Welcome to the world of orchids that look like birds. Here are the top 11 hand-picked orchids that are most popular for gardeners.
I will share the characteristics of each, and then you can find your best suit for your land. Please continue reading to get my secret of caring for them too!
What Orchids That Look Like Birds?
Some orchid species with flowers resembling birds include Catasetum Orchids, Oncidium Orchids, Phalaenopsis Orchids, Dracula Orchids, Tiger Orchid, Duck Orchid, Dove Orchid, and more.
These bird-like flowers are better visited by actual birds, superior pollinators compared to insects. It is also believed that flowers akin to birds can deter herbivores that might harm them.
Catasetum Orchids
Catasetum Orchids is the first orchid that looks like a bird on my list. They look like exotic birds and are found in tropical regions of Central and South America.
The beautiful flowers come in various colors, like green, brown, and yellow. Besides, it has a pleasant fragrance and can reach up to 4 feet. Their flowering season is spring, and their blooms last for weeks.
The flower is uniquely shaped and attracts specific pollinators. The alluring scent draws in a log of bees, adding a visual delight to your garden.
Ballerina Orchid
The Ballerina Orchid displays charming pink and white flowers resembling a dancing bird. It is relatively easy to grow, requiring well-draining soil and indirect sunlight.
The lovely flowers bloom during the spring and summer and last for several weeks. It is ideal for pots and hanging baskets and thrives in moderate temperatures.
It can reach around 12-16 inches in height, showcasing graceful, bird-like appearances, with its petals forming delicate wings and a curved beak.
Oncidium Orchids
Oncidium Orchids are famous flowers that look like birds in various colors, from yellow and red to brown. They are relatively easy to care for and preferred by many gardeners.
Their striking flowers bloom in winter and spring, lasting a few weeks. The overall shape of the blooms, with their unique lip and petal arrangement, can resemble dancing ballerinas.
You have to prepare that it can grow to 4 feet.
Phalaenopsis Orchids
Another flower that looks like a bird is Phalaenopsis. It’s also called moth or bird orchid due to the flowers’ resemblance to moths.
Phalaenopsis orchids have various colors, such as white, pink, and purple. They are popular indoor plants.
The specialty of this flower is that it can blossom throughout the year. The wide, flat petals will attract any eyes.
Dracula Orchids
Another interesting flower that looks like bird is the Dracula Orchids.
Dracula orchids, the exotic flowers from Central America, flower beautifully in spring and fall with diverse colors, such as green, brown, and maroon.
They can grow to 2 feet and require specific care, suitable for experienced gardeners. The blooms have unique forms, resembling mysterious faces or bats.
Crane-fly Orchid
The Crane-fly Orchid owns unique green and brown blooms, akin to a flying crane. The flowering season is in early summer & late spring, showcasing their beauty for about a month.
The orchid is best suited for woodland settings. Though challenging to grow, it thrives in moist, well-drained soil and partial shade and can grow to 12-20 inches.
Its petals and sepals look similar to a crane’s wings and long beak-like columns. I’m sure it’ll be a sophisticated touch to your garden.
Pterostylis Barbata
The Pterostylis Barbata flower looks like bird. The type of fringed orchid is from North America.
You will be speechless if you accidentally see them in their natural habitats.
Pterostylis barbata, the bearded greenhood orchid, has green flowers. It can be tricky to grow and prefers specific conditions. Its native is Australia.
In spring and summer, you can see it blossom. The blooms have a hooded shape with intricate patterns, often resembling a bearded face.
Duck Orchid
Duck Orchid is one of the interesting plants that look like birds.
It has unique colors and shapes, with distinct forms closely resembling flying ducks, complete with wings and a beak-like structure.
My friend usually calls it the duck-in-flight plant. It is a pretty robust plant, though.
They require specialized care and are suitable for experienced gardeners. With proper care, the birds in flight flower colorfully in winter & spring. One foot is its maximum height.
Dove Orchid
The bird looking flower I want to introduce next is Dove Orchid.
The orchid showcases elegant colors and shapes like a baby bird. The graceful flowers with gentle shapes resemble serene doves with outspread wings.
It requires careful nurturing and is more suitable for experienced gardeners. Its bushes will flower in spring.
Orthoceras Strictum
These bird-like plants, Orthoceras strictum, also known as the horn orchids or the bird’s mouth orchids, have white flowers.
It requires specific growing conditions and is recommended for experienced gardeners.
It has unique flowers with horn-like structures, which gives them an extraordinary appearance. You can have a chance to enjoy its beauty in spring & summer.
