31 Flowers That Look Like Orchids: Discover Their Beauty

There’s something captivating about orchids. Their elegant shape and vibrant colours make them a top choice for floral arrangements and garden displays. 

But did you know there are many other flowers that look like orchids? These flowers mimic the delicate, exotic appearance of orchids, and they’re perfect for those looking to add a touch of the extraordinary to their gardens or home decor. 

In this post, we’ll explore 31 flowers that look like orchids. From elegant blooms to quirky, unique variations, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just beginning to explore the world of flowers, these blossoms are sure to inspire you.

1. Cattleya (Cattleya spp.)

Cattleya orchids are often considered the “queen of orchids.” Their large, colourful blooms make them a popular choice, but did you know there are non-orchid flowers with similar traits? The Cattleya orchid’s shape can be mimicked by a variety of garden flowers, thanks to their symmetry and wide, flared petals.

2. Epidendrum (Epidendrum spp.)

Epidendrum flowers share a similar silhouette to orchids, with their striking petals often arranged in a symmetrical fashion. These plants come in various colours, including pink, yellow, and purple, providing diversity to your floral displays.

3. Lady’s Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium spp.)

While technically an orchid, the Lady’s Slipper Orchid bears a striking resemblance to other types of flowers. Its slipper-like shape and vivid colours are often mimicked by other species, making it a common sight in gardens with flowers that look like orchids.

4. Zygopetalum Orchid (Zygopetalum spp.)

Known for its rich, deep colours and striking patterning, the Zygopetalum orchid's petals are often imitated by various hybrid plants that resemble orchids in shape and form.

5. Habenaria (Habenaria spp.)

These flowers are often mistaken for orchids due to their slender stems and delicate petals. Their appearance is strikingly similar to that of small, wild orchids.

6. Vanda Orchid (Vanda spp.)

The Vanda orchid is well-known for its unique shape and vivid colours. Other plants, including some species of lilies, have similar long, narrow petals that mimic its exotic charm.

7. Pansy (Viola tricolour)

With their wide-open petals and contrasting colours, pansies can closely resemble certain species of orchids. Their delicate nature and colour patterns can fool anyone into thinking they’re an orchid variety.

8. Gloriosa Lily (Gloriosa superba)

This climbing plant is known for its vibrant, fiery petals, which curl and twist in a shape reminiscent of certain orchid varieties. It’s often used in flower arrangements alongside orchids to create dramatic visual effects.

9. Violet (Viola spp.)

Violets may not share the large, broad petals of orchids, but their shape is often similar. With the way their petals spread outwards, they have a subtle resemblance to the intricate designs of orchids.

10. Passionflower (Passiflora spp.)

With their complex, multi-layered petals, passionflowers bear a striking resemblance to orchids. These flowers can bring a touch of wild beauty to any garden, especially for those who love the look of orchids but want something a little different.

11. Cress (Lepidium sativum)

This flowering plant shares a similar structure to that of orchids, with small, delicate blooms often found in clusters that resemble orchid-like formations.

12. Freesia (Freesia spp.)

Freesias are known for their fragrant, trumpet-shaped blooms. Their elegant petals and overall appearance often remind people of orchids, making them a popular choice for those who love the orchid aesthetic.

13. Calla Lily (Zantedeschia spp.)

Though not technically an orchid, the Calla Lily’s elegant, curved petals and smooth texture evoke a similar beauty to that of an orchid. It’s a timeless favourite for floral arrangements.

14. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)

Cosmos flowers often have similar open-petal shapes to orchids, giving them a soft, delicate appearance. Their vibrant colours also mimic the tropical hues of orchids.

15. Cymbidium Orchid (Cymbidium spp.)

While these are technically orchids, they resemble other flowers with their unique, symmetrical blooms and long-lasting petals. They’re perfect for a garden filled with flowers that look like orchids.

16. Dendrobium (Dendrobium spp.)

Dendrobiums are another type of orchid that often gets compared to other flower species. The long, narrow shape and vibrant colours of their blooms are mimicked by a variety of garden plants.

17. Lobelia (Lobelia spp.)

Lobelia flowers have a shape that is somewhat reminiscent of orchids, especially in the way their petals unfold. With their deep blue and purple tones, they make a lovely addition to any garden.

18. Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)

Snapdragons have wide, delicate petals that often appear similar to orchids. Their upright stems and beautiful colour variations make them a great choice for those who love orchids.

19. Amaryllis (Hippeastrum spp.)

Amaryllis flowers are similar to orchids in the way they hold their large blooms upright. Their bell-shaped petals come in a variety of colours, and their structure mimics that of orchids, creating a sense of tropical elegance.

20. Maranta (Maranta spp.)

Often called the “prayer plant,” Maranta flowers are small but display a similar symmetry and shape to orchids. Their unique patterns make them a lovely orchid alternative.

21. Chimonanthus (Chimonanthus praecox)

This winter-blooming plant is known for its small, orchid-like flowers. Its yellow and white blooms appear similar to those of a delicate orchid, making it a lovely addition to winter gardens.

22. Pelargonium (Pelargonium spp.)

Commonly known as geraniums, these plants feature flowers with symmetrical petals that have an orchid-like appearance. Their vivid colours and intricate petal shapes make them a charming choice.

23. Bauhinia (Bauhinia spp.)

Often referred to as “orchid trees,” Bauhinia flowers have petals that mimic the appearance of orchids. The tree’s blossoms come in white, pink, and purple hues, making them a striking addition to any garden.

24. Tacca Palm (Tacca palmata)

The Tacca Palm’s large, dramatic blooms have an almost otherworldly look to them, and their intricate petals often resemble those of an orchid.

25. Ixora (Ixora spp.)

With its cluster of small, bright flowers, Ixora bears a resemblance to orchids in the way its blooms group together and radiate outward from the centre.

26. Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe spp.)

Known for its vibrant and clustered flowers, Kalanchoe plants are often compared to orchids because of their colourful, multi-petalled blooms.

27. Lantana (Lantana camara)

The Lantana flower has a similar shape to orchids, with its clustered, bell-shaped blooms that can be arranged in multiple colours.

28. Heliconia (Heliconia spp.)

Heliconia flowers share a similar structure to orchids, with their long, narrow petals and vibrant tropical colours. These flowers look stunning in both gardens and flower arrangements.

29. Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.)

The symmetrical petals and vibrant colours of rhododendrons often resemble orchids. Their delicate appearance adds a touch of elegance to any floral display.

30. Anthurium (Anthurium spp.)

Anthuriums are known for their shiny, waxy blooms that resemble the shape and texture of orchids. Their distinctive appearance makes them a popular choice for indoor floral arrangements.

31. Salvia (Salvia spp.)

Salvia flowers have a spiky, architectural shape that bears a resemblance to certain orchid varieties. Their vibrant colours and long-lasting blooms make them a fantastic option for garden lovers.

Conclusion About Flowers That Look Like Orchids

If you love orchids, especially live orchids, artificial orchids, and cut orchids, but want to explore other blooms with similar elegance, these 31 flowers that look like orchids are the perfect choice. Whether you’re decorating your home or tending to a vibrant garden, these flowers offer a range of colours and shapes that echo the beauty of orchids. 

Embrace the charm of these unique blossoms, and don’t forget to get your floral arrangements from Singapore Florist. 

Enjoy 10% off your first purchase through our best flower delivery in Singapore and explore our flower subscription service for regular floral deliveries, ensuring your space is always filled with beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flowers That Look Like Orchids

Are There Non-Orchid Flowers That Look Like Orchids?

Yes, flowers like the Calla Lily, Passionflower, and Lobelia are non-orchid plants that share similar shapes and aesthetics to orchids.

Can You Grow Flowers That Look Like Orchids In Singapore?

Yes, many flowers that resemble orchids, such as Cattleya, Bauhinia, and Freesia, thrive in Singapore’s tropical climate.

What Flower Is Often Mistaken For An Orchid?

The Freesia flower is often mistaken for an orchid due to its elegant, trumpet-shaped petals that resemble those of many orchid species.

What Flowers Mimic The Orchid’s Shape?

Flowers such as the Calla Lily, Amaryllis, and Heliconia mimic the shape of orchids with their similar petal structures.