Cattleya

Cattleya, the “Queen of Orchids” is the first type of orchids anyone thinks about. Cattleyas originated in Central and South America with cousins coming form the Caribbean and Florida. Cattleyas are the most showiest and most rewarding to grow. They are an excellent orchid for the novice grower and relatively easy to grow. Most have an intriguing fragrance which adds to their appeal. They usually bloom one to two or more times a year. Related genera include Sophrolaeliocattleya, Brassolaeliocattleya, and Epicattleya to name few. Cultural requirements are:

Temperature: 70-85 F days, 55-65 F nights.
Water: Should be almost dry between watering.
Light: Bright filtered light 35-50% shade.
Humidity: 40-75%
Fertilizer: Twice a month, water-soluble fertilizer.

Phalaenopsis

Phalaenopsis, the “Moth Orchid” is a very popular orchid due to their adaptability as house plants. They are mostly shade loving plants, thus are grown as house plants. Phalaenopsis are native to tropical Asia, Africa and Australia. Flowers usually bloom during the spring. Colors come in white, green, yellow, pink and red. Flower spikes can be long or on short branched sprays, usually lasting 6-8 weeks or longer. Related genera includes Doritis and Doritaenopsis.
Cultural requirements are:

Temperature: 65-90 F days, 55-70 F nights.
Water: Keep evenly moist, avoid wet foliage.
Light: Moderate light, 70-80 % shade, no direct sun.
Humidity: 50-75%
Fertilizer: Twice a month, water-soluble fertilizer.

Dendrobium
Dendrobium

Dendrobiums are one of the largest families of orchids. They are about 1,500 species native to India, Burma, Ceylon, China, Japan and Australia. They are found at sea level all the way up to the cold foothills of the Himalayas. Because of their wide distribution, they have a wide variety of cultural requirements. Dendrobiums usually fall into six classes according to their growth habits. Evergreen species that need warm temperatures year round. Evergreen species that require cool, moist rest periods. Deciduous (lose their leaves) species that desire cool, dry rest periods. Deciduous species that demand a warm, dry rest periods. “Black-haired” evergreen species include moderately cool temperatures all year. “Antelope” evergreen species likes warm temperature all the time.
Cultural requirements (warm evergreen):

Temperature:70-90 F days, 45-65 F nights.
Water: Keep almost moist.
Light: 25-50% shade.
Humidity: 50-75%
Fertilizer: Twice a month, water-soluble fertilizer.

Oncidium
Oncidium

Oncidiums are know as “dancing ladies” because the flowers look like a lady’s skirt. The members of this group are native to Mexico and Central and South America. These plants come from a very diverse habitat. Some like warm growing conditions like cattleyas, others prefer cooler settings. They usually enjoy an abundance of water during the growing and flowering season. Most species bloom once a year, however, many hybrids bloom three or more times a year. Related intergenerics include Beallara, Brassidium, Brassia, Colmanara, Degarmoara, and Miltonidium.
Cultural Requirements are:

Temperature: 70-85 F days, 50-65 F nights.
Water: Allow to dry between watering.
Light: Bright filtered light, 35-65% shade.
Humidity: 40-75%
Fertilizer: Twice a month, water-soluble fertilizer