The Australia origin plant height can be up to 2 feet.
Habenaria Radiata (White Egret Orchid)
Habenaria radiata, also known as the white egret flower, the national flower of Japan, has white petals. You can find the exotic plant massively in grassy wetlands.
It is relatively easy to grow and suitable for beginners. Habenaria radiata has flowers resembling graceful white egrets in flight, with delicate wings and elongated petals.
In summer, the blooming period, it will unfold remarkably.
Provence Orchid (Orchis Provincialis)
As its name implies, the beautiful plant is a species of orchid from France. The Provence orchid showcases various colors, such as purple, pink, and white.
It requires moderate care and is suitable for intermediate gardeners.
The blooms have a delightful, classic orchid appearance reminiscent of a bird of paradise and a swan.
In the blooming season, spring and summer, it will flourish with green leaves and a dozen flowers on each flower spike.
Tips For Growing Flowers Looking Like Birds
Watering
The right balance with watering is the key to success in growing these flowers. Overwatering can be harmful, leading to root rot and potentially damaging the plants.
From my experience, to ensure your list of plants gets the right amount of water, use a simple test: insert your finger into the soil (to about 1 inch).
If you feel it dry, it’s time to water them.
Additionally, to protect the plants from waterlogging and promote healthy root growth, ensure the pots have proper drainage and that excess water can easily drain.
Each type of plant has different regular watering needs. Various factors, for example, the plant’s species, size, stage of growth, and environment, can influence how much water it requires.
Hence, you should dig into each flower to understand them. When watering them, you must observe their behavior to ensure you provide the right amount for optimal growth and health.
Light
Most orchid flowers don’t like direct sunlight, which can scorch their delicate blooms. Hence, placing them in spots with bright, indirect sunlight is a smart move.
I normally put them near windows or in areas where the sunlight is filtered through curtains or blinds.
Humidity
Having adequate humidity, your plants can flourish at its best
One effective way to maintain proper humidity levels is by using a humidifier. Placing a humidifier near your plants can help create the perfect moisture-rich atmosphere they need.
Alternatively, you can set up a water tray near the plants to create a humid microclimate. As the water evaporates, it adds moisture to the air, benefiting the flowers.
Another helpful practice is occasional misting, especially during dry periods. Lightly spraying the flowers and their surroundings with water can help maintain the desired humidity level.
The extra moisture is particularly beneficial in arid conditions, preventing the flowers from drying out and promoting their well-being.
Temperature
Regarding temperature, there are 2 keywords you need to remember when growing these plants: stable & suitable.
Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause stress to delicate plants, affecting their overall health and blooming capacity.
Like the tropical evergreen tree that thrives in humid & warm climates, most of these flowers thrive in temps from 65°F to 80°F.
Hence, please avoid placing them near drafty windows or heating vents that could expose them to rapid temperature changes.
Instead, opt for stable locations with consistent temperatures to promote their well-being.
Potting Medium
Choosing the right potting medium or potting soil is super important. You should dig down the best potting soil for gardenias and find your best suit.
I recommend you use a special mix made for orchids or similar flowers. Orchids are like a mix of bark, moss, and airy stuff like perlite. It helps with air and water flow so the plants stay healthy.
Air Circulation
Having enough air around will ensure your plant is healthy. It helps stop problems like mold or mildew and lets them grow well. Make sure not to put plants too close together, as it can block the airflow.
If you’re growing them indoors, use fans to give them a soft breeze so the air moves gently around the plants. The small arrangement will help your flowers thrive and stay in great shape.
Fertilizing
Using a balanced fertilizer specifically designed for orchids is highly recommended. Then, please follow the recommended dosage and frequency on the fertilizer package.
During the plant’s dormant phase or if you notice signs of overfeeding, for example, leaf burn, yellowing leaves, wilting, reduced flowering, stunted growth, and root damage, you must reduce fertilization accordingly.
If your plants have slow growth, pale leaves, reduced flowering, leaf drop, and weak stems, they tell you it is underfeeding.
Repotting
Replant your plant only when needed, usually every one to two years. You can look for signs like roots packed together or the plant not doing well as signs for repotting.
When you do it, use a fresh potting mix and choose a slightly bigger pot to let them grow and stay healthy.
Conclusion
Careful planning leads to a stunning garden of orchids that look like birds.
With thoughtful arrangement and dedicated care, you’ll witness breathtaking blooms and create cherished milestones on your gardening journey.
