Types of Hawaiian Orchids

Dendrobium

• Dendrobium orchids are found throughout the Hawaiian Islands. This orchid comes in colors including purple and white, and some varieties feature colors like lavender and white on the same flower. In Hawaii, they are used as houseplants and for leis, the traditional Hawaiian flower necklace. Dendrobiums prefer a daytime temperature of 75 to 85 degrees F and a nighttime temperature of 60 to 65 degrees. They do well in full morning sun, but need shade between 11 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon. Dendrobiums grow best when they are allowed to become dry between watering.

Phalaenopsis

• Phalaenopsis orchids are easy to grow. They do best when temperatures are warm during the day and cool off at night; under these conditions they can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Phalaenopsis, also known as the "moth orchid," produces long-lasting flowers that bloom for up to three months. Some plants will flower twice in one year. They do well in indirect sun outdoors and normal lighting conditions indoors. These orchids should be watered about once a week to provide continuous moisture. They like a high humidity level; it's easy to provide humidity by placing the plant over a tray of pebbles saturated with water. Cutting them back halfway down the stem after the last flower drops will encourage the Phalaenopsis to rebloom.

Cattleya

• Cattleya, the "queen of orchids," makes spectacular floral corsages. Many cattleyas are available as hybrids that provide a range of colors, sizes and shapes. Some bloom in late summer and through the fall, while others bloom in early spring. These orchids prefer warm days and cool nights, but will tolerate occasional extremes in temperature. Cattleyas need full morning sun and midday shade. Dark green leaves indicate too little sunlight. A cattleya's soil should dry out between watering.

Platanthera Holochila and Liparis Hawaiensis

• The Platanthera Holochila or fringed orchid is a natural variety of Hawaiian orchid. This plant is so rare that it is now on the endangered species list. Flowers are greenish yellow and small, and they grow in boggy or swampy shaded areas. The Liparis Hawaiensis is also rare, and is found in Hawaiian rain forests high in the tree canopy. It blooms from spring until late fall, with tiny green flowers.