3 Types Of Pink Orchids

Written by Cammi Morgan
Updated: March 16, 2023
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You’re in luck if you’re interested in growing stunning pink orchids! Pink orchids occur readily in nature and are cultivated across varying growing climates. Delicate, warm, and eye-catching, adding pink orchids to your collection is always an excellent choice.

In this guide, we’ll briefly cover orchid classification and discuss three gorgeous pink orchid species, their morphologies, and specific care requirements.

So, without further ado, let’s get to it!

Orchids: Botanical Classification

Multi-colored orchids in pots

There are a variety of orchids, including several pink orchids.

©Summer 1810/Shutterstock.com

Orchids are a highly diverse, highly successful family of flowering plants known botanically as Orchidaceae. Over the course of 112 million years, they have evolved to grow in the soil, on rocks, and high up in trees attached to their barks. They grow natively in various environments and on every continent except Antarctica.

While they have an enormous range of color and shape expression, these plants always have the same flower structure: three sepals, two lateral petals, and one modified lower petal, or labellum. The sepals function as a protective outer layer before the flower is ready to open. Once opened, the sepals form an outside whorl with the petals on the inside. Often, the sepals are notably larger than the two inner later petals. The labellum is commonly quite enlarged on many orchid species to attract pollinators.

Additionally, the vast majority of orchid species have what is known as “perfect flowers” because they contain both male and female reproductive organs fused together in a structure called a column. Catasetum is an example of an orchid genus that typically produces either only a male or female reproductive organ per flower, known as unisexual flowers.

Pink Orchids: Three Stunning Species

Whether you’re looking for cut flowers, a lovely garden arrangement, or to brighten up your houseplant collection softly, pink orchids are an excellent choice.

Joy, grace, innocence, and gentleness symbolize pink orchids. Their soft hues can add a calming, soft ambiance to your collection. If you want to create this vibe in your garden space, you have a range of pink orchid species and cultivars to choose from. Our list contains terrestrial (soil-based), epiphytic (growing attached to other plants non-parasitically, usually trees), and lithophytic (growing attached to rocks) types. We’ll cover the following three stunning pink species of orchids:

  1. The Pink Lady’s Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium acaule)
  2. The waling-waling orchid (Vanda sanderiana)
  3. The pink butterfly orchid (Anacamptis papilionacea)

This list should get you started in the right direction in creating a lovely pink orchid collection.

1. The Pink Lady’s Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium acaule)

Pink lady slipper in the wild

Pink lady slipper grows throughout Eastern North America.

©iStock.com/wbritten

Native to Eastern North America, the pink lady’s slipper orchid grows terrestrially in various habitats, including mixed hardwood and birch forests, coniferous forests with an affinity for pine and hemlock groves, and rocky/moss embankments. These wildflowers typically prefer semi-shade and grow in deeply fertile, acidic, and well-draining soil.

The pink lady’s slipper orchid (Cypripedium acaule) is one of 45 species of terrestrial orchids in the Cypripedium genus. This genus is one of five genera in the subfamily Cypripedioideae, which contain lady slipper orchids defined by having a pouched, slipper-like labellum (or lip).

Morphology

Like all lady slipper orchids, Cypripedium acaule features a pouch-like labellum (modified lower petal) that resembles a lovely pink slipper. The function of this slipper is to temporarily trap pollinators who have been lured into the pouch with species-specific fragrances. Bees are the primary pollinators of the pink lady’s slipper orchid. Unfortunately, while some orchids have a symbiotic relationship with their pollinators, this species of orchid provides no benefit to the bees. As such, pollination levels tend to be low as bees learn to avoid being lured by the orchid’s specific scent.

The sepals of this orchid are narrow, elongated, and twisting. They feature pink, orange, and green coloration and are covered in tiny hairs. The two lateral petals of this species are tiny in comparison, feature a similar color pattern, are also covered in tiny hairs, and taper to a distinct point. The 1-3 inch wide flowers bloom from mid-spring to mid-summer. They emerge singularly atop a bare raceme that varies in height from 8-15 inches.

Basally arranged the dark green leaves of the pink lady’s slipper orchid grow outward in a circle at ground level. The leaves are elliptical with entire margins and grow between 3-6 inches long.

Plant Care

Gardeners are encouraged not to transplant this wildflower from its native habitats, and if buying from a nursery, make sure to purchase from an ethical, responsible wildflower nursery. Harvesting from the wild is not sustainable for this species since it has quite a low pollination rate. Caring for this plant can be tricky as it relies heavily on a symbiotic plant-fungi relationship to thrive. However, you can successfully grow this lovely orchid with proper care and fertilization.

