15 Purple Orchid Varieties For Indoor And Outdoor Spaces
Discover vibrant purple orchid varieties for every grower, plus tips to help them flourish indoors and out.
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15 Purple Orchid Varieties For Indoor and Outdoor Gardens
Orchids are renowned for their exquisite blooms and mystique, representing refinement and elegance. Among the most sought-after types are purple orchidsâa group radiating hues from pale lavender to deep violet, often symbolizing royalty and admiration. Whether youâre a novice or seasoned grower, exploring the diverse world of purple orchids offers both beauty and challenge. Below, discover 15 breathtaking varieties, learn what makes them unique, and pick up practical care tips to help them thrive indoors or outdoors.
Why Choose Purple Orchids?
The color purple has long been associated with nobility, luxury, and power. Historically a rare and expensive dye, purple was once reserved for societyâs elite. In the plant world, however, purple is delightfully accessibleâespecially among orchids, where the myriad shades can complement any space or occasion. Growing purple orchids is not just about aesthetics; itâs about cultivating a living piece of regal history that brings vibrant life to your garden or home .
Understanding Orchid Growing Conditions
Before exploring specific varieties, itâs important to understand what orchids need to flourish:
- Temperature: Most orchids featured here thrive outdoors year-round in USDA zones 9â12. In climates with winter lows below 30°F, they should be brought indoors or grown as houseplants .
- Humidity & Water: Orchids appreciate moderate to high humidity and well-draining conditions. Their water needs vary, so pay attention to the specific requirements of your chosen variety.
- Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal for most orchids. Too much direct sun can scorch leaves, while too little will inhibit blooming .
- Potting Medium: Use a specialized orchid mix, typically composed of bark, perlite, and sometimes sphagnum moss. Avoid regular potting soil unless growing terrestrial species .
15 Breathtaking Purple Orchid Varieties
Letâs dive into some of the most dazzling purple orchids, sourced from a range of species and origin stories:
- Phalaenopsis âAmabilisâ
Also known as the moth orchid, this variety is a staple for beginners. Its broad, rounded petals display subtle lavender or deep violet edges. Phalaenopsis hybrids are forgiving and bloom for several months. - Dendrobium âBigibbumâ
A popular species native to Australia, the Cooktown Orchid dazzles with clusters of small, vivid purple blooms. It prefers intermediate to warm, well-draining conditions and can adapt to a range of indoor environments. - Cattleya âPurple Emperorâ
This showy variety is lauded for its ruffled petals and intoxicating fragrance. The large flowers range from rich royal purple to elegant lilac and often serve as corsage orchids. - Vanda âMiss Joaquimâ
Singaporeâs national flower, this hybrid produces upright sprays of purple and pink blossoms. Vandaceous orchids like high humidity and are best grown in baskets or mounted for robust air circulation. - Miltoniopsis âPurple Queenâ
Known as the pansy orchid for its face-like blooms, Miltoniopsis âPurple Queenâ offers a watercolor blend of violet and white petals, ideal for cool to intermediate conditions. - Epidendrum âPurple Pixieâ
This compact reed-stem orchid displays canes lined with petite, starry purple blossoms and is remarkably tolerant of less-than-ideal conditions. A great choice for windowsill growers. - Oncidium âSharry Babyâ (Purple Form)
Famous for its chocolate fragrance, some forms of this Oncidium hybrid have striking purple tones. The clustered sprays make an eye-catching display in larger containers. - Laelia âAncepsâ
With slender, star-shaped lavender to purple flowers, this Mexican species is an easy-to-grow favorite for those seeking fragrance and hardiness. - Brassia âPurple Rainâ
Spider orchids, like Brassia, often come in yellow or green, but select types sport wispy, uniquely patterned purple blooms that resemble spiders or starbursts. - Ascocenda âPrincess Mikasaâ (Purple)
This hybrid between Ascocentrum and Vanda offers vibrant violet-blue flowers, each forming an upright, compact spray. Excellent for baskets in bright conditions. - Masdevallia âPurple Angelâ
Known for its unconventional triangular flowers, Masdevallia âPurple Angelâ thrives in cool, moist environments and displays regal purple hues with contrasting gold throats. - Rhynchostylis gigantea (Purple Form)
This species, often called the foxtail orchid, creates dense, hanging racemes of spotted purple and white blooms. It prefers high humidity and can be grown mounted or in baskets. - Spathoglottis âPurple Passionâ
One of the few terrestrial orchids on this list, Spathoglottis grows in soil and is ideal for outdoor garden beds in warm climates. Its clustered spikes flaunt vivid purple-pink blooms. - Zygopetalum âPurple Majestyâ
Distinguished by their dramatic striping and deep purple petals, Zygopetalum orchids bring a bold look and a sweet scent to shaded indoor spaces. - Encyclia cordigera (Purple Form)
This fragrant Central American species has waxy purple-pink flowers with a white, heart-shaped lip. Itâs prized by collectors for its resilience and unique beauty.
