12 Colorful Photos of Orchids for Spring

Take a look at these beautiful, incredibly distinct flowers.

Orchids are one popular flower. They’re the subject of a best-selling book, a society of enthusiasts, and even a movie (well, sort of). In 2013, they were the best-selling potted plant in the United States, in part because the mass-production of the historically expensive flower has made them cheaper to buy.

But just because they’ve gone mainstream doesn’t mean they’re not still beautiful. Here’s a look at some of the loveliest orchids, just in time for spring.

Follow Becky Little on Twitter.

These photos were originally published in the Spanish edition of National Geographic magazine.

Read This Next

Groundhog Day’s spring predictions no better than chance
5 surprising ways to celebrate gardens this spring
Why the equinox ushers in the arrival of fall

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet