All About Colombian Orchids

TLDR? Colombia is home to hundreds of different types of orchids, which have actually been named the national flower!

Colombia’s the second most biodiverse country in the world!

So although the country recognizes the Flor de Mayo orchid as the national flower due to its beauty, you’ll find many different types of orchids here.

The orchid’s one of the plants with the most species: you can find over 25,000 of them! That’s due to its ability to adapt to different environments.

Sometimes it’s difficult to put them together since they come in different colors, sizes, and shapes. Some have pleasant scents released at certain times, and others have no fragrance.

In this post, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about this exotic flower!

How Orchids Grow

You might see them during your hikes and wonder what’s happening there! Most orchids grow clinging to an object or a tree, which allows them to get closer to the light. 

However, they shouldn’t be confused as parasitic plants since they don’t obtain their nutrients from the trees they use.

Within its species, some prefer to be closer to the water. You can also find terrestrial orchids that grow directly from the ground.

Types of Orchids

Colombia isn’t only home to an average of a tenth of the flowering plants in the world – it also houses the highest variety of orchids!

The climatic conditions of Colombia allow more than 270 genera of orchids to grow throughout the country.

Antioquia’s one of the regions with the largest orchid crops, but you’ll also find many in Caldas and Valle del Cauca.

Among the types of orchids that grow in the different regions of Colombia are:

White Orchids

This type of orchid is recognizable by its colors. Its petals are very light pink and almost white. Within its petal, three more colors stand out, mauve, yellow, and purple splashes in the tips.

In addition to the aroma of their flower, you can distinguish white orchids by their half-open and inclined position.

Purple Orchids

The Amazonas in Colombia is one of the most tropical areas and home to different types of fauna and flora species.

Its climatic conditions have allowed one particular Colombian orchid species to grow: the purple orchid. You can find these flowers on the banks of rivers covered with water, as they depend on heat and humidity.

Dracula Orchids

I know that’s a weird name. But this is no vampire orchid: the name stands for the shape of its flower.

This curious type of orchid grows in the Colombian Pacific.

The shape of its flower is peaked and remains open. You can find it near rivers since it has to stay hydrated – not with blood, though!

White Orchids Odontoglossum

This type of orchid grows in the Colombian Caribbean region.

With more than 300 species, it’s one of the strangest because it generates different types of hybrids. You can recognize it by the small red spots on the petals.

You can find them exclusively in the mountainous and humid area of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

Wild Orchids

The wild orchid grows in the region known in Colombia as the Llanos Orientales.

This type of orchid always grows on a tree or object they use as a support.

Wild orchids have a shape similar to a swan with open wings. Its elongated white petal has small splashes.

Brassavola Nodosa Orchid

The island of San Andrés, a tourist site with one of the best beaches in Colombia, is the home of this type of orchid.

In addition to being characterized by the citric aroma it usually emits at night, this orchid adapts to humid and dry environments.

Its flower is white, and its name is due to the knots or joints that make it up.

Where Can You Go to See Orchids in Colombia?

In addition to seeing it simply by walking down a street, Colombia has some particular places where they care for and investigate these species of orchids.

Botanical Garden of Medellin

This living museum located in the capital of Antioquia has its orchid branch.

More than just a place with different species of orchids, the Botanical Garden has a large open room with a roof that bears the name Orquideorama, the garden’s architectural pride. 

Under its roof, it covers orchids and other types of plants.

Website: https://www.botanicomedellin.org/

Location: Cl. 73 #51d-14, Medellín, Aranjuez, Medellín, Antioquia

Corota Island Flora Sanctuary

La Laguna de la Cocha is one of the largest lakes in Colombia.

In the middle of La Laguna lies Carota Island, in the city of Pasto. This natural space is home to several plants, including orchids that grow on the trees.

It also has an abundant variety of animal species.

Website: https://www.parquesnacionales.gov.co/portal/es/

Location: Pasto, Nariño

El Tuparro National Natural Park

El Tuparro Park’s forests, in the department of Vichada, have hundreds of species of animals and over 20 types of orchids.

It’s a perfect place to get to know nature through hiking.

Website: https://www.parquesnacionales.gov.co/portal/es/

Location: Parque Nacional Natural EL Tuparro, Vichada.

Enjoy the Beauty of Colombian Orchids

Colombia’s a paradise full of surprises!

Colombian orchids are part of the list of beauties that you should know in this beautiful country.

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