The orchid symbolizes many different things, and its meaning depends on both the species and the color of its flowers. First of all, in Ancient Greece, the orchid was a symbol of fertility and virility. Later on, it became linked to beauty, power, and wealth during the Victorian era.
Today, people give it many meanings: fertility, love, joy, beauty, and also luxury… Moreover, the different meanings of orchid make this unique flower the perfect gift!
There are many species and varieties of orchid, and each one has its own meaning and symbol.
The butterfly orchid is certainly the most famous species of all.
Phalaenopsis symbolizes all the following:
→ See also: Phalaenopsis orchid: how to get beautiful blooming
The Vanda genus includes over 70 different orchid species, which look quite similar to those of Phalaenopsis.
The Blue Vanda orchid in particular symbolizes:
→ See also: Magnificent Vanda orchids
Dendrobium, also called the bamboo orchid, is named after the ancient Greek words
which mean “tree” and “life”.
The bamboo orchid symbolizes:
Cymbidium is a remarkable, unique family of orchids: it has short, stocky stems and blooms with impressive clusters.
Cymbidium orchid is a symbol of:
→ See also: Cymbidium: as beautiful as it is easy to care for
The root words for the Paphiopedilum orchid are “Paphos”, the town in Cyprus where the goddess Aphrodite emerged from the seas, and the ancient Greek word for sandals, “pedilion”.
Indeed, Venus slipper’s represents eroticism.
Note: this flower is often offered between lovers.
Zygopetalum is a genus with elegant orchids that have an extraordinary fragrance. They come in a wide range of colors.
Since 1880, the Zygopetalum orchid symbolizes the “link between people who are meant to be soul mates”.
→ See also: Special feature: fragrant orchids
Each orchid genus carries its own message, so the plant you choose says as much as the colour you pick. Here is what the main types stand for, at a glance.
| Orchid | What sets it apart | What it symbolises |
|---|---|---|
| Phalaenopsis | The butterfly orchid, the best-known of all | Elegance, femininity, attachment |
| Vanda (blue) | A genus of over 70 species, similar to Phalaenopsis | Peace, harmony, purity |
| Dendrobium | The bamboo orchid, its name from Greek for tree and life | Purity, love |
| Cymbidium | Short, stocky stems with impressive clusters of bloom | Morality, virtue, respect and friendship in Asia |
| Paphiopedilum | Venus slipper, named after Aphrodite’s Cyprus town | Eroticism, a flower for lovers |
| Zygopetalum | Elegant flowers with an extraordinary fragrance | The link between soul mates, since 1880 |
Once the genus is settled, the colour of the flowers fine-tunes the message.
Blue orchids are the rarest. They thus represent rarity, and also hope, purity, peace and harmony.
They’re a perfect gift for a loved one, a friend, or a nice colleague. The blue orchid is also a great gift when trying to reconcile.
Note: in some cases, a blue orchid can be a symbol of an impossible love.
Usually very delicate, white orchids represent both pure love and joy. White orchids make excellent gifts for your spouse, to express the purity and joy that your love inspires.
That’s also the reason white orchids are often included on special occasions like wedding and anniversary celebrations. They appear in the floral decorations of the venue, as table centers, and in the bride’s flower bouquet as well.
→ See also: The most striking white orchids
Pink and violet orchids symbolize love. You would gift them to the person you intend to share your feelings of love with.
More specifically:
Yellow orchids reflect the sun: they’re symbols of energy, good vibes, intensity and a pleasant mood.
These, too, are connected to humor and joy, and they’re the perfect gift for your partner. They demonstrate a long-lasting relationship, be it love or friendship.
