The Three Easiest Types of Orchids for Beginners to Grow

There’s good news for the many budding gardeners cautious to try their hand at growing orchids. While some species of orchid require a lot of experienced, precise care, it’s not all. In fact some of the most stunning orchid species are surprisingly forgiving and are a perfect starter plant for those beginning their orchid adventure. 

While our expert botanists at BB Orchids have years of experience growing and caring for orchids, they all started as beginners too. So we asked for their input on beginner orchids and they were quick to pick out three of the easiest orchid species to grow, each offering their own bloomy rewards.

Start Your Journey with Dendrobium Orchids

Dendrobiums stand out as one of the easiest orchids to grow for beginners thanks to their adaptable nature and stunning, long-lasting blooms. These orchids feature a distinctive labellum (the specialized central petal that makes orchids so recognizable) that often displays contrasting colors to their outer petals.

These resilient plants thrive in temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C) and can handle occasional temperature drops to 60°F (15°C) at night. They prefer bright, indirect light – try a windowsill with a sheer curtain – and only require watering once the potting medium feels dry to the touch (typically every 5-7 days). Add in some good air circulation to prevent fungal issues and that’s all you need!

Dendrobium orchid farms, like BB Orchids’ Pramote Orchid Farm in Thailand, have perfected growing conditions that produce flowers with exceptionally vibrant colors. Our secret lies in developing strong root systems and healthy growth habits before the plants ever leave the nursery, ensuring our customers start on the right foot when they start to care for their orchids on their own.  

The Beginner-Friendly Beauty of Cattleya Orchids

Cattleya orchids from Thailand combine adaptability with incredible blooms, two factors that help earn their “Queen of Orchids” nickname. Cattleyas bloom once or twice a year with flowers lasting up to three weeks. Their large, ruffled flowers and sweet fragrance excite the senses and give them an air of complexity. Yet, care for these exotic orchids is anything but. 

Beginner orchid care for Cattleyas focuses on three key elements: light, water, and humidity. Place them in bright, filtered light, water them thoroughly when the top inch of your potting medium feels dry (usually weekly), and maintain humidity around 50-60% if growing indoors. Outdoors, Thailand’s natural humidity will do the trick just fine. 

These orchids are remarkably forgiving of occasional care mistakes, so don’t fret if you happen to be a bit late on watering. 

Vanda Orchids: Simple Care, Spectacular Results

Don’t let their delicate appearance fool you – Vandas rank among the easiest orchids to grow when given the right conditions. Every vanda orchid farm in Thailand knows these plants are natural performers, producing multiple bloom cycles each year when their basic needs are met. 

Vanda care centers around their unique growing style – they often grow with minimal or no potting medium with their roots hanging freely. So if you are looking for a new hanging plant, look no further than vandas. 

This makes watering straightforward: simply soak the roots in warm water for about 15 minutes so that they absorb the moisture, then drain the water. In areas with high humidity this can be done in the morning. In drier conditions you might want to water them twice. Give them bright, indirect light with temperatures between 60-95°F (15-35°C) and they will thrive. 

Supporting Your Growing Successes

BB Orchids is a trusted supplier of orchids for both individual growers and businesses alike. Our reputation as a wholesale supplier to florists and garden centers is that every orchid we ship meets a consistent and high standard. Our expertise in orchid care influences everything from our growing practices to our packaging methods, and we take pride that our orchids always  arrive to customers in perfect condition. 

Businesses worldwide rely on us because we understand that customer success drives repeat sales. Our orchids arrive ready to thrive, with established root systems and mature growth patterns that help ensure positive experiences, especially with novice growers. This attention to plant health has made us a trusted supplier for garden centers specializing in beginner-friendly varieties.

Start Your Orchid Journey with us

The key to success with orchids lies in choosing the right variety and source. These three orchid genera – Dendrobium, Cattleya, and Vanda – consistently prove themselves as the optimal options for beginner orchid care. Plus, with hundreds of species to choose from, each showcasing different colors and petal shapes, you are certain to find your dream orchids and start growing your own.. 

Whether you’re a retailer looking to stock beginner-friendly orchids or a distributor seeking reliable supplies, BB Orchids delivers plants that set new growers up for success. Contact us to explore our collection of these easy-care varieties and discover how we can support your business growth.