Discover the names of the best climbing orchids to grow them vertically as exotic vines in your home!
Orchids comprise over 28000 distinct species, each with their unique growth characteristics. Of course, there are climbing orchids that stand out from the rest! Why not use them to spruce up corners, windowsills, and boring, dull spaces in your home?
Types of Climbing Orchids
Orchids with a climbing growth habit can be broadly divided into epiphytic orchids and true climbing orchids; here’s how they differ!
Epiphytes grow on trees; they are not parasitic and obtain moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, and debris around them. True climbing orchids are also kinds of epiphytic orchids that have developed a climbing habit, using their aerial roots to ascend on supports.
“Climbing” emphasizes their growth method and how they position themselves to maximize access to light.
Best Climbing Orchids
This article includes both true climbing and epiphytic orchids; let’s start with true climbers.
1. Black Bootlace Orchid
Botanical Name: Erythrorchis cassythoides
The black bootlace orchid has a vertically climbing growth pattern and no leaves! It wraps its twisting, vine-like stems (which can grow up to 6 m in length) around any structure that supports its upward movement.
Plus, it relies entirely on its roots to absorb nutrients from decaying wood. It is endemic to eastern Australia and has sweet scent.
2. Vanilla Orchid
Botanical Name: Vanilla planifolia
Did you know that the vanilla orchid is essential in producing edible vanilla? It also gives off a similar scent! The vanilla orchid grows as a vine, using long, green stems that can reach up to 30 m in the wild. You can easily spot this beauty by its large yellow flowers.
Sadly, ICUN has made it clear that it is endangered. If you liked this, here are other flowers that smell like vanilla!
3. Red Cyrtosia
Botanical Name: Cyrtosia septentrionalis
If you spot this orchid, consider yourself very lucky, as it is one of the rarest ones to exist in Japan, Korea, and some parts of China!
And it has never been found in the United States! The orchid has somewhat red stems and clusters of bright red fruits that attract birds and pollinators.
Red cyrtosias derive their nutrition from the fungi in the soil rather than by photosynthesizing. Cool, right?
4. Trichoglottis Orchid
Botanical Name: Trichoglottis philippinensis
The trichoglottis orchid uses its strong, woody stems to attach itself to trees as it grows toward sunlight. It produces white aerial roots all across its stems to help it climb.
This species produces lovely star-shaped flowers that can be spotted from a distance due to their deep purple/red coloration.
Rare in the gardening world, but you can still find many websites selling it across the States and other countries online.
The climbing orchids mentioned below are epiphytic ones that are grown popularly.
5. Cooktown Orchid
Botanical Name: Dendrobium bigibbum var. superbum
The Cooktown orchid is an epiphytic that beautifies your orchid collection with its bright pink or mauve blooms and purplish stems.
This plant is a slow bloomer, so you might have to be a bit patient initially. However, a 10-10-10 water-soluble fertilizer and morning sunlight can boost its growth. Or one of these!
6. Large-Fruited Catasetum
Botanical Name: Catasetum macrocarpum
Also known as the monkey goblet and monk’s head orchid, the large-fruited Catasetum is an epiphyte with folded sepals and petals that give it a tulip-like form.
The male flowers are large, waxy, and green-yellow, while the female ones are less showy. Plus, the male flowers shoot out pollen when triggered! How cool is that?!
7. Fasciated Staurochilus
Botanical Name: Staurochilus fasciatus
Aren’t the images of this one just mesmerizing? It is a fantastic climbing plant commonly found in East Asia.
Its bright yellow flowers have dark red markings that beautifully complement the green foliage. It is often seen growing on trees in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
8. Phalaenopsis Orchids
Botanical Name: Phalaenopsis spp.
This epiphytic orchid is a common houseplant and our favorite. Its main claim to fame is its blooms that look like moths and its greenish roots that can photosynthesize!
You will need to work to get it to bloom, as it requires a cool nighttime chill, low light, and high humidity, but overall, it’s the easiest orchid to grow indoors.
9. Vanda Orchid
Botanical Name: Vanda spp.
Vanda orchid is a fantastic climbing plant that can live without soil, getting all its nutritional needs from the air and moisture.
This species’ flower colors vary widely, from white to pink or blue-purple (considered one of the rarest orchid colors).
This species is prone to fungal infections, but it loves high humidity, so watch out for them when growing indoors and provide good air circulation to prevent diseases.
Well, which of these do you want to try growing first? Do let us know in the comments below!
