A Guide to the Most Popular Thai Orchid Flowers

Spending time in Thailand comes with a guarantee that at least one species of Thai Orchid will draw your awe. Orchids can be found everywhere across Thailand – their beauty juxtaposed against the chaotic concrete of Bangkok and onto the lush jungles and islands of the northern and southern provinces.

Thai orchids – flowers that cover an array of colors and sizes across over 1,300 species – thrive in the Southeast Asian nation. It is Thailand’s year-round warmth and humidity that creates a natural greenhouse effect, making it one of the world’s most perfect environments for cultivating native and exotic flowers across the Orchidaceae family.

The Legacy of Thai Orchids

For centuries, orchids have been woven into Thai culture, from royal gardens and cultivation projects to commercial use in floral arrangements and as exported goods that generate significant revenue for the
country. Through the combination of traditional agricultural knowledge and modern biotech advancements, Thailand is a global leader in orchid cultivation and orchid exports.

All of that is to say, Thai orchid flowers carry a prestigious reputation. While of course the country’s natural environment provides many advantages for abundant orchid growth, the experts among Thailand’s local growers and botanists have perfected cultivation techniques over generations, passing down knowledge while embracing modern innovations.

These scientific breakthroughs, such as using plant tissue cultures, have proven critical to supporting the high international demand for Thai orchids. The country’s orchid industry has evolved from small family gardens to a sophisticated agricultural sector that supplies collectors and businesses worldwide.

BBOrchids is proud to be a leading grower and exporter of Thai orchids. In our tissue culture laboratory, where science and artistry meet, we’ve been perfecting the art of growing Thai orchids through advanced cloning and hybridization techniques since 2010. By keeping the entire growth process under our careful watch, from lab to greenhouse, we are proud to ensure that every orchid that leaves our farm is of the highest quality.

Popular Thai Orchid Varieties

Out of the 1,300+ (and growing) different species of orchids growing in Thailand, here are the top Thai orchid flower genera in terms of popularity that you need to know.

Dendrobium Orchids

Known among growers for their versatile growing habits and prolific blooming patterns, often with beautifully contrasting colors from petal to labellum, Dendrobiums showcase clusters of vibrant flowers that last for weeks. As such these flowers are often sold wholesale to be used in arrangements for weddings or special events.

More prominently, this genus of orchid covers most of the iconic species that even amateur botany enthusiasts would identify as Thai orchids. These are the Thai orchid flowers that adorn your tropical drink at the beach or serve as a fashion piece in a woman’s hair. Their beauty is so admired that Denrobiae are even among the favorites for hobby growers to raise at home.

Cattleya Orchids

Often referred to as the “Queen of Orchids” or the “prom” orchid, Cattleya orchids are distinguished by their large fleshy petals and distinct separate labellum that often boast vibrant coloration. While native to South America, Cattleya orchids thrive as an exotic plant in Thailand, so much so that Thai-grown Cattleyas are world-renowned for their large, showy blooms and intense fragrance.

These orchids benefit tremendously from Thailand’s precise growing conditions – medium humidity, indirect sunlight, and cool nightly temperatures – producing larger flowers with more intense colors than those grown elsewhere in less ideal environments. Their elegant appearance and long-lasting blooms make them particularly valuable in the luxury flower market both domestic and abroad.

Vanda Orchids

Rarely found naturally and requiring expertise to cultivate, Thai Vanda orchids are celebrated for their remarkable size, intense colors, and unique growing habits. Their big, flat petals with rich color varieties and button lips have earned these orchids universal fame as being among the most beautiful. Coupled with their rarity, it is no surprise that Vanda orchids are mainstay in luxury bouquets, table arrangements and as hanging plants to showcase their aerial root systems.

These orchids demonstrate the expertise of Thai growers, as they require precise care to achieve their full potential. Their ability to produce multiple blooming cycles per year makes them especially valuable for commercial growers; however, growing conditions must remain constant throughout the growth lifecycle to maintain a uniform and bountiful bloom. Crucially, these precise growing conditions have made Vanda orchids an endangered genus, though this also contributes to their appreciation.

Mokara Orchids

Mokara orchids are one of Thailand’s most remarkable hybrids, combining the best qualities of Arachnis, Ascocenda, and Vanda genera. Their star-shaped flowers showcase vibrant colors from bright yellows to deep purples, while their strong stems and upright growth make them perfect for both ornamental displays and cut flower arrangements.

Thanks to their exceptional durability and adaptability to different climates, Mokaras have become a cornerstone of Thailand’s orchid export industry. These hybrids showcase improved heat tolerance, enhanced color intensity, and increased bloom frequency making them a favorite among commercial growers and retailers alike.

Sourcing Orchids From the Best Suppliers

Thai orchids have earned their reputation as world-class flowers through generations of expertise and innovation. At BB Orchids, we combine this rich heritage with modern technology and unwavering quality control to ensure every orchid we supply meets the highest standards of health, vibrancy, and longevity. Our comprehensive understanding of different business needs allows us to provide customized solutions for both boutique florists and large-scale distributors around the world.

Whether you’re looking for stunning cut flowers or potted plants, BB Orchids is ready to be your trusted partner for orchids from Thailand. Our team offers personalized consultation to help you select the perfect varieties for your specific needs, backed by our ongoing customer support and guidance. Further, our tested and reliable shipping practices ensure every Thai orchid flower or plant is delivered in perfect condition. Contact BB Orchids today to explore our premium collection of Thai orchids.