Care for Orchids without Names and out of flower

[Depau]

How important is a name? How do I know I'm not buying another orchid the same as one I already have? How do I care for an orchid which I know is in within one alliance when there are orchids within the alliance which grow the entire temperature spectrum?

I purchase my plants from Trader Joe's, Lowe's or Home Depot. From Trader Joe I can be fairly sure the plants are grown under "normal" home conditions. The other two are major concerns. If I don't see the plants are new arrivals I just pass them by. Phals and Paphs I am fairly sure about their care, but all the others I just don't know.

Are there ways of know? Is this a dorky post of questions?
Depau

[Royal]

I'm a dork and proud of it!

To me names are important for reasons you describe. Knowing the alliance is pretty key, but past that there's no way to tell. It's not likely that these suppliers sell too many picky species, but more likely tolerant hybrids. Just go with intermediate care, but observe closely. You'll be able to tell, at a minimum, if it's happier cooler or warmer, or with high or low light.

[Depau]

Thanks. I guess I should have thought of that, but simple minds don't always go for the simple answer. Makes great sense, now that I think about it. I guess I have a lot more reading to do on these beauties.
Thanks, again, Royal
Depau

[Royal]

Simple answers are for lazy people. That what this board is all about - asking questions, providing answers, and learning from each other. I often ask questions that I already think I know the answer too (and give answers that I'm not sure about ).

See you around the OB.

[Ray]

You can always use my patented "TEEME" method - Trial and Error and Error and More Error.

[Shirley]

Originally Posted by Ray

You can always use my patented "TEEME" method - Trial and Error and Error and More Error.

Good one, Ray! I've never been able to describe my "method" to anyone before!

[frostedeyes]

yeah its all about trial and error! i have done alot of harm in my orchids! like i i tried misting my plant in the late afternoon coz ive seen several orchid sellers do water them so i guess a light misting will keep humidity high at night. but then i found out ive made crown rot on several seedlings damn! i hate it... so ive learned my lesson not to do misting. lol! i also learned that thou shall not spray fungicide when its on the budding stage! mostly dendrobiums enjoy medium to full sun!

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[Lilavati]

Also, see if you can determine what alliance they most resemble. Don't need flowers for that.

[Depau]

Thanks, Everyone. I appreciate the information. I think from now on I will invest in named orchids.
Thanks again.
Depau