Orchids have captivated humans for centuries with their enchanting beauty and diverse hues. In fact, these fascinating flowers constitute around 10 percent of all plant species on the planet, with over 25,000 known wild species.1
Each color holds a special meaning waiting to be discovered. Here is the hidden symbolism behind 12 mesmerizing orchid colors.
1. Red Orchids
What they symbolize: Passion, desire, courage, and love
Orchids with this color: Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis), Dendrobium Orchid (Dendrobium), Boat Orchid (Cymbidium)
Red orchids are the ultimate symbols of love, passion, and desire. The Aztecs believed that combining certain orchids with chocolate would give them strength and courage in battle. Gift a red orchid to express your deep affection or pair it with red roses for a perfect match.
2. Pink Orchids
What they symbolize: Grace, innocence, happiness, femininity, and fertility
Orchids with this color: Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis), Dendrobium Orchid (Dendrobium), Boat Orchid (Cymbidium)
Delicate pink orchids embody femininity, grace, and innocence. They also symbolize happiness, playfulness, and fertility, making them a sweet choice for baby showers, baptisms, and even weddings. Pink orchids convey admiration, appreciation, and gratitude.
3. White Orchids
What they symbolize: Purity, elegance, new beginnings, faith, and humility
Orchids with this color: Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis), Dendrobium Orchid (Dendrobium), Boat Orchid (Cymbidium)
White orchids are the epitome of purity, innocence, and elegance. They symbolize faith, humility, safety, and beauty. Choose white orchids for weddings, anniversaries, or religious ceremonies to represent new beginnings and a fresh start.
4. Purple Orchids
What they symbolize: Royalty, luxury, admiration, respect, and dignity
Orchids with this color: Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis), Dendrobium Orchid (Dendrobium), Boat Orchid (Cymbidium)
Purple orchids have long been associated with royalty, luxury, and admiration. During the Victorian era, wealthy and royal families greatly admired these bold blooms. Gift purple orchids to express respect, dignity, and appreciation for someone you hold in high regard.
5. Yellow Orchids
What they symbolize: Friendship, joy, optimism, new beginnings, and well-wishes
Orchids with this color: Dancing Lady Orchid (Oncidium), Dendrobium Orchid (Dendrobium), Boat Orchid (Cymbidium)
Bright and cheerful yellow orchids symbolize friendship, joy, and new beginnings. They represent positivity and optimism, making them the perfect gift to brighten someone’s day or celebrate achievements. Yellow orchids convey happiness, strength, and well-wishes.
6. Orange Orchids
What they symbolize: Enthusiasm, creativity, success, pride, and boldness
Orchids with this color: Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis), Dendrobium Orchid (Dendrobium), Boat Orchid (Cymbidium)
Orange orchids burst with enthusiasm, creativity, and success. They symbolize pride, boldness, and excitement. Incorporate these vibrant blooms into celebrations of new adventures, promotions, or to inspire a fresh boost of energy in your home or office.
7. Blue Orchids
What they symbolize: Rarity, uniqueness, spirituality, confidence, and loyalty
Orchids with this color: Blue Vanda (Vanda coerulea), Blue Lady Orchid (Thelymitra crinita)
Blue orchids are the rarest of them all, symbolizing uniqueness, beauty, and spirituality. Although difficult to find in nature, these mesmerizing blooms represent confidence, loyalty, and power. Gift a blue orchid to someone you find beautiful in their own unique way.
8. Green Orchids
What they symbolize: Good fortune, health, longevity, harmony, and rejuvenation
Orchids with this color: Lemon-scented Orchid (Encyclia citrina), Parkinson’s Epidendrum (Epidendrum parkinsonianum)
Green orchids are linked to good fortune, health, and longevity. They symbolize nature, harmony, and rejuvenation. In Japanese culture, displaying a green orchid in your home or office is believed to bring good luck in life and career. Gift green orchids to wish someone well on their recovery journey or to bring extra blessings.
9. Black Orchids
What they symbolize: Mystery, power, sophistication, strength, and determination
Orchids with this color: Over-pigmented red or purple orchids like Fredclarkeara After Dark ‘SVO Black Pearl’ FCC/AOS
Black orchids, which are actually over-pigmented red or purple orchids, exude an air of mystery, power, and sophistication. They convey strength, determination, and absolute authority. These rare blooms make a bold statement and are perfect for those who appreciate the unconventional.
10. Vanilla Orchids
What they symbolize: Flavor, fragrance, and culinary delights
Orchids with this color: Flat-leaved Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia), Tahitian Vanilla (Vanilla ×tahitensis)
Surprise! Vanilla is actually an orchid. Two species, Vanilla planifolia and V. x tahitensis, are used for the familiar flavoring. Next time you savor a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, remember to thank these delightful orchids for their contribution to your sweet treat.
11. Medicinal Orchids
What they symbolize: Healing, tonics, and traditional remedies
Orchids with this color: Various native Chinese orchid species
Beyond their beauty, some orchids have value as medicines. Traditional Chinese medicine uses dozens of native Chinese orchid species in teas and soups to treat various ailments, protect singers’ voices, and boost the immune system. However, the popularity of these medicinal preparations has led to a decline in many native Asian orchid populations.
12. Deceptive Orchids
What they symbolize: Trickery, mimicry, and pollination strategies
Orchids with this color: Various species that employ deceptive pollination
Orchids are the masters of deception, employing various tricks to lure pollinators. Some orchids mimic the appearance of female insects to attract male pollinators, while others promise non-existent nectar or produce female pheromones. These cunning strategies ensure the survival and propagation of these fascinating plants.
Source:
- https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822%2808%2900172-3
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.