Watering

You’ll need to keep the growing medium of this terrestrial orchid consistently moist, especially during its growing phase. It typically does not experience starkly drier winters in its native range, so keeping the soil moist for most of the year is best. The difference in the seasonal watering schedule for the pink lady’s slipper orchid is that you’ll want to avoid letting the growing medium dry out at all during its growing phase. Still, you can allow it to dry out before watering again during winter.

Light

This orchid thrives in bright, indirect light and can tolerate morning full sun quite well. Just ensure not to let this orchid stay exposed to direct sunlight for the afternoon hours, as doing so can result in leaf burn.

Temperature and Humidity

Growing natively in temperate forests, this orchid is generally cool-to-warm growing, thriving in seasonal temperature differences. Aim for daytime temperatures between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit during its growing phase, not exceeding 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Nighttime temps should drop by about 10-15 degrees. In the winter, this plant should be exposed during dormancy for 2-3 months to temps between 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit. Naturally, leaf litter protects the dormant orchid from being harmed by freezing temperatures, so make sure to add a couple of insulating inches of leaf litter or mulch around the plant for protection.

This temperate terrestrial orchid thrives in moderate humidity year-round, so aim for 30-50%

Fertilizer and Growing Medium

Fertilizing your pink lady’s slipper orchid is crucial to its growth and flower development, as feeding this orchid replaces the role of symbiotic (mycorrhizal) fungi that provide it nutrients in exchange for sugar. So, aim to provide weekly, balanced, water-soluble orchid fertilizer at 1/2 strength dosage during its growing phase. During dormancy, feedings can be reduced to every three weeks. You can begin to add high-in-phosphorus orchid fertilizer weekly to this plant once its flower spike emerges to encourage blooming.

Growing this orchid in acidic, well-draining, moist, fertile soil is best. You can mix perlite and chopped sphagnum moss into loamy, acidic soil to encourage proper water retention while ensuring aeration and adequate drainage. Avoid using plastic or metal pots as they can hold on to too much moisture, leading to root rot. Clay pots are an excellent, water-wicking choice.

2. The waling-waling orchid (Vanda sanderiana)

The Deep Colors of the Waling-Waling

The waling-waling orchid features a rich two-toned coloring.

©Kolinchev Andrii/Shutterstock.com

Native to Mindanao Island of the Philippines, the waling-waling orchid is a tropical epiphytic orchid that grows at sea level up to 1500 feet in elevation. This gorgeous two-toned pink orchid often hangs over water sources in bright, indirect sunlight. The waling-waling orchid (Vanda sanderiana) is one of (currently) 80 species in the Vanda genus of orchids. This genus is widely cultivated and hybridized, with many options on the market for home growing.

Morphology

Producing an absolutely stunning flower, the waling-waling orchid bloom can range from white and bronze with vivid pink variegated veins and mottling to pink-on-pink variegation. A common occurrence is a flower with a white dorsal (top) sepal with pink mottling and two lateral gold sepals with intricately variegated pink veins and mottling. The lateral petals are also often white, with pink mottling towards the base of the petals. The labellum (modified lower petal or lip) features light to deep-pink coloration in a gorgeous ombre gradient.

These flowers are large-sized at 4-6 inches wide. They typically bloom in the fall, emerging in clusters of 7-10 in an alternating, branching pattern along a fleshy, upright to arching green stem. The stem usually reaches about 12 inches in height. The leaves are light green, thick, elongated, and linear and emerge in an alternating pattern 12-16 inches long along a main, upright stalk.

Plant Care

Growing this gorgeous orchid species and many of the cultivars and hybrids bred from it is readily achievable for those just starting out in orchid gardening. We’ll cover below the most crucial aspects of care for the stunning waling-waling orchid.

Watering

This tropical epiphyte requires a lot of water during its growing phase. Remember, its native environment is an island of the Philippines that experiences significant summer rainfall. During its active season, its imperative to not let this orchid’s growing medium dry out. Depending on your space’s humidity levels, you may need water daily. Remember, however, that we’re not aiming to create soggy orchid roots. So, to water every day without exposing your plant to root rot, you’ll want to ideally mount this plant to bark covered in a soilless medium.

During the winter, you can scale back your watering to once a week or so, allowing the roots to barely dry out before watering again.

