Orchids come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and it's no surprise that their scent can vary widely as well. Depending on the species, orchids can have fragrances ranging from sweet to spicy. Vanda orchids, for example, are known for their heady aroma that is reminiscent of sage while Miltonia orchids tend to have a sweet floral scent. These differences in smell are just one way to tell which type of orchid you may be looking at.