Howeara Orchids

Howeara Orchids – A Beginner-Friendly Guide

Introduction

Howeara orchids are colourful, easy to grow orchids that are an excellent choice for beginners. They are best known for their bright, star-shaped flowers and their ability to bloom reliably with basic care. If you enjoy orchids like Oncidiums or dancing-lady types, Howeara orchids are a great choice to grow and enjoy.

This guide explains where Howeara orchids come from, what makes them special, and why they are so well suited to new orchid growers.

Where Do Howeara Orchids Come From?

Hybrid Origins

Howeara orchids are man-made hybrids, meaning they do not grow naturally in the wild. They were created by orchid breeders by crossing three different orchid genera:

• Brassia – added vigour and slightly spider-like flower shapes
• Miltonia – added fuller flowers and improved form
• Oncidium – added bright colours, many flowers, and easy growth

By combining these orchids, breeders produced plants that are attractive, strong, and dependable bloomers.

Name and Modern Classification

You may still see orchids sold as Howeara, even though many have been reclassified under newer names such as Aliceara or Oncidium. For beginners, this is not an issue—as the plants grow and flower the same way regardless of the name on the label.

What Do Howeara Orchids Look Like?

Plant Growth

• Medium-sized orchids
• Grow sideways with new shoots forming at the base (called sympodial growth)
• Have swollen stems called pseudobulbs where the water and nutrients are stored
• Each pseudobulb usually carries one or two narrow leaves and produces one flower spike.

Flowers

• Star-shaped to slightly spider-like blooms
• Carried on tall, branching flower spikes
• Often produce many flowers at once
• Common colours include red, burgundy, orange, yellow, and combinations of these
• Flowers can last four to six weeks or longer

Flowering Habits

Howeara orchids are valued because they flower readily once mature.

• Usually bloom once or twice a year
• Flower spikes grow from the base of mature pseudobulbs
• Bright light and healthy growth encourage flowering

One of the most famous varieties is Howeara Lava Burst, known for its deep red flowers and frequent blooming.

What Kind of Environment Do They Prefer?

Although Howeara orchids are hybrids, their care needs reflect the natural habitats of their parent orchids, which come from Central and South America.

They prefer:

• Bright, filtered light (not harsh midday sun)
• Warm to intermediate temperatures
• Good air movement
• Regular watering with good drainage

These conditions are easy to provide in a home, greenhouse, or shade house.

I have had Howeara Chian Tay Lovely CT “Gold Mine” for 11 years now. I got it as a seedling, and have it mounted on cork and it has flowered continuously over the years. In August 2025, I hung it on the back wall of my greenhouse with most of the other mounted orchids, and I also setup my misting system to mist all of the orchids on the rear wall several times a day over summer.

Since doing this the Howeara has grown faster and healthier than at anytime previously, and has more flower spikes, making it look lovely with all of the flowers.

Why Are Howeara Orchids Good for Beginners?

Howeara orchids are ideal for beginners because they:

• Adapt well to typical household conditions
• Tolerate small care mistakes
• Grow quickly compared to many orchids
• Produce impressive flower displays
• Do not require extreme temperatures or special equipment

They are often recommended as a first orchid for growers who want colourful, long-lasting flowers without complicated care.

Howeara orchids are friendly, reliable orchids that combine beauty with ease of growth. Created from Brassia, Miltonia, and Oncidium parents, they offer bright colours, plentiful flowers, and strong performance. Whether grown on a windowsill or in a greenhouse, Howeara orchids are a rewarding choice for anyone new to orchid growing.

Happy Growing

Peter Johnson

(information and images sourced from own experience, other growers, and various sources)