Flowers That Look Like Orchids But Aren’t

Orchids are renowned for their exotic, intricate blooms that come in a stunning array of colors, shapes and sizes. While true orchids belong to the Orchidaceae family, there are many flowers that closely resemble orchids but actually belong to different plant families. With the orchid-esque appearance of their blooms, these imposters allow you to achieve the elegant orchid look without the fussy care requirements of real orchids.

Flowers That Mimic the Orchid Look

Here are some of the top flowers that look like orchids but aren’t

Balsam (Impatiens balsamina)

With its attractive pendulous blooms, balsam is one of the best orchid lookalikes. The flowers come in pink, red, white, purple and orange shades. Balsam belongs to the Balsaminaceae family and originated in Asia.

Pride of Table Mountain (Disa uniflora)

Disa uniflora is a beautiful orchid doppelganger that is native to South Africa. The flowers have an intricate shape with a spur, reminiscent of many orchid blossoms. The blooms come in shades of red, pink and white.

Clivia (Clivia miniata)

Clivia produces large clusters of tubular-shaped orange or yellow flowers that look much like orchids, They are low maintenance and belong to the Amaryllidaceae family

Flame lily (Gloriosa superba)

With swept back petals and pronounced stamens, flame lily flowers bear a strong resemblance to orchids. They come in red and yellow shades and belong to the Colchicaceae family.

Red ginger (Alpinia purpurata)

Red ginger produces vivid red flowers on long, cone-shaped inflorescences that mimic the look of orchid sprays. A member of the Zingiberaceae family, red ginger does well in tropical climates.

Spider lily (Hymenocallis littoralis)

As the name suggests, spider lily blooms have long, spidery petals that radiate out from the center, similar to many orchids. The flowers are white and fragrant. Spider lily is a member of the Amaryllidaceae family.

Small fry (Disporopsis pernyi)

Disporopsis pernyi, also known as fairy bells, produces charming bell-shaped flowers in white or pale pink that dangle from arching stems. The flowers look like mini orchids. It belongs to the Asparagaceae family.

Hooker’s lips (Psychotria hookeri)

This shrub produces beautiful bracts surrounding the flowers that look just like orchids. The reddish-purple bracts are shaped like lips. The actual flowers are small and white. Hooker’s lips belongs to the Rubiaceae family.

Ornamental tobacco (Nicotiana alata)

The pendulous, tubular flowers of ornamental tobacco closely resemble orchids. They come in shades of red, white, lime green and purple. Ornamental tobacco is part of the Solanaceae family.

Cockscomb celosia (Celosia cristata)

Though largely grown for its crested flower heads, cockscomb celosia also produces airy plumes in bright colors that mimic orchid sprays. This plant belongs to the Amaranthaceae family.

Key Differences From Real Orchids

While the flowers of these plants may look orchid-like, there are some key differences that set them apart from actual orchids:

• They belong to different plant families than true orchids.

• They generally have less fussy care requirements than orchids.

• The flowers tend to lack the intricate details and exotic shapes of orchid blooms.

• They don’t produce pseudobulbs like many orchids.

• The foliage is different, without the pleated, strappy leaves of orchids.

• They don’t need specialized potting mixes or environments to thrive.

So while not exact replicas, these flowers provide the elegance and visual appeal of orchids without the demands of caring for them. Their lower maintenance makes them easier to grow for beginners or anyone who loves the orchid aesthetic but lacks the time for meticulous orchid care.

Growing Flowers That Emulate Orchids

Many of these orchid lookalikes are easy to grow, especially when you give them the following care:

• Site them in bright, indirect light or light shade. Morning sun is ideal.

• Water them regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

• Use a general purpose potting mix with good drainage.

• Fertilize them occasionally during the growing season.

• Keep them away from cold drafts. Some are tropicals that require warm temperatures.

With the right location and care, these flowers will reward you with long lasting, orchid-esque blooms to brighten up your garden or indoor space.

Achieving an Orchid Look Without the Work

For gardeners who adore the beauty of orchids but find them difficult to grow, flowers that mimic orchids are an excellent solution. Their lower maintenance allows anyone to easily capture that elegant orchid charm. With their diverse colors and forms, these flowers offer amazing variety while still emulating that coveted orchid allure. Growing these orchid lookalikes will let you incorporate the exotic beauty you love without all the finicky needs of true orchids.