Types of Purple Velvety Orchids

Most varieties of orchids come in purple.purple orchid image by Phantome from Fotolia.com

Orchids are some of the most beautiful and eye-catching flowers in the world. With more than 25,000 varieties known today, orchids come in a rainbow of colors---including purple. Different types of orchids can mean different things, but purple orchids with their varying shades of color and velvety texture communicate romance, elegance and uncertainty, according to the Online Flowers Guide. Orchids are fragile, tropical flowers that require a lot of specific attention to thrive.

Vanda

Unlike more recognizable orchids such as phalaenopsis that grow a load of blooms on a bowing stem, vandas grow closely crowded blooms along a straight, tall spike. Beautifulorchids.com says vandas became a popular variety in the second half of the 20th century. Vandas also grow on trees naturally, so they like to be allowed to dry out completely between waterings. As tropical plants, vandas also prefer temperatures between 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Dendrobium orchids are found in the tropical, humid climates of Asia and Australia. Like their sister variety phalaenopsis, dendrobiums make great cut flowers because of their strong, fleshy stems, according to beautifulorchids.com. Dendrobiums like more sun than many other orchids and prefer colder temperatures of around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Re-pot them every two years or so.

Because of their common use in formal corsages, cattleya orchids are nicknamed "Queen of Orchids," beautifulorchids.com says. Cattleyas also grow naturally on trees, so potted versions should be kept fairly dry. Like most orchids, cattleyas like loads of morning sun, but they won't tolerate too much, especially as the day gets hotter, so make sure to provide shade in the hotter afternoon temperatures.