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Different types of orchids

White orchid in flower.
Orchids are a beautiful, unique and exotic alternative to standard plants and flowers. They're also one of the largest flowering plant families, so we've put together a few tips on how to choose the right one for you.

Growing and caring for orchids

Orchids can be grown outdoors in a shadehouse or under a verandah, or indoors under bright-filtered sunlight. Because orchids need to be well drained, standard potting mix is too dense, so you're better off using a specially formulated orchid potting mix.

When it comes to watering orchids, less is more. If the potting mix looks damp, wait for a day and give it another water the next morning.

Why orchids

A lot of people think orchids are hard to grow, but that's not actually the case. Given the right level of care and attention, they can bloom for months at a time. Orchids thrive in warm, humid conditions, so if you live in our southern states, you may need to pay particular attention to where your orchid is located.

Types of orchids

There are over 30,000 orchid varieties inhabiting almost every corner of the world. Despite being one of the most prolific plant varieties, every orchid species has a unique look.

Phalaenopsis

The Phalaenopsis orchid is easy to care for and is available in a wide range of colours. They're a very popular variety due to their elegant appearance and are ideally suited to life indoors.

The Phalaenopsis orchid

Cymbidium

Cymbidiumis one of the prettiest flowering orchids and therefore one of the most popular. They're perfect for a sheltered area like an outdoor patio or timber deck.

Blue

The Blue orchid is a rare variety that requires plenty of attention and plenty of sunlight. However, their striking appearance will make all the hard work worthwhile.

Thai

Thai orchids come in many colours and thrive when kept in a warm environment with regular watering. Remember, orchids hate cold, wet conditions so try to make sure they're always getting the right amount of sunlight.

Black

Black orchids need a generous amount of shade otherwise they can be burnt by the sun. Be careful not to over-water black orchids – a good rule is: if in doubt, they can go without.

White

White orchids can be grown easily if you take the time to fertilise them once a week using good quality orchid food. Always water in the morning to avoid the onset of fungal diseases.

Wild

Wild orchids come in a variety of colours and can be planted indoors or outside as long as they receive the right amount of sun and any excess water can drain away easily.

Wild orchids.

Choose your orchid

Check out the wide range of orchids and other plants at your local Bunnings store.

 

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.