What Kind of Orchids Are Green?

Cymbidium Orchids

• Cymbidium orchids have between eight and 11 individual blossoms on a long stem. The central portion of the flower has a color that varies based on the time of year it was grown and the conditions under which the flower matured, while the majority of the flower is a shade of green. Like the interior color, the shade of green varies based on the conditions in which it was grown. It can range from a pale green only a few shades off from white to a deep olive or forest green. You'll see different colors in the flowers on the same plant, and this type of orchid can be highly desirable in floral and wedding arrangements because of its longevity after being cut.

Dendrobium Burana Jade

• There are several different varieties and colors of dendrobium orchids, including white and a striking blue-purple. The Burana Jade variety has flowers with distinctive purple centers that are surrounded by green petals in a shape similar to that of a daffodil, with the central protrusion and the petals being of similar size. When these orchids bloom, there are numerous flowers on each long stem, with each of the green and purple flowers being supported on their own smaller stem. The stalks themselves are extremely tall; they can reach heights of 3 feet before flowering.

Paphiopedilum Orchids

• The paphiopedilum orchids are known as slipper orchids because of their shape. Many flowers are supported on long stems, and these flowers typically hang below the stems and resemble a lady's slipper. Within the family there are a variety of sizes and colors, with several having green flowers. The paphiopedilum anhinga has flowers that are a deep, dark forest green, while the paphiopedilum maudiae is a relatively low-maintenance orchid with pale green flowers. New species of orchids are being discovered in their native environments all the time, including the paphiopedilum malipoense, a plant with dark green flowers dotted with red.

Jewel Orchids

• The jewel orchids are a branch of the orchid family that are unique in that they do not bear flowers but are instead prized for highly decorative foliage. Many of the jewel orchids are small and suited to growing in a terrarium, thriving in the controlled environment. The foliage of these orchids is often metallic, and some, like the Anoectochilus chapaensis, have leaves that range in color from black to deep green with a distinctive metallic hue. The Macodes petola has lighter green leaves with a more traditional shine, but also has veins that are a shiny gold. Several types of the Ludisia jewel orchid, some of which are extremely rare and difficult to grow, range in color from a soft green to a deep, almost black green.