How to Identify an Orchid Leaf

Although there are more than 22,000 species of orchid flowers, knowing the type of orchid you have helps you determine where to place it and how frequently you should water it. If you've inherited a mystery plant, try to determine what type of orchid it is so you can best care for it. Even if the plant isn't blooming, you may be able to identify which family of orchid you have by the leaves.

Instructions

- 1
  Look at the color of the orchid leaf. For example, healthy Cattleya orchid leaves are medium green, healthy Cymbidium leaves are light green, and healthy Paphiopedilum have "mottled" or multicolored leaves with splotches.
- 2
  Examine leaf thickness and size. Generally, orchids with thicker or harder leaves need more sunlight.
- 3
  Look at the growth pattern of the orchid. For example Brassavola has stout leaves that grow from the central rhizome, Catasetum has broad leaves, Cymbidium has long thin, grass-like leaves, and Epidendrum has staggered levels of leaves on tall spikes.
- 4
  Compare the foliage with online photos or orchid books to help narrow down the exact type of orchid. You may need to wait until the plant blooms to identify the orchid specifically.

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Orchids