"parts of an orchid" question, please

[VickiC]

Hi,
First of all, I've been searching for a diagram(s) showing the parts of different orchid types (den., catt, phal., vanda, etc.), but I must not be typing in the correct search words because I've not been able to find any....and I feel sure there are pictures on the net somewhere. ?? I don't want anyone to go to any trouble, but if you happen to be familiar with a link(s) that would lead me to some, I would appreciate it. Besides the fact that I would simply like to learn the parts, I also have a question that I would like to ask you, but I wouldn't know how until I can learn more about what-is-what-and-where-it-is. Secondly, I heard sometime back that one of the ways to test to see if a plant needs to be watered is to stick a q-tip through one of the pot drain holes and if after it is removed and touched to the cheek (or above the upper lip, in my case lol), it feels dry then obviously, it needs water.....and vice-versa. I have tried this a few times and found that it seems to work ok for me, so I just thought I'd share the idea with those of you "new kids on the block" like me, who didn't already know this method, but also ask those of you who are more "orchid savvy" than me if this is a good judgement tool. I've never had any luck with simply sticking my finger down in the medium...using a pencil lead or a stick. Any input, please?? Other "tried and proven" methods??
Thanks,
Vicki

[Mahon]

Originally Posted by VickiC

Hi,
First of all, I've been searching for a diagram(s) showing the parts of different orchid types

Vicki,
Here's a recent picture of my Cyrtopodium paranaense, demonstrating the dissected floral parts.


A- Dorsal sepal
B1,2- Lateral sepals
C1,2- Petals
D- Labellum
E- Column (with pollinia and anther cap intact, including ovary and pedicle)(from left to right)
F- Floral bract

I hope this helps some. Basically, all orchid flowers have these basic parts, but there are exceptions. Coryanthes and Stanhopea are two genera that are very difficult to understand florally. Also, there are orchids such as Catasetum that will have extra parts, such as the 'trigger hair' that extends from the column and shoots out the pollinia on contact. Lastly, there are the Cypripedioids, which are Paphiopedilum, Phragmipedium, Cypripedium, Mexipedium, and Selenipedium. These genera are the 'Lady Slipper', and are among the most primitive of the orchids. Their flowers consist of a dorsal sepal, a synsepal (fused lateral sepals), petals, and a modified labellum (labellum, or 'lip' is a modified petal) to form a pouch. The column is also topped with a Staminodial Shield, which is unique to the Cypripedioids.

Originally Posted by VickiC

Besides the fact that I would simply like to learn the parts, I also have a question that I would like to ask you, but I wouldn't know how until I can learn more about what-is-what-and-where-it-is. Secondly, I heard sometime back that one of the ways to test to see if a plant needs to be watered is to stick a q-tip through one of the pot drain holes and if after it is removed and touched to the cheek (or above the upper lip, in my case lol), it feels dry then obviously, it needs water.....and vice-versa.

This is not true in all orchids. I have orchids that will get watered only a few months in the year (i.e., Pteroglossaspis), then there are orchids that like to dry out (Cattleya). There are also orchids that need constant high humidity or their lives are in danger (some high elevation Pleurothallids). Basically, you need to know what orchids you are dealing with to understand their watering needs. What do you have?

Hope this helps, and there are MANY others on this forum that will be apt to help at anytime!

-Patrick

[Dorothy]

Phalaenopsis (Mini Mark) flower anatomy - scroll down a bit - Botany, biology, and physiology
Cattleya flower anatomy - Orchid Anatomy
and this one - Orchid Anatomy
Miltonia flower anatomy - Anatomy
Cymbidium flower anatomy - Orchid Flower Anatomy
The Anatomy Of An Orchid Plant - The Anatomy Of An Orchid Plant

These past thread may help answer your watering question -
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...hen-water.html
Skewer method - Skewer Method?
and
Jousting roots - a matter of skewering carefully?
and -
Using pencil/ skewer to test moisture in soil
and
Simple Watering Question

I hope this additional info will help

[VickiC]

Hi Mahon! Thank you for all the gr8 info. I appreciate your time in helping me. As far as the q-tip method goes, I totally worded what I meant to ask...but that's ok. I'm sorry....it was my fault. Aside from anything I mentioned concerning that, I would like to answer your question as to what plants I have. I don't know the exact names of each particular one nor do I know the abbreviations well, so please overlook that until I learn more. I only know that I have 6 Dens. (2 that I'm trying to re-root because of my overwatering mainly). Also, I have about 10 Catts....many of them are seedlings. I've never had Orchids before and it's interesting to me to watch the lil fellas develop. I also have 4 Vandas, each doing well (taking into consideration that I haven't had them but a few months, so most of the older growth should be contributed to the grower I got them from). Same goes for most of my Orchids. Anyway, going on, I have 1 Brass. (sp.?), 1 Miltassia, 1 Miltonia, 1 Oncidium, 7 Phals and I'm expecting my first Palp any day from Larry's Orchids. I know what you may be thinking...and I know you're right.....yes, I have waay too many Orchids to be a newbie at growing them, and somewhat unsure of their growing habits, etc., but I couldn't help it, though...the addiction hit me bigtime! lol Wish me luck because I am trying very hard to learn more so that I can hopefully take good care of them. By the way, a few of my Orchids are potted using S/H. I'm very new at learning about this, and am excited to see how well I do with this method.
Thanks again,
Vicki

[VickiC]

Thank you so much, Dorothy for suppling me with links to tons of good info....I just haven't had time to read everything yet....but I will! I knew you'd come through for me!
Thanks again,
Vicki

Originally Posted by Dorothy

Phalaenopsis (Mini Mark) flower anatomy - scroll down a bit - Botany, biology, and physiology
Cattleya flower anatomy - Orchid Anatomy
and this one - Orchid Anatomy
Miltonia flower anatomy - Anatomy
Cymbidium flower anatomy - Orchid Flower Anatomy
The Anatomy Of An Orchid Plant - The Anatomy Of An Orchid Plant

These past thread may help answer your watering question -
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...hen-water.html
Skewer method - Skewer Method?
and
Jousting roots - a matter of skewering carefully?
and -
Using pencil/ skewer to test moisture in soil
and
Simple Watering Question

I hope this additional info will help

[Grandma M]

Has anyone used the data base program listed on Linda's site. It sound interesting, and it is only $15.00.

Marilyn

[Dorothy]

VickiC - You are very welcome

Marilyn - your post is a bit off subject .. perhaps you could post a thread of it's own asking that same question for greater exposure and a higher number of responses