Evidence suggests that the Chinese were growing them more than 4,000 years ago. On the other side of the world, Montezuma, who ruled what is now Mexico from 1502 to 1520, reportedly cultivated several species of orchids.
Tõendid näitavad, et hiinlased kasvatasid neid lilli juba enam kui 4000 aastat tagasi ning teisel pool maakera, praegusel Mehhiko alal kultiveeris mitmeid orhideeliike valitseja nimega Montezuma (1502 – 1520).