Orchid Identification

Orchid identification is one of the more challenging aspects of growing orchids, as there are literally thousands of species and hybrids that are recognized in the orchid family. Typically, novice orchid lovers start off with an orchid from a grocery store or big box store like Home Depot that caught their eye. It’s not until much later, sometimes too late, that they realize there’s a little more to the story than simply purchasing a plant that is identified as an orchid.

Nearly 95% of the orchids that are sold in grocery stores and big box retail stores are Phalaenonpsis – the Moth Orchid. Phals, as they are called in the orchid world, are one of the easiest to grow types of orchids, and they put on a good show.

Now comes the tricky part of orchid identification – once your orchid is identified as a Phal – there are nearly 60 different species of the Moth Orchid. Then take it a step further and you’ll see that under each species are literally hundreds of hybrids.

For most plants, the next major category used below family is the genus. Because the orchid family is so large, botanists use intermediate categories between the family and genus, categories that can be helpful because they show how the plants in the different genera are related.

For example, a properly identified orchid would be the Orchidaceae Phalaenopsis violacea ‘Gulfstream’:

Orchidaceae: The family name, which is often left off of the official name tag.

Phalaenopsis: The category that helps group the orchids by characteristics.

Violacea: The genus of the orchid;

‘Gulfstream’: The specific name of this plant, called a clonal name if the plant has received an award by the American Orchid Society.

If you purchase an orchid, always try to have it properly identified – it helps you provide the proper care. You may need to just be satisfied with the orchid and category identification.

Different categories within the Orchid family that will help you identify and care for your orchid:

Phalaenopsis Moth Orchid

Phalaenopsis: The most popular choice for beginning orchid enthusiasts, this group is voted most likely to be found in the grocery store and most likely to succeed as a houseplant.

Cattleya Orchid

Cattleyas: The corsage orchid – beautiful, fragrant and surprisingly tolerant and easy to grow.

Cymbidium Orchid

Cymbidiums: Long leaves and tall spikes normally produce up to 20 large flowers.

Dendrobium Orchid

Dendrobiums: With over 1,200 species, Dendrobium orchids are quite popular and range in size from just a few inches to over three feet in height, with long reedlike stems. It’s these sturdy stems that make them popular as a cut flower. Dendrobiums are often mistaken for Phalaenopsis, as their flowers look similar. But there is a major different between these two groups, Pahelaenopsis orchids are evergreen while Dendrobiums typically shed their leaves in the winter.

Oncidium Orchid

Oncidiums: Oncidium orchids boast fragrant sprays of small flowers which usually have unusual color combinations. They are indoor/outdoor orchids and are used as both houseplants and within sheltered garden areas.

Paphiopedilum Orchid

Paphiopedilums: Paphs are known as Lady’s Slippers and are one of the most intriguing orchids. Their waxy, exotic blooms put on quite the display and can last over a month on some varieties.

Vanda Orchid

Vandas have become quite popular over the last few decades. They are compact and symmetrical with richly colored two inch blooms that can last up to two months.

In some cases, you may never get past the first step of orchid identification. To know exactly what you are getting when purchasing an orchid, it’s important to buy from experienced orchid growers who can properly identify their products.