How to Identify Varieties of Orchids

Plant Names

• 1

  Look at the plant name. Species orchids have two words in their names: The first Latin term is the name of the genus to which the orchid belongs, such as Cattleya; the second term is the name of the species within the genus, and is often the discoverer's name or an adjective describing the flower. Many hybrid names are the two names of the parent flower separated by an "x." Hybrids also have names in which the first term is the genus name or initial and the second is a capitalized name.

• 2

  Examine the shape of the flowers of the orchid. Both species and hybrid plants of each species have common characteristics. Flowers of the Cattleya genus bloom in the spring and form in clusters with frilled petals. These are the orchids often found in corsages. Dendrobium orchids produce flowers that form in arching sprays and bloom in the spring. The flowers of the Oncidium genus grow on branching spikes that hold dozens of blooms. Paphiopedium orchids bloom in the fall and winter and are usually solitary flowers or bloom in small clusters. Phalaenopsis, or moth orchids, have sprays of small flowers that sometimes resemble butterflies. Most plants in this family bloom in the spring, and some varieties will bloom a second time.

• 3

  Observe the color of the orchid flowers and their fragrance. Cattleya orchids are available in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, purple and a brown-red. Most of these flowers have a contrasting throat color, and some are fragrant. Many Dendrobium orchids are shades of white, yellow, pink and red and have strong fragrances. Most modern Oncidium orchids are complex hybrids involving several species, whose colors are white, yellow, mahogany and red. The Paphiopedium genus produces flowers in many colors, and may have mottled petals surrounding their distinctive slipper-shaped pouch. Phalaenopsis orchids are often bicolored, with their petals sometimes being striped with the secondary color.