How to Identify Yellow Phalaenopsis Species

Phalaenopsis are also known as moth orchids since the blooms resemble a moth. There are about 50 different species of Phalaenopsis orchids throughout India, Southeast Asia, Australia and the Philippines. These orchids come in many different colors, including a variety of yellows, from pale to bright. While many of the Phalaenopsis are moth shaped, others have smaller petals. If you see an orchid in the wild and wonder if it's a Phalaenopsis or not, look for some key components.

Instructions

- 1
  Examine the shape of the flowers. Yellow Phalaenopsis orchids usually look like moths or stars, with five distinct petals on the flower and a tongue-like petal in the middle with the flower's sexual organs.
- 2
  Look at the stem of the plant. Phalaenopsis grow from a single stem with new growth emerging from the top of the plant.
- 3
  Observe the area you found the orchid. Phalaenopsis orchids are epiphytic and lithophytic, growing on other plants, like trees and rocks, respectively. The roots of the yellow Phalaenopsis orchid will be visible on the tree or rock it's growing on.
- 4
  Look at the roots for nodules called pseudobulbs. If there are no pseudobulbs, the yellow orchid might be a Phalaenopsis.
- 5
  Consider the location you've found the orchid. Phalaenopsis orchids grow only from sea level to 1000 feet above sea level.

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