Tips for Successfully Growing Purple Orchids
While the allure of purple orchids is undeniable, keeping them healthy and blooming can challenge even experienced gardeners. Hereâs what you need to know to encourage vibrant blooms year after year:
General Culture and Care
- Location: Place orchids where they get bright, indirect sunlight. East or south-facing windows with sheer curtains are ideal .
- Watering: Water thoroughly when the potting medium feels dry, but never let the roots sit in water. Terrestrial types need consistently moist soil, while epiphytes prefer to dry slightly between waterings .
- Humidity: Most orchids like humidity between 50â70%. Grouping plants, using humidity trays, or placing a humidifier nearby can help.
- Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced liquid orchid fertilizer every 2â4 weeks during active growth. Dilute to half strength to avoid root burn.
- Potting: Use an orchid-specific growing mix. Repot every 1â2 years, or when the medium breaks down and loses drainage ability .
Temperature and Hardiness
- Most purple orchids perform best in daytime temperatures of 65â80°F and nighttime temperatures not dipping below 55°F.
- In USDA Zones 9â12, many can grow outside year-round. In cooler climates, grow orchids as houseplants or move them indoors in winter .
Orchid Types at a Glance
| Orchid Type | Growth Habit | Best Grown | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phalaenopsis | Epiphytic, monopodial | Indoors, shaded outdoors | Beginner-friendly, long blooms |
| Dendrobium | Epiphytic, sympodial | Indoor/outdoor | Can have a rest period |
| Cattleya | Epiphytic, sympodial | Bright indoor/outdoor | Fragrant, showy flowers |
| Spathoglottis | Terrestrial | Outdoor beds, containers | Moist, organic soil needed |
| Miltoniopsis | Epiphytic, sympodial | Cool to intermediate indoor | Pansy-like face blooms |
What others are reading
Common Growth Habits: Monopodial and Sympodial
Orchids typically grow in two primary ways:
- Monopodial: Grow upright from a central stem (e.g., Phalaenopsis, Vanda). New leaves sprout from the apex, and aerial roots and flower spikes emerge from the stem sides.
- Sympodial: Produce horizontal growth from rhizomes, forming pseudobulbs (e.g., Dendrobium, Cattleya). New shoots grow from the base, often leading to successive blooming stems .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What makes purple orchids different from other colored orchids?
A: The main differences are the pigments responsible for purple coloration and, in some cases, the symbolism purple orchids carry. Culturally, purple flowers often represent admiration and royalty, while horticulturally, they require the same care as most orchids in their genus .
Q: Can I grow purple orchids outdoors year-round?
A: Only in regions with mild wintersâspecifically USDA Zones 9â12. If your area has cold winters, keep orchids outside during the warm season and move them indoors or into a greenhouse before temperatures drop below 30°F .
Q: Which purple orchid is easiest for beginners?
A: The Phalaenopsis (moth orchid) is widely regarded as the most beginner-friendly. It is tolerant of typical household conditions, blooms for months, and is available in a range of purple shades .
Q: How often should I water my purple orchids?
A: Watering frequency depends on the species and environment. Generally, wait until the top inch of the potting mix feels dry, then water thoroughly. Avoid letting roots sit in water to prevent rot .
Q: How do I encourage my orchid to rebloom?
A: Make sure your orchid gets enough light and a slight temperature drop at night, along with carefully timed watering and feeding. Cutting spent flower spikes just above a node can also encourage new blooms on certain orchids.
Final Thoughts
With their regal color and striking diversity, purple orchids add sophistication and joy to any settingâindoors or out. Thanks to advances in breeding and cultivation knowledge, becoming an orchid enthusiast is within anyoneâs reach. Whether you love the cheerful pansy orchids, dramatic cattleyas, or delicate vanda hybrids, thereâs a purple orchid for every garden and grower. Start with the right selection for your climate and experience level, and soon youâll be rewarded with some of the most unique and enchanting blooms in the botanical world .
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