Light

The waling-waling orchid requires very bright, indirect sunlight. You’ll still want to remain just shy of exposing this plant to direct sunlight, especially at times of the day other than morning. Wherever you place your plant, ensure consistent airflow.

Temperature and Humidity

The native climate of this gorgeous pink orchid does not undergo much temperature fluctuation throughout the year. During the daytime, aim to provide temperatures between 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. You’ll want to expose this orchid to temperatures around 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit at night.

Humidity should stay between 80-85% all year.

Growing Medium and Fertilizer

This epiphytic plant thrives mounted on bark or grown in slotted wooden hanging baskets with the roots exposed. Growing mediums such as large, chunky pieces of cork bark or charcoal work best. You’ll have to ensure the growing medium is fast, well-draining, and allows constant airflow to the roots.

The waling-waling plant benefits from weekly fertilizer application during its growing phase through fall. You should feed when watering using a 1/4-1/2 strength balanced, water-soluble orchid fertilizer. During the fall, you can use an orchid fertilizer higher in phosphorus and lower in nitrogen to encourage blooming. Only fertilizer once a month during the winter and only during watering.

3. The pink butterfly orchid (Anacamptis papilionacea)

Pink butterfly orchid in grass

The pink butterfly orchid often attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

©This image was originally posted to Flickr by Alastair Rae at https://www.flickr.com/photos/55663585@N00/172134789 – License

The pink butterfly orchid is a cold-to-warm growing, temperature, terrestrial species native to the Mediterranean region. Its native range covers much of Spain and Portugal, the North coast of Africa, Italy, and east through parts of the Balkans, extending its range into Azerbaijan. The lovely pink butterfly orchid (Anacamptis papilionacea) is one of 20 species in the Anacamptis genus.

Morphology

A delight to gaze upon, this little pink orchid produces a bloom with a range of pink to lavender hues and vein variegation. The labellum (or modified lower petal or lip) of this orchid is large, flat, and fan-shaped, with shallow lobing along the margin. It features a white to pale pink lip with pink-to-lavender vein variegation and mottling. The sepals and remaining petals are a much darker pink with red striping.

The 2-3 inch wide flowers emerge late winter to early spring in dense clusters of 3-10 blooms atop a fleshy, upright stalk. The leaves are light-green, grass-like, and nondistinct.

Plant Care

Rather easy to grow in temperate climates, these stunning little pink orchids are an excellent selection for beginner growers. Below, we’ll cover in detail the pink butterfly orchid’s specific care requirements.

Watering

This Mediterranean species likes a moderate amount of water during its growing phase. You can allow the soil to dry between watering, typically translating to a once or twice-a-week watering schedule. During dormancy, cut back watering to every couple of weeks.

Light

While many species of orchids require indirect sunlight in rather shaded environments, the pink butterfly orchid can grow quite well in very bright, indirect sunlight to full sun. Protection of the roots and basal leaves is crucial if growing in full sun through light mulching or companion planting. An ideal setup for this little pink orchid is providing full sun until the afternoon, switching to bright, indirect sunlight for the rest of the day.

Temperature and Humidity

During its growing phase, you’ll want to provide this temperate, terrestrial orchid with a spectrum of temperatures. During the day, aim for around 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Nighttime temps should hover around 65 degrees. This plant can handle about a 10-degree variation from these optimal temperatures.

Exposure to cold winter temperatures is crucial for this orchid’s flower development. Ideal daytime winter temps are around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with nighttime temperatures at about 41 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fertilizer and Growing Medium

The pink butterfly orchid is tolerant of a wide range of soil pH, growing natively in alkaline limestone soils and more acidic open woodlands. As is the norm with orchids, you’ll need to ensure the growing medium is well-aerated and well-draining. These plants grow well in clay pots in fertile soil with perlite amendment.

Fertilize this pink orchid weakly weekly during its growing phase with 1/4 strength, water-soluble, balanced orchid fertilizer. Cut back to only once-a-month feeding during winter.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/wbritten


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About the Author

Cammi Morgan is a writer at A-Z Animals where her primary focus is on mycology, marine animals, forest and river ecology, and dogs. Cammi has been volunteering in animal rescue for over 10 years, and has been studying mycology and field-researching mushrooms for the past 3 years. A resident of Southeast Appalachia, Cammi loves her off-grid life where she shares 20 acres with her landmates, foster dogs, and all the plants, fungi, and critters of the forest.

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