Your opinion: what is the most beautiful orchid?

[Orchids&Tarantulas]

I understand this is quite a subjective topic, but I am going to ask anyway

If you had to narrow it down, and say what you believe are the 3 most beautiful orchids in the world... what would they be?

Extra points if you add photos to backup your choices.

Thanks in advance

[Shadeflower]

I think the nicest ones are the ones I can't grow due to their size or their climate - that's usually how it goes right?
We desire what we can't have

But from pictures I think my favorite is Rhynchostylis coelestis
second choice vanda denisoniana

and I like a bit more unusual growth so look at this one with flowers hanging down instead of growing up, a gongora galeata f luteola
(found it on google, I hope I can add this link)

Flickr

edit:I know I added 3 already but I might swap v denisoniana for dendrobium atroviolaceum because of it's unusually shaped flower that reminds me of a dragon every time I see it.

[Roberta]

I'd put Cuitlauzina pendula high on the list... The color contrast, and the grace of the pendant inflorescence are really appealing to me. (Note... the pendant inflorescences look like they should be soft, but actually are very brittle... tragic when one breaks.)

Thelymitra glaucophylla (nuda) - the truly blue color just has a "wow" factor about it. Only opens in bright sunshine,

Zelenkoa (Oncidium) onustum - the saturated put-on-your-sunglasses yellow stands out

So many to choose from, I will change my mind when the next gorgeous orchid blooms anyway...I'm fickle that way.

[Keysguy]

#1- Aerides houlettiana
#2- Rhynchostylis retusa
#3- Aerides lawrenceae

Honorable mention- Catt. dowiana/rex

[Orchids&Tarantulas]

Thanks for all the great replies!

Any more takers?

I'd love to hear from more people!

[Leafmite]

I have no idea why I find these two so beautiful but I really do, one for the flowers, the other for the foliage....

Angraecum magdalenae--I saw a picture of this orchid and I desperately had to have it. It is the only orchid that made me feel this way. Currently, the flower is my avatar.

Phaius Dan Rosenberg 'Tropical Ice' HCC/AOS...I saw a picture of a Phaius in some random article and thought it was a magnificent houseplant. When mine arrived from Hausermann's, I was thrilled as it was even more beautiful. Every time I look at all those huge, wonderfully impressive leaves, I feel pretty happy. The blooms are a bonus.

I really have admired some of the Cattleyas that people have shared here on the forum but I do not know the names...just that they are absolutely stunning.

[Roberta]

I have to add Sobralia violacea... see, I can't limit it to 3. Of all of my Sobralias, I think this is the prettiest.

[DirtyCoconuts]

i think the grace of a neo falcata has to be on this list

i also must have Schom. Grandiflora

my third....phrag wossener supergrande....the really long form.


i also want a few bulbos but they are too weird to be "conventionally" beautiful

[Leafmite]

Beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder, isn't it? It is really great the variety of plants everyone holds as special in their beauty.

[Roberta]

For those who are space-constrained, perhaps the solution is a better camera. Some of the really little ones are just incredibly beautiful and complex. I tend to push my camera to the limit and fall 'way short. But when I see photos taken with a macro lens, especially with stacking software (often only way to evade the laws of optics and get the whole flower in focus) I can only say "WOW!" There's another entire world to appreciate.