrition to the plant.
Cultivating this orchid can be a great challenge as it requires specific conditions and perfect mycorrhizal partners.
6- Habenaria radiata
Habenaria radiata commonly known as the White Egret Flower, is another beautifully shaped orchid that looks like a white flying egret in a smaller version. The white flower resembles an egret or heron with spread wings. The flower lip or labellum, has a feathery appearance, similar to the bird’s plumage.
White egret orchids typically bloom from July to September, depending on climate conditions. Their natural habitat is eastern and southeastern Asia, especially in Taiwan, China, Japan, Korea, Russia, and nearby areas.
These orchids are typically found in wetlands, grasslands, and meadows, especially in high-humidity and well-drained soil regions. This orchid is celebrated for its cultural significance and striking bloom.
5- Peristeria elata
It is commonly known as the Dove Orchid or Holy Ghost, and is remarkable for its cultural significance. The flower of this comes in white and pale green, and “Dove Orchid” for their unique shape. The central lip of the flower is often described as resembling a dove in flight, a ghost, or a holy spirit, which is the most distinctive part.
The Dove orchid has religious significance in some Central and South American regions, particularly in Colombia and Panama. The flower shape is associated with the Holy Spirit in the Christian religion, which decides the common name holy spirit.
They bloom during the late spring and early summer months.
4-Phalaenopsis
Commonly known as Moth Orchids, phals, or Bird head Orchids, are widely popular among all gardener for their elegant and stunning appearance. Their blooms can last for almost two months. From a distance flower resemblance looks like a moth in a flight, that’s why the name Moth became popular. But from a close-up view of the flower resemblance will look like a bird has opened its mouth, this perspective gives the name Bird Head Orchid.
The flower can vary in color and pattern. These orchids bloom multiple times over the year, depending on the hybrid and growing environment. Their natural habitat is tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia. (Orchids with faces)
3- Ophrys bombyliflora
Known as the Bumblebee Orchid from the Ophrys family, is another bee-looking fascinating orchid with the ability to attract pollinators. The flowers are known for their floral mimicry of bumblebees which helps to attract bumblebees to help in the pollination process.
The lip of the flower is covered with dark hairs, resembling the appearance of the bumblebee’s body. The petals and sepals remain green.
Bumblebee Orchids usually bloom in the spring, from April to June, depending on the temperature and light. These orchids are native to various parts of Europe and the Mediterranean region such as Italy, France, Greece, and Spain. Orchids with faces.
2- Orchis italica
Orchis Italica commonly known as the Naked Man Orchid, is a unique and unusual-shaped orchid. These flowers bloom in clusters on spikes that look like naked people (men) hanging by outstretching their arms and legs. the naked man has a helmet-like structure on the top. Sometimes it can be seen in other ways. The colors of the flower vary from pale pink to deep pink or pale purple to deep purple.
The Naked Man Orchid usually blooms in the spring, typically from March to May, depending on the climate condition. These orchids are native to the Mediterranean region such as Italy, Greece, Turkey, and some regions of the Middle East.
1-Dracula simia
Dracula simia commonly known as the Monkey Face orchid, is a fascinating and most popular face-shaped orchid among Orchid collectors and the most common orchids with faces.
The shape of the flower resembles the face of a monkey. The central part of the flower (lip) evokes the image of a monkey’s face with eyes, nose, and mouth.
Flowers come in various colors according to the species and they bloom in spring or